After the announcement of the results of the MassWildlife Antlerless Deer Permit allocation process, it was obvious that things have changed.
Due to the increase in deer numbers in many of the state’s management zones, coupled with a significant decrease in hunter participation, a majority of the zones ended up issuing permits to all applicants. A number of zones had surplus permits. The zones in eastern Massachusetts are trying to reduce deer density significantly and the number of permits is virtually unlimited.
In our local Zone 5, every applicant who applied received one and there were still permits left from the number allocated. A few other zones, including Zone 3 in the southern Berkshires, also had additional permits available. In those zones, this past Wednesday, Sept. 16, was the day when those surplus permits would be made available on a “first come, first served basis.”
This writer had an interest in applying for one in Zone 3, as it would be good to get back to the Berkshires and renew acquaintances with folks there.
The process was to begin at 9 a.m. sharp and the MassFishHunt website was programmed to deal with the many hunters looking to get permits while they lasted. As it happened, my wife had a medical appointment that morning followed by a breakfast with a friend and my job was to chauffeur. So that had me, shortly after 9, using my iPhone to try to log into the MassFishHunt website.
What greeted me was a page with a bunch of information and numbers. My application was among nearly 4,000 received at that point for the different zones that had a limited number of surplus permits available.
What must have been “artificial intelligence” informed me that I was in line and would be allowed to access the purchase process when it was my turn. I would have 10 minutes to complete my purchase if there were still permits available. The wait would be “over an hour.”
The page also listed how many were in front of me, what percentage of the predicted wait had expired, and it updated both numbers every couple of minutes. It went to 58 minutes and then back to over an hour and illustrated my progress using a bar with a walking figure. There was also an option to receive an email message when it was my turn, but that was not for me.
Ultimately, my turn came, in considerably less than an hour, as we were getting ready to order breakfast. “Scrambled eggs, home fries and ham” I told my wife and informed her that this was important stuff.
Indeed, right on time, the MassFishHunt page opened and the selection process led me to buy a Zone 3 antlerless deer permit in a few keystrokes. Out came the credit card and the deed was done!
The experience reminded me of the issues MassWildlife had during my tenure. States began going with automated licensing in the mid-90s, with the MassWildlife Board voting to automate in 2012. There was a lot of opposition to changing from paper licenses, but the world was changing, and just look at how far we have come in 25 years.
The first big glitch was with antlerless permit surplus allocation process. As has happened with high-demand tickets to concerts, the website crashed and bedlam ensued with lots of unhappy people. What yours truly experienced was a far cry from that, with management of the “high-demand” process going very smoothly, with only the stress that an old geezer feels when technology rears its head. It really went smoothly. Now, can we fit a trip west into deer season?
There is now one week until the start of the most important time of my year. Vermont upland season opens next Friday and the dogs and I will be in far northern Vermont. That trip is open-ended and it may be followed by a return to Massachusetts or possibly a first-ever trip to mid-coast Maine before heading to New York for a week in late October.
Believe me, this summer has been most stressful as a number of things have terribly gone wrong. Boats, cars and personal living arrangements have plagued the family and drawn time and resources from things planned. The dogs have been badly neglected, as has been my shooting and the organization of gear and setup of the Silverado is way behind schedule.
However, “stuff” happens and it makes no sense to expend energy on things that cannot be changed. With some effort and luck, things will be ready to go by this time next week.
With upland hunting seasons now opening so much earlier than years ago, it puts bird hunters in the woods when it is still very warm for dog and hunter. Covers are still lush and green, with leaves still clinging and making it hard to get to points and see, never mind make a shot on grouse and woodcock. But, if it is open, we go!
My repeated story is that when the Columbus Day long weekend was my only chance to hunt my beloved upstate New York covers, the dog water bowls would usually be frozen in the back of the truck. These days, most hunts end early because it too warm and understory and foliage is too thick. Climate change is real.
Enough whining! At this point of my life, I am thankful that health issues have not prevented me from being able to get away, and a big “Thank you” to daughter Jen for delaying her return to South Carolina until November. The dog boxes are on and “ready or not, here we go!”
Mike Roche is a retired teacher who has been involved in conservation and wildlife issues his entire life. He has written the Sportsman’s Corner since 1984 and has served as advisor to the Mahar Fish’N Game Club, Counselor and Director of the Massachusetts Conservation Camp, has been a Massachusetts Hunter Education Instructor for over 40 years and is a licensed New York hunting guide. He can be reached at mikeroche3@msn.com.