WDFW needs your help.

[InsideWDFW]

First off just want to remind everyone that I post here as a fellow hunter who knows a few things/people that have some say on wildlife management in Washington, I'm not a spokesperson for WDFW by any means.

WDFW is about to get, and please pardon the language, assaulted without the benefit of lube or the courtesy of a reach around.  I'm not sure if you seen the positions that could potentially get cut, but it's not pretty.  I know a big deal has been made about the potential Fish Program cuts, but to be honest these are superficial cuts, the core of their business remains intact.

The cuts in the Wildlife Program on the other hand hit the core pretty hard.  While I really can't talk about specifics, there are programs that you guys are very much interested in that could go away.  I know people have this idea of the Wildlife program being some huge bureaucracy, but in all honesty it's probably one of the most efficient programs in the State.  All told there are around 200 Wildlife program employees statewide.  Most of those people are in the field 4 days out of 5, aka the people who actually do things.  Even the management in Olympia have packs at their desks for their 2 days of field work.  Hell the "official" uniform in Olympia is scuffed up romeo boots, faded, dirty, jeans, and a flannel shirt.  Right now we are looking at 20 of those people getting pink slips in a month or two.  10% of the program is going bye bye.

You guys (specifically Hunting Washington members) are pretty good at grassroots campaigns.  I get a chuckle watching issues I see here being brought up at work.  While I know you may not always like what happens, you have to admit we are not the evil government agency we sometimes are made out to be.

So to get to the point.. our budget is in the hands of a few people in a dome.  The cuts that being proposed for WDFW by the legislature/governor are pretty extreme when compared to other state agencies.  You guys could help us out by sending a few letters to your legislators.  Regretfully the cuts to agencies such as DSHS and DoT are getting way more attention then those to WDFW.  I believe you guys know how to bomb WDFW when you get excited about something (see bear seasons as an example), why not show those who control the budget?

Thanks guys.

[BLKBEARKLR]

Well I know that some believe and some dont believe that the WDFW is here to help. I for one believe that there is always room to improve. But i'm also one that believes you can only do so much with what is given to your agency.

So if you do not mind attaching a few email addresses in here as to where this letter should go I will sit down and write one up.


Thanks
Joe

[Buckrub]

The days of the internet make it easy to voice our opinion....do they listen?
I think the only way they listen is not with one but many.
I will do my part....but expect a two way street.

[billythekidrock]

First off just want to remind everyone that I post here as a fellow hunter who knows a few things/people that have some say on wildlife management in Washington, I'm not a spokesperson for WDFW by any means.

WDFW is about to get, and please pardon the language, assaulted without the benefit of lube or the courtesy of a reach around.  I'm not sure if you seen the positions that could potentially get cut, but it's not pretty.  I know a big deal has been made about the potential Fish Program cuts, but to be honest these are superficial cuts, the core of their business remains intact.

The cuts in the Wildlife Program on the other hand hit the core pretty hard.  While I really can't talk about specifics, there are programs that you guys are very much interested in that could go away.  I know people have this idea of the Wildlife program being some huge bureaucracy, but in all honesty it's probably one of the most efficient programs in the State.  All told there are around 200 Wildlife program employees statewide.  Most of those people are in the field 4 days out of 5, aka the people who actually do things.  Even the management in Olympia have packs at their desks for their 2 days of field work.  Hell the "official" uniform in Olympia is scuffed up romeo boots, faded, dirty, jeans, and a flannel shirt.  Right now we are looking at 20 of those people getting pink slips in a month or two.  10% of the program is going bye bye.

You guys (specifically Hunting Washington members) are pretty good at grassroots campaigns.  I get a chuckle watching issues I see here being brought up at work.  While I know you may not always like what happens, you have to admit we are not the evil government agency we sometimes are made out to be.

So to get to the point.. our budget is in the hands of a few people in a dome.  The cuts that being proposed for WDFW by the legislature/governor are pretty extreme when compared to other state agencies.  You guys could help us out by sending a few letters to your legislators.  Regretfully the cuts to agencies such as DSHS and DoT are getting way more attention then those to WDFW.  I believe you guys know how to bomb WDFW when you get excited about something (see bear seasons as an example), why not show those who control the budget?

Thanks guys.

