I am usually not one to complain about government affairs because nothing ever seems to change, or if it does, it changes for the worse. When it comes to hunting, I guess I'll make an exception. This weekend, I returned from vacation and immediately checked the Fall Big Game Draw results for Arizona. To my great surprise I was drawn for a deer hunt that I had not applied for. Arizona requires that application be made on a paper form and payment for the tag is required in the form of a check accompanying the form. Each species must be applied for separately and hunt numbers are used to identify the specific hunt unit and dates. I keep a copy of my application to confirm what I apply for. The only explanation I can come up with for the error is that some data entry person made a mistake. With over 110,000 applications, I can see how this could happen. My complaint is this. Every other state in the west has made it possible for the applications to be made on line and credit cards are used for payment. The AZGFD states that they are unable to find a vendor that can handle their draw. I refuse to accept this. If mistakes are going to be made, I prefer to make them myself.
I had planned to take my son to Montana for an Elk hunt during the time this Arizona deer tag is valid. I am lucky enough to have a good relationship with the guide in Montana, and he is willing to let me make a change.
I was wondering if others are tired of the AZGFD policies regarding the big game draw and if others have experienced mistakes made by the data entry persons working for them?
