The undersigned are concerned by how decisions were made by the USDA Forest Service Land Between the Lakes Recreation Area (LBL) staff to remove 12 days from the bowhunting season. The change from, One day of no Archer Hunting prior to a Quota Gun Hunt, to Five days of no Archery Hunting prior to a Quota Gun Hunt is a drastic step having a negative impact in the Archery Hunters utilization and enjoyment of the facilities and resources his Tax Dollars support and the USDA manages on the US Citizens behalf. The change in policy was preceded by no public notice or public statements of reasoning. The new hunting season change takes 12 prime season days away from the Archery Hunter. This change in policy was never brought before the public for comment and has no documentation to support why this is being done. Nor has an explanation been given of what is to be achieved by the season change.

The undersigned are displeased with this policy change and request a return to the old policy. The undersigned would also request that you provide documentation on, Why this change was necessary, What were the expected results from the implementation of this change, and How would have results of the change been verified to validate the removal of the 12 days of bow hunting.

In anticipation of LBL administration stating that it is too late to rescind this poorly thought out decision. Seeing that LBL has avoided publication of the intended change which could endanger an archery hunter who did not apply for a quota hunt of hunting in the 4 extra no-hunting days prior to a quota hunt, posting a revision to the current 5 no-hunting days to 1 no-hunting day (as in all previous years) could be posted at various locations of public access within LBL as well as notification posted on the LBL Web Page. Those that dont see these notices will not be in danger of breaking the law if they adhere to the current policy of five days no hunting, and those that do will benefit in having what was taken from them returned.

The undersigned would like to have better communication with USDA Forest Service Staff on decisions that effect hunting seasons to prevent miscommunication and mistrust from occurring in the future.