I agree. We need the support of WDFW as much as they need our support. Without both things will change in ways that we will not like.

Can someone find or create a list of Legislators so we can make an organised (and responsible) effort?

[InsideWDFW]

Unfortunately I really can't point out where you guys should send you your letters if you chose to.  While people at work may be aware of what I post here, it's with the understanding that I do it on my own time, and that I only relay information that is publicly available (if you were to ask the right questions to the right people).  Even with all my disclaimers, all it would take is one legislator to get cranky and claim that by my posting here, WDFW is going outside of the proper channels to incite the public.

Like I said earlier, I'm not at liberty to say what may be cut due to the fact that the cuts are speculated until WDFW receives a final budget for the next biennium.  I can say that it's looking nasty.  Because WDFW, especially the Wildlife program, has been running short staffed for years, these potential cuts (which are higher for us then other agencies) are going to effect the services we provide harder then other programs/agencies.

Eventually I'll put together a post of exactly what positions wildlife has and what they do.  But for a little insight we have 2 deer/elk people, 2 bear/cougar/special species people, 1.5 waterfowl people, 1.5 upland game people.  There are 17 district biologists with 2 or 3 sub-bios that deal with ALL wildlife (butterflies and mice to eagles and deer).  20 or so research scientists who deal with endangered species, mapping, other studies and reports (game harvest and trend/status).  6 wildlife managers (regional managers), 2 statewide managers (Wildlife Program manager and his deputy).  5 sections managers (Game, Diversity, Science, Lands, Administration), 3 veterinarians, 50 (don't cringe) lands people who do everything from fix the outhouses at the wildlife areas to negotiating grazing leases (don't kill the messenger).  There are 9 administration people who do everything from answer phones to license game farms plus support the rest of the staff.  Plus a few more that I can't remember this morning.

Each individual above wears quite a few different hats.  Non of these people are your standard state worker - they put in a full 40.  70% of them are hunters, 90% have a fishing license.

Now cut 10%

[Wacenturion]

Sorry but have to respectfully disagree.  Wildlife Management is probably the most inefficient division in the WDFW.  Some good people granted but the decision makers who run the program (s) leave a lot to be desired.  From my perspective they have always wanted to control everything (i.e. Wildlife Areas) but don't know what to do with it when they get it....kind of like Obama.
Unfortunately you're right ...going to loose some of those field positions which do the work, although it depends on what they do...surveys, meetings, no defined product.....no big loss.  Managing and dealing with people, and on the ground improvements for wildlife ...a big deal.
Sorry don't mean to rain on your message....it's just that the current track record (last 10 years or so) of those that run the wildlife management programs in that division is a joke.   

[bow-n-head]

I have never been to Washington state. I do work for the public here in Montana, and it doesn't matter what I do it always pisses someone off. There are so many rules and regulations we have to follow that we spend 2 hours doing paperwork so we can get an hour of work done. I would say take it easy on the messenger and go after the polititions. We have a Fish and Game Comission here that seems to answer to nobody, they take in advisement and do what they want. I only bring this up because it mostly pertains to out of state hunters. It will be harder for those of you who like to bowhunt the Missouri River Breaks for elk to draw a permit. They plan to cut permits year after year. Areas where I used to hunt general season are now permit only. Out of state hunters are only allowed 10% of those permits. We are all loosing hunting oppertunity, in the end I see very little hunting for your average hunter. You will have to spen tens of thousands to shoot a 3pt buck.

[Skyhigh]

the lands program looks like it needs some restructuring....I talked to a guy that manages access areas for WDFW..He said that he has like 140 sites in 5 counties and they just cut his seasonal help, so he is very lucky to get to each one atleast once a month....That was 4 years ago before the big deficit..

WDFW mentality now would be to close more access sites and alienate more users..Where in fact they should trim some of the fat from the top and actually put more hands on the ground level where it is needed..

Hmm..sound familiar? I remember that coming from Ms. Chrissy four years ago...wonder if it happened?

My opinion and only mine, is that WDFW is going to get huge budget hits these next few years ,as its consituants are fed up with the operation and will decide to pass on purchasing licenses and move onto other forms of recreation..
I am looking at my personal budget and deciding where I get most bang for my buck...As much as I enjoy big game hunting...it is the highest cost for me...travel, food, gas, license etc. etc.  maybe its time to enjoy something else?
I bet there are many others out there doing the same thing!

