WDFW - What do We Want in a New Director?

[bigtex]

Poaching sucks on all levels. There are the accidental occurrences of poaching and consideration should be given, especially when someone comes forward on their own. However, whether single poaching or multiple, these people are stealing. In the case of commercial poaching, federal charges should be pursed under the Lacey Act. I'd also like to see all of the big game fines increased to where the "trophy" level is now, at least.

The Lacey Act is a great law, but can be difficult to use. For example, the unlawful trade/sale provision of the Lacey Act requires interstate/international commerce. So if I am killing elk by the truck load and selling it, as long as I am not crossing state/US lines I can't be charged under the Lacey Act. Now there are basically two other provisions of the Lacey Act that could apply; 1-illegally killing the animal on federal land 2-transporting the illegally taken animal through certain types of federal land. Typically #1 is only used for National Park Service and US Fish and Wildlife Service lands where hunting is prohibited. #2 is rarely used, honestly I don't know of a case where it's been used.

Using the Lacey Act would also require cooperation with the USFWS or NOAA/NMFS, as well as the US Attorney's Office. The Western WA US Attorney's Office is "okay" in regards to their cooperation with natural resource offenses. The Eastern WA US Attorney's Office is TERRIBLE in regards to their cooperation with natural resource offenses, and have been for a long time.

As far as the big game fines go, contact your legislator 

[Wacenturion]

Permanent and adequate funding comes from efficiency's and accomplishing meaningful things for the resource that the public views as necessary and needed.  All the rest is just same ol', same ol'.  A director better be aware and smart enough to know the difference and be willing to not only make changes that lead to the above but also be able to get buy in from employees.    An accountant isn't going to get you there. 

I hate to disagree with you but funding comes from lobbying, making friends, being absolutely carnivorous, finding buttons to push and finding ways of convincing legislators that their job is on the line if they don't fund you.

If efficiency was the answer, we wouldn't have private jets for the governor or five figure artwork in public parks.

Your answer is great in a perfect democracy, but that isn't what we have.

Sorry, but I have to partially disagree with you.

"funding comes from lobbying, making friends, being absolutely carnivorous, finding buttons to push and finding ways of convincing legislators that their job is on the line if they don't fund you."

That's part of the problem..........depending on a few whose only decision is based in politics, rather than the public good and what's right for the resource.

Problem?  Absolutely.

Reality.  Absolutely.

The WDFW director isn't going to change Olympia, the best we can ask of him is to effectively fight for the Department.

Well if that is your expectation, then nothing much changes.  A good Director could change Olympia, but as most Fish and Wildlife agencies go, they are few and far between over the years.

[sakoshooter]

Transparency. Honesty. A hunter/fisherman for sure(so he actually understands). Someone that is more interested in the grass roots of hunting/fishing rather than how to take more money from us all while giving less.

I'm sick of the 'legal' "racketteering" that has gone on within our WDFW the last few years. I do not mind paying to play but what OUR WDFW has done to us is criminal, period. When you can hunt out of state for about the same money as hunting your home state, something is definitely wrong.

[MtnMuley]

I would like to see better and more predator control including baiting for bear, hounds for cats and state wide spring bear season (not damage control hunts that the timber companies are charging for). That will allow animal numbers to increase in conjuction with a large push in habitat restoration state wide.  Give the animals a break and give them the proper amount of browse/forage then the numbers will expand.  Work more with land owners to control populations with general season hunting and severly limit the damage control hunting.  Then we will have more opportunities.  In areas where numbers allow then increase tag availablility.  For the birds work with landowners to create cover (wind rows, ditch lines), promote wildlife as a renewable resource.  Be honest with the constituents (hunters and fishermen) and go to bat for them when required.  Do what they can with the enforcement side of the house knowing that voters need to do their part and push for stiffer punishment on those cases.  That will require working with the legislature to make the penalties stick.

I like your thinking.