4 5 day killing periods? Thought they were going to hunt them.
they are, very specific in qualification for hunt
What qualifications must a volunteer meet to participate in the lethal removal operations?
Skilled Volunteers must meet the following criteria:
Provide a pictured proof of identity (driver’s license, passport)
Be a United States citizen
Be 18 years of age or older
Provide proof of successful completion of a firearms safety course (hunter safety course or similar)
Be willing to haul bison carcasses out of wilderness on foot without motorized assistance
Utilize park-approved, non-lead ammunition and firearms (see Firearm FAQs)
Agree to a firearm safety inspection by park staff prior to fieldwork
Actively participate in all training and safety briefings and follow Team Lead instructions.
Have strong verbal communication skills.
Sign up as an unpaid NPS volunteer (NPS VIP Program) for five days and participate in the full period
Sign a volunteer applicant affidavit of criminal history and lack revocable wildlife violation histories
Be able to pass, apply for, and purchase background checks that verify the lack of criminal and wildlife violation histories.
Self-certify a high level of physical fitness.
Provide own equipment, lodging, food, rifle (rifles must be at least .30 caliber with a bottlenecked cartridge), and non-lead ammunition (non-lead bullet that is at least 165 grains and is of a non-frangible design), and field dressing supplies.
Have a firearm safety certification and pass a firearms proficiency test (3 of 5 shots in a 4 inch circle at 100 yards)
Failure to successfully pass or agree to any of the listed requirements will eliminate an individual from further participation as a volunteer.
Additional skilled volunteer FAQs can be found on this website.
How much meat will I be able to keep? Will I be able to keep the head or hide?
Grand Canyon National Park will transfer bison carcasses to Arizona Game and Fish Department at the end of each volunteer/ operation period. Arizona Game and Fish Department may distribute what they choose to skilled volunteers on the last day of their service. Skilled volunteers may share with Support Volunteers. Carcass distribution will not exceed one bison per volunteer team. Any parts not desired by volunteers will be transferred to the Tribal governments of GCNP’s 11 traditionally associated tribes.
What is the cost to apply?
As this is not a hunt, the only cost to selected volunteers is the $65 fee associated with requesting a background check from Arizona Department of Public Safety.
What kind of time commitment will be required of volunteers?
There will be 4 lethal removal operations during the pilot year 2021. Each period will last 5 days. Volunteers will be expected to attend training on the first day and will be expected to participate in a full week of work. Operational Periods are as follows: Sept 20-24, Sept 27-Oct1, Oct 18-22, Oct 25-29. Volunteers will not be able to select which operational period they are interested in participating in.
you are talking about very rough country, and packing out by hand, ain't gonna be easyl