I have heard rumor through legislative contacts that there are 3 avenues being looked at now to help with WDFW budget crisis... One is raising across the board license fees 10% for two years (only temporary) The second is raising select license fees up to 30% (permanantly) and the third is forming a lottery type revenue...

It is a for sure is a tough spot for all agencies right now, and I am leaning for a do nothing attitude on the financial side and ride it out..Have WDFW learn new priorities, discover its weaknesses, from the inside out, instead of from the outside in (like we all know them) basically get broke down and humbled... Crawl back up, set new goals, learn from their past mistakes, LISTEN to constituants and become a new agency that understands who it works for!

[bbarnes]

The WDFW needs to be separated for fish and wildlife. I for one am sick of going to commission meetings where 85% of the meeting is about fish .We have spent billions of dollars to save fish and it hasn't worked,But we all know theres no money in solving a problem only creating it.I would be more than glad to help and have,but there is to much influence by special intrest groups.Things need to change we cant keep over harvesting fish with gill nets, every Tuesday no wonder the sealions are at the Bonneville dam.We cant let are deer and elk starve and get diseased,not to mention selling way to many tags to try and make up for a budget problem.This is no way to manage our recourse,the tax payer who buys the tags the fuel the truck the boat the gun and your wage is getting screwed.If you can tell me hunting and fishing is better in state than its ever been, then you will have my support.The agency who's getting the short end of the stick is enforcement,we need more of them and there taking the biggest cuts.I will be putting a rally together in Olympia to let law makers know that we need change,we want a quality hunt,we want fish in our rivers, and we want public access.Stay tuned .

[Dmanmastertracker]

 I think what is on the radar now, is much larger than infighting about how to run fish and wildlife in this State. What is at stake is the loss of our voice, particularly with the Commission being gone, will we now even have a public input process and if we do, who will we be giving input to, a Highway Patrolman? We really need to speak up now, or risk losing our voice altogether. We saw some really responsive actions in the form of proposed season changes after the public scoping period, that is what we are at risk of losing. I for one will start sending my already increasing nuisance wildlife management bills right to Mrs. Gregoire's address of she continues to cut wildlife management in this State, I am not joking one bit. That is one avenue that has already been designated as the "citizen's" fiscal responsibility by the Governor, whether it has been officially stated, or not. I will sign any petition to both minimize the Agency cuts and to maintain the public input on the effectiveness of OUR license money contribution to the State's general fund!

[billythekidrock]

While I agree that an overhaul of WDFW is needed, we need the WDFW. Like I said in another thread.

"I hate to say it, but I think we hunters pail in comparison when it comes to being united."

[Thenewguy]

I will send a letter each week until things are fixed. hmm, for the sake of numbers lets say each letters costs me .50 cents. 50 cents times 56 weeks a year for my entire life equates to....

[bbarnes]

Dmanmasterta i would agree with you on keeping the commission, that is our voice.We also however need to make the commission aware that it takes money to travel to these events and our concerns are valid.I myself have spent countless hours at meetings,town halls and lawmakers offices trying to educate them on problems.They all have the same thing to say we need money,well my question is how much is enough.Example mud flow pilings to create habitate for elk on toutle river ,there was no engineering it washed out 10 acres at a cost of 65 thousand dollars. Then there was the tree planting at 4 dollars per tree a cost of 120 thousand estimated.To date there has been over 1 million dollars spent on habitat restoration on the  loowit  wild life refuge.That has resulted in a net loss of habitat.This money would have been better invested on other projects or property,elsewhere around the mountain.Yet wdfw continues to fund permit and promote these same projects year after year expecting different results.

[Buckrub]

I'm torn here.....what do we stand to lose?
I would support the wdfw if we would have a voice but up to this point I haven't seen it.
Creating a lottery system for hunters hasn't done the game or hunters justice at all. Elk are dying of starvation in the st. Helen's area due to lack of management, why? to create a lottery system based on revenue vs. management.

How can hunting survive with very little opportunity for youth?
Has the well paid commission (100+k yr.) really done the job?

We could have the best hunting in the west but lottery style management compounded with habitat expenditures trying to sustain overpopulated pet areas for the dept. is destroying our net worth. I think most hunters would pay for good management.

