New WDFW Director Named

[bearpaw]

Remember: It's the Wildlife Commission who chose Unsworth. Kudos to them on their decision to bring in a director with a strong wildlife background. I think Unsworth was the best choice of applicants that they received and I am hoping he can bring about some changes that will benefit wildlife in WA and which will ultimately benefit hunters. Thankyou WA Wildlife Commission!   

[bobcat]

From reading the interview, he sure seems like a perfect choice! Poor guy though, will he be forced to move from Idaho to Olympia?   

[bearpaw]

From reading the interview, he sure seems like a perfect choice! Poor guy though, will he be forced to move from Idaho to Olympia?   

  That would really be hard!

He will also have his hands full with all the problems and politics here in WA.

[Skillet]

  I know nothing about this new guy but Thanks GOD it wasn't Cenci!!!  (there goes my special permits in the trash now)

Man, you really don't want to pull those permits do ya? 

I admit I am shocked that they brought in a wildlife guy.  I expected another fish hugger.  Here's hoping he's also the ball buster I think we need to root out the cancerous cliques in enforcement.

Props to WDFW commissioners on the selection.   

[Sitka_Blacktail]

I like his even tempered approach to wolves. That is the way to get the job done of managing them.

With his background, I'm hopeful he will do the job of managing wildlife here, as well as can be done given the political realities of this state.

[JimmyHoffa]

Hope he turns out to be a good choice.  I do have to wonder how much of a factor wolves played in the decision.  Compared to the fish side of the agency, I would think wolves are small potatoes; but maybe they need a 'been there, done that' type of guy for something they might be anticipating in the near future? 

[bearpaw]

Hope he turns out to be a good choice.  I do have to wonder how much of a factor wolves played in the decision.  Compared to the fish side of the agency, I would think wolves are small potatoes; but maybe they need a 'been there, done that' type of guy for something they might be anticipating in the near future?

Unsworth has certainly been involved with all the politics of wolf management and his biology background will give him a strong background to speak from. Of course he will be working for WA now, so he will probably be told how to move forward on the wolf issue. But there is no doubt, he understands wolf management.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sWMpMoeN40Q

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VNa1jDwCQJA

[bearpaw]

I like his even tempered approach to wolves. That is the way to get the job done of managing them.

With his background, I'm hopeful he will do the job of managing wildlife here, as well as can be done given the political realities of this state.

agreed 

[huntnphool]

 How has he dealt with the Lolo/Bitterroot elk/wolf issue?

[elk247]

  Tag

[X-Force]

I know it won't happen but maybe he will adopt Idaho's spring bear seasons, and change our permit system to look more like Idaho's?... won't happen but can dream

[quadcrazy69]

Commission selects Unsworth as new director of WDFW
TUMWATER - Dr. Jim Unsworth (see photo ), deputy director of the Idaho Department of Fish and Game, was chosen today as the new head of the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW).
The Washington Fish and Wildlife Commission voted to select Unsworth after interviewing eight candidates for the director's position in December and narrowing the field to four finalists. The commission, a citizen panel appointed by the governor to set policy for WDFW, announced its decision at a public meeting Jan. 9-10 in Tumwater.
Unsworth, who will replace Phil Anderson, formally accepted the job today.
Commissioners said they sought a visionary leader with a strong conservation ethic, sound fiscal-management skills and the expertise to work collaboratively with the commission and the department's constituents.
"After a thorough nationwide search, we're confident Jim is the right person to guide the department through the many challenges that lie ahead," said Miranda Wecker, chair of the commission. "His solid understanding of natural resource issues and strong leadership skills will be invaluable in the department's effort to manage and protect the fish and wildlife resources that are so important to the people of this state."
As director, Unsworth will report to the commission and manage a department with more than 1,600 employees, and a biennial operating budget of $376 million. His annual salary will be $146,500.
Unsworth, age 57, has spent more than 30 years in wildlife management with the Idaho Department of Fish and Game and has served as deputy director for the agency since 2008. He previously held several management positions for the department, including wildlife bureau chief and state big game manager.
Unsworth holds a bachelor's degree in wildlife management from the University of Idaho, a master's degree in fish and wildlife management from Montana State University and a doctorate in forestry, wildlife and range sciences from the University of Idaho.
"I'm thrilled at this opportunity," Unsworth said. "I look forward to taking on the many exciting challenges that come with managing fish and wildlife in the state of Washington."
Unsworth and his wife Michele have four adult children. He is an avid hunter and fisher.
Unsworth will replace Anderson, who announced in August he was resigning from his position at the end of 2014. At the commission's request, he has since agreed to stay on as the head of the agency until a new director is in place.

[trophyhunt]

I know it won't happen but maybe he will adopt Idaho's spring bear seasons, and change our permit system to look more like Idaho's?... won't happen but can dream

You are correct, it's just a dream!  Too much money for them to turn down and our two states are very different when it comes to human populations and land access. 

[Hunter4Life]

Remember: It's the Wildlife Commission who chose Unsworth. Kudos to them on their decision to bring in a director with a strong wildlife background. I think Unsworth was the best choice of applicants that they received and I am hoping he can bring about some changes that will benefit wildlife in WA and which will ultimately benefit hunters. Thankyou WA Wildlife Commission!   

I agree Bearpaw.  This guy will be good.  The Hunters Heritage Council issued the following statement on Dr. Unsworth:

 

The Hunters Heritage Council, Washington's largest hunting-rights organizations, is very happy with the Commission's choice of Dr. Jim Unsworth as the new Director of the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife.   There will be many challenges facing the new Director in regard to wildlife, so our organization strongly believed that it was imperative that the new Director have a background in wildlife.   Dr. Unsworth has the background in managing predators, especially in regard to wolves, which will be sorely needed.   He also has the background in making sure that there are stable ungulate populations.  The Hunters Heritage Council sends a hearty welcome to Dr. Unsworth and we look forward to working closely with him.  The hunting community should thank the Fish and Wildlife Commission for their wise and practical choice in the new Director.  We also want to thank the departing Director, Phil Anderson, for his devoted service to the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife.

[Sitka_Blacktail]

  We also want to thank the departing Director, Phil Anderson, for his devoted service to the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife.

But don't let the door hit you on the way out.