I'm a big fan of FWP

I’m often misunderstood.

It’s no one’s fault but my own.

Many of my columns are written with tongue firmly embedded in cheek. I can be a bit cynical and have even been known to exhibit a sarcastic bent.

Occasionally readers take me too seriously. Last week’s column on my failure to draw an antelope tag is the most recent example. A reader responded that he, too, had failed to draw a tag, the result, perhaps, of being on the Montana Department of Fish, Wildlife and Parks black list.

He went on to write that he understood my frustration, and said FWP’s drawing system stinks.

Now while my frustration at not drawing a tag was genuine, I don’t really think it’s personal. I hardly believe the department singled me out. It was simply the luck of the draw and nothing else.

However, in this era of taking sides, folks immediately look for ulterior motives when thing don’t go their way. Send me an antelope tag and we’re fine, but don’t and I’ll call the system rigged.

I’m big fan of FWP, one of the premier wildlife agencies in the world. They’re looking out for my interests. I honestly believe that.

I’m going to start hunting this weekend and will be doing so more days than not until the end of the year. Where else could I do that?

While I might not be able to hunt antelope this fall, I can always hunt elk and deer with tags I bought over the counter. There is certainly no lack of opportunity.

Moose, sheep and goats have always been a tough draw, not because of any underhanded dealings by FWP, but because the critters are few and the applicants numerous.

I doubt FWP personnel have the time to compile a black list of antelope tag applicants. They already have enough to do.

I’m not a big believer in black lists anyway, although back in the day my name was supposedly included on a list of people spending an unusual amount of time in Yellowstone Park in the spring.

What can I say? It’s my second favorite season.

There are folks who will claim I wrote this column to suck up to FWP. And while I won’t deny the thought crossed my mind, I’m much more comfortable calling out a miscreant politician than I am lavishing praise on a state agency.

It makes me feel kinda dirty.

I think I need to wash up.

Parker Heinlein is at [email protected].