How much do we have to pay to have a voice?
How many letters, emails and meetings do we have to commit to?

I will pay for common sense management creating opportunity for all hunters especially the youth!

If you want quality hunting for all go to five/ six / seven point or better elk...whatever. manage the herd with hunting days not permits.
Why do we have three point restriction on mule deer? (good mangement)
Why is west side elk different than east side?
NO BS about more cover for eastside...OK, less cover less hunting days with mandatory reporting and GOOD escapement figures to manage properly.
Quality for all not just the lucky few who 10 friggin years of not drawing a permit then having a 35% success rate...what a joke.

OK..my rant  is over...how many emails and where do you want them to go?

[Elkaholic daWg]

OK..my rant  is over...how many emails and where do you want them to go?

 I send mine to my senator and reps.....plus a few more. Even rattled Frank chopps cage

[bbarnes]

Did i mention WDFW wants to spend 3 to 4 million on a new boat to go out in the ocean to do studies.i wonder what they will be studying?Help we need money we will be cutting programs this is the money wasting im talking about.

[Snapshot]

Buckrub,

I believe Commissioners are paid $100 a day on the days they attend meetings plus meals, board and fuel. It is a volunteer position not a paid position.

[Buckrub]

Buckrub,

I believe Commissioners are paid $100 a day on the days they attend meetings plus meals, board and fuel. It is a volunteer position not a paid position.

Check closer... I get the email updates from the all mighty governess and there was the latest appointment by her with wages over 100k. I will check again though.

[sturgeon seeker]

the wdfw SUCKS what do they do for us. Not a damn thing if you wanna see management look at the odfw the wdfw needs to be schooled by the odfw.

[KillzElk]

Qoute:  InsideWDFW

Even the management in Olympia have packs at their desks for their 2 days of field work.  Hell the "official" uniform in Olympia is scuffed up romeo boots, faded, dirty, jeans, and a flannel shirt.  Right now we are looking at 20 of those people getting pink slips in a month or two.  10% of the program is going bye bye.

Next WDFW resources.  Guys (and gals) I can't stress enough how much is on the chopping block.  As an example we got an e-mail today asking us to use a black and white printer over a color printer.. a savings of $.0039, yes that is .39 of a cent, per page.  This is how tight the purse strings are.  Spending money at this point in time is not an option, especially on something that is not a necessity (relax, I'll explain).

Ruff Job:
Has the well paid commission (100+k yr.) really done the job?
WDFW wants to spend 3 to 4 million on a new boat to go out in the ocean to do studies.
I believe Commissioners are paid $100 a day on the days they attend meetings plus meals, board and fuel.
I get the email updates from the all mighty governess and there was the latest appointment by her with wages over 100k.

This is just a wrap up of before , I could not help but  when I saw the Inside WDFW crying about that they cant print color. You should be happy that you even have a job these days. They could cut some cost Fire you pay $40G each for two new employees a year $80G and save money..


Inside WDFW is just a newbie on here with 36 post & keeps dropping names in all the post WHO ARE YOU..... 

[InsideWDFW]

Did i mention WDFW wants to spend 3 to 4 million on a new boat to go out in the ocean to do studies.i wonder what they will be studying?Help we need money we will be cutting programs this is the money wasting im talking about.

Prove it.

[saylean]

One of my best friends, with whom I grew up with my whole life, works for the WDFW. I know that he is facing a layoff...Personally, this is crap. I would do all I can to help support the WDFW. I remember when I bought my 'bear' wildlife car license...he saw it and was like, "hey man! thanks for the support!". He doesnt hunt anymore, but is worth his weight around the dept in my opinion. It will be a loss of the WDFW and the hunting communitity when we lose people like him.

[KillzElk]

I do agree with you there are a few amazing people left there that should stay .

Who needs a job? Check out some of the salaries..
http://wdfw.wa.gov/employment/

Found this old but new for some article interesting...

