Does WDFW know it has an image problem?

[Curly]

What do you think?  Does management at WDFW know that they have an image problem with us sportsmen?  And if they do know, do they realize to what extent and do they even care? 

Seems like it would be nice if there was a representative from WDFW to chime in on some of the threads that get discussed on this site where we trash wdfw.  If wdfw had someone like Bigtex (who is well respected BTW) who could offer input about WDFW then I think that could go a long way to help with their image.

Plenty of subjects where we complain about the job wdfw is or is not doing.  From wolves to Sealions to elk hoof disease to  wdfw's lack of credibility to complaints about the special permit system to lots of threads complaining about tribal issues, season setting for archery, cougars, need for general spring bear seasons, etc............ lots of issues where we complain about wdfw.  Oh, and don't forget the topic about removing The director, chief, and assistant chief 

How do we get wdfw to help us change our image of the job they are doing?  Lots of us are fed up with this state and are giving up hunting in this state or about to give up in favor of just going out of state.  I don't think that is good for the state (having a smaller % of hunters) but WDFW doesn't seem to care about pleasing hunters......but then maybe that is just due to a lack of a good public relations program?  Any thoughts? 

[bobcat]

They do have Facebook. Maybe that's where people should be posting their complaints. Although I don't know if complaints would get an official response.

Many WDFW employees read this site. So the agency is well aware of any issues that are posted about them.

[buckfvr]

The older you are, the longer you realize its gone on...........for many of us, its irreversible without a major overhaul that includes all new faces.

I would not expect true feelings from anyone currently employed by wdfw.  Dont expect any of them to trash the gravy train.

I have never talked to so many folks this disgusted with wdfw.  Although many of us put the blame squarely on the shoulders of management, its hard to overlook the fact that so many know what they are doing is NOT inline with the mission statement, but they are unwilling to rock the boat. 

The demise of a once great state is in full swing.   

[KFhunter]

With over half of their funding from local, state and federal non-hunting related funding; they have less than half a give a chit about their image.

[PolarBear]

Yes they have an image problem as well as leadership, enforcement, funding, season setting, predator control.................

[Bob33]

Yes they do.

[vandeman17]

I think they have an image problem, some of which is deserved and some of which is people just basing their perception on what others tell them. I am guilty of that in some regards but also feel that they aren't doing anything to improve their image as far as taking actions that give us as sportsman much faith that they have our interests in mind.

[idahohuntr]

With draw results pending I want them to know I think they walk on water...and all of the other applicants do not like them 

Seriously, KF hit it pretty well...their diverse funding means they have very diverse stakelholders which means a lot of different folks tugging them in different directions.  If they were only trying to serve hunters it would be much, much easier for them to appease all of our concerns. But they are trying to keep a lot of different groups happy and that is a tough job. 

[WSU]

They are very aware of it.

[t6]

I looked at Jonker and Mansfield and told them point blank that we didn't trust them.  They pretty much ignored me for the remainder of the meeting. 

[grundy53]

They are very aware of it.

A) they don't care.
B) the more hunters that get sick of their bs the more hunters that quit hunting. Therefore less people to oppose there real agenda of protecting  predators and watchable wildlife...

sent from my typewriter

[baldopepper]

Just curious- If you were appointed director what are the top 10 items you would immediately address? (Personnel changes don't count as that's obvious, nor do tribal matters as WDFW has virtually no discretion there, up to the courts)

[Curly]

If I were director I would address tribal hunting, sealions and wolves (even though those are issues that need to be coordinated thru the feds, I think wdfw needs to be proactive in getting those issues under control).

Then open up cougar and bear to more liberal seasons, hold coyote contests instead of trying to stop them, allow hunting of coyotes with dogs.  Work toward more hound hunting in the state.......basically put a real hurt on predators.

Oh, and I'd eliminate the preference point system for special permits.  I'd make it like ID.

[Curly]

I also think WDFW could have been advocates for sportsmen to be able to access DNR land without buying a DP.  They could have discussed the issue with some legislators and got an exception for the DP requirement for people who buy hunting licenses.

Implementing the Discover Pass opened the door for Weyco to implement their pay for access system.  Kind of hard for us to complain about private property owners charging for access when the state is charging taxpayers for access to state timber lands.

[bobcat]

The #1 issue in my mind is tribal harvest. So if I were director, that is the first issue that I would address.

The second most important issue would be the need to bring back baiting for bears, and the use of dogs for hunting cougar.

None of the other issues really matter until these two are addressed.