There are several ways something could be done about the OOS'er's on the WMA's, but several would require additional effort & work on the G&F and maybe a little conflict & confentation, something they run from like the plauge. But one thing that can be done that would be so simple & would require no extra effort, in fact it would make the Enforement of it easier would be simply this:
On the days Monday thru Thrusday everyone can hunt the state owned WMA's. OSS hunters would still be requried to buy a special permit as it is now, but good only for those days. The only change would be it would be for 4 days insteed of 5. I personally would like to see the permit fee increased from the mear $10 to maybe a $100, but one thing at a time. For most of these people I have conversed with it really does not matter about the cost so some other type of method must be set forth to regulate the issue.
Now on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, only residents of Arkansas may use the WMA's. Anyone not a valid resident of Arkansas by the legal terms must not be present on the area for any reason hunting related.
Very simple to enforce. GW comes onto area during the 3 weekend days. Checks are made. You not from Arkie land, you get ask for you autograph. No gray area's.
This would cut down alittle on the over-crowding when it is at it's worst. When the weekend comes and the working man and his/her kids are out of school & are able to hunt, at least there is not up-teen jellion OOS hunters there also to compete with all the additional people who have to come if they want to because it is the only time they have to do so. During the weekdays, most people have jobs & kids must be in school therefore the OOS hunters have it pretty much to theirself with the exception of the few who can hunt.
The G&F claims to be a big advocate of youth & getting the youth involved into the outdoor activities. This would be a good way for them to promote that if they really mean what that preach. As it is now alot of young people are deverting their attition away from the outdoors & towards other things because of the crap that takes place on the only area's they have to hunt. It is becoming where it is no longer fun for a dad & his kid to go hunting because of the circus that takes place. At least make it where these people can go & maybe have an enjoyable time without some of the out of state influnce present on those days.
This would not be a ban. It would only be restrictions set forth just like other state have in place for us when we travel to those area's. If they can do it legally then what is the hold up for us?
That's my 2ct's for what it is worth!