This should do the trick and frre up some $$$$$$..
http://www.yakima-herald.com/stories/2009/02/11/department-of-fish-and-wildlife-may-cut-several-yakima-area-positions

Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife  Proposal 200600500:
http://www.nwcouncil.org/fw/budget/2010/proposal.asp?id=1012

Update on Budget and WDFW Layoffs
http://www.wafwp.org/

[InsideWDFW]

Wow someone did a lot of public requests.  http://www.wafwp.org/2009BudgetCutFiles/AllWDFWOrgCharts-Feb2009.pdf is a good resource for those looking at what is on the line.  Each program is looking at around 10% of their programs being cut.  The Wildlife Program starts on page 87.  I know of a majority of those who received letters of notification, and there are some key positions that are going away - page 89 especially.

Edit:  Though a few years old, here's a better idea of what everyone makes. http://lbloom.net/dfw07.html - keep in mind that a majority of these positions required AT least a bachelors, if not a full PH.d.

[KillzElk]

InsideWDFW I like you you are  funny thats what keeps me going. I like how you can jump on post and get off,  two screen names is just what you need  , I will keep you entertained .. Will post more on the WDFW needing more help.. You should try coming to some meeting and tell your story about the WDFW looks like you are representing them very well .

Thank You so much for the entertainment..

[MichaelJ]

BuckRub,

Did you not see the revised proposals from the WDFW after the Eburg meeting?  Did you not read how they changed a lot based upon PUBLIC INPUT???  They took a lot of advice from the public and implemented it into the proposals where biologically feasible.  I was there and felt like the meeting was a huge success.  We spoke, they listened and changed...

WDFW, you got my support.  I know there's a lot of beurecratic *censored* that goes on, but I'd much rather have the power to manage in your hands instead of those inside the governors mansion...

Michael

[Buckrub]

Snapshot... I called and you are correct...$100 per meeting plus expenses, they have about four a month average.... I think they need more

MichealJ
I'm glad you feel all warm and fuzzy because I don't, of course I have been dealing with them for 40 years.
Anytime you base management on lottery style revenue the animals will suffer. 

Insidewdfw,
There are very good people inside the wdfw that deserve better.

[billythekidrock]

Inside WDFW is just a newbie on here with 36 post & keeps dropping names in all the post WHO ARE YOU..... 

Killz - and are you not a newbie?
At least InsideDWFW has contributed in his few threads. What have you done..other then stir the pot?

[Dmanmastertracker]

 


 "of course I have been dealing with them for 40 years"

 How many meeting's did you attend when you were 7?

 Amazing and sad how many "outdoorsmen" would rather get rid of their only voice, then support it. If you think ODFW does thing's better, you haven't been down there much, or really looked into their current system, most Oregonian's are extremely unhappy with the current level of opportunity and Oregon has over 2x the forested land/ habitat now than Washington does. I personally don't care for most of Oregon's State politics and have no desire to follow their lead on any level.

[KillzElk]

Inside WDFW is just a newbie on here with 36 post & keeps dropping names in all the post WHO ARE YOU..... 

Killz - and are you not a newbie?
At least InsideDWFW has contributed in his few threads. What have you done..other then stir the pot?

You are 100% correct on being a newbie.. Thank You.. I have been to several meetings to voice myself to the panel .. When I realized that what may happen should not happen I have been falling it very close.. I will also work on to contribute in a  few more threads.
Sorry for stiring the pot (reference) I am just breathing like everyone else ..
I wanna be able to shoot guns like everyone else  also camp ,hunt ,fish ,hike ..   

See at the next meeting....
The second public comment session is 6 to 9 p.m. April 13 in the Camas Police Department Community Room, 2100 NE Third St., Camas. Written comments can be submitted to the committee’s Web site, www.skamaniacounty.org/SHAC.htm

Where you here?
Mount St. Helens panel hears from public on draft plan Monday, March 30, 2009..
http://www.tdn.com/articles/2009/03/31/top_story/doc49d16007f408c282374700.txt

Related articles from last meeting for the ones that missed :

Public access to High Lakes may require major public funding  (March 20)
http://www.tdn.com/articles/2009/03/20/this_day/doc49c2c364e563f168529464.txt

Mount St. Helens National Park supporters aren't backing down  (March 5)
http://www.tdn.com/articles/2009/03/05/area_news/doc49b099585c73b861331943.txt

The vision for Mount St. Helens  (March 2)
http://www.tdn.com/articles/2009/03/02/top_story/doc49ab8d8a97d82576849264.txt

Thank You .....

[MichaelJ]

MichealJ
I'm glad you feel all warm and fuzzy because I don't, of course I have been dealing with them for 40 years.
Anytime you base management on lottery style revenue the animals will suffer. 

Insidewdfw,
There are very good people inside the wdfw that deserve better.

Big surprise, more opinion and personal biasedness...   

Michael

[bbarnes]

Reply to insdewdfw comment to prove my statement on the wdfw looking to buy a 3 or 4 million dollar boat, you might ask suzan yeager she takes the minutes of all commission meetings.These statements were made at the ellsburg meeting on march 6 by the interm director phil anderson.Thanks B Barnes.

[billythekidrock]

Reply to insdewdfw comment to prove my statement on the wdfw looking to buy a 3 or 4 million dollar boat, you might ask suzan yeager she takes the minutes of all commission meetings.These statements were made at the ellsburg meeting on march 6 by the interm director phil anderson.Thanks B Barnes.

That doesn't prove a thing.

[whacker1]

Wow, lots of strong opinions! 

I have never been a huge fan of WDFW, but I do appreciate InsideWDFW insight into what is going on internally. Whether you agree or disagree - it is a person that is reading, participating, and giving feedback.  Hate to see anyone kill the messenger. 

[bbarnes]

The proof is in the meeting minutes and the point was, if we are laying off employees why are we thinking about  expensive toys.Its like saying i need a new pair of shoes but i don't need a 300 dollar pair of Nike's.

[Skyhigh]

The proof is in the meeting minutes and the point was, if we are laying off employees why are we thinking about  expensive toys.Its like saying i need a new pair of shoes but i don't need a 300 dollar pair of Nike's.

Just speculation here..........maybe this boat money is from some kind of grant, that has stipulations on the spending of it...maybe some of those stipulations are it be spent on equipment and not salaries....

[InsideWDFW]

and maybe this grant is paid by public agencies outside of WDFW, and maybe if this grant doesn't go towards a rescue tug, this grant doesn't exsist?  If this is true, shouldn't this be considered a freebie that only happens if you accept it?

[gottatree]

The reason they are buying these toys is because they were in the budget. I'm watching this in the WDFW and Parks currently. The Parks department is spending $400,000. for a new bathroom in a park that will be closed next year even before the shortfall in budget. Just because it would take to long to put the money towards something else. I have to get permission to spend $9.00 to fix a critical piece of equipment and waited four hours      

[bbarnes]

Seems crazy does'nt it.

[Coldeadhands]

I'm torn here.....what do we stand to lose?
I would support the wdfw if we would have a voice but up to this point I haven't seen it.
Creating a lottery system for hunters hasn't done the game or hunters justice at all. Elk are dying of starvation in the st. Helen's area due to lack of management, why? to create a lottery system based on revenue vs. management.

Buckrub, we have everything to lose.  I have to wonder if you have ever gone to a meeting and testified.   Whether you belong to HHC or not, you have a lobbyist trying to include your voice with his, but he does not support your activites.  He has sold you out and sportfishermen by dividing you, without your input.   It appears there will be some type of lottery game to help finance the Department.

How can hunting survive with very little opportunity for youth?
Has the well paid commission (100+k yr.) really done the job?

Where the hell did you get that info.  They are paid about 100 dollars for each meeting plus travel expenses.  It amounts to less than 10K per commissioner per year.   As far as the youth goes, you cant make everyone hunt or fish.  You have competition from golfing and other sports. 

We could have the best hunting in the west but lottery style management compounded with habitat expenditures trying to sustain overpopulated pet areas for the dept. is destroying our net worth. I think most hunters would pay for good management.

We have 6 commissioners now that have hunting experience and have the degrees in a variety of areas to back up, their expertise.  These people were appointed by at least one governor.    We dont have a full commission because noone is demanding it from our legislators.  That is three people who cannot contribute to the Commission or the Dept.
If they gut the commission, the department will not hire and pay professionals to do the leg work.

How much do we have to pay to have a voice?
How many letters, emails and meetings do we have to commit to?

I will pay for common sense management creating opportunity for all hunters especially the youth!

If you want quality hunting for all go to five/ six / seven point or better elk...whatever. manage the herd with hunting days not permits.
Why do we have three point restriction on mule deer? (good mangement)
Why is west side elk different than east side?
NO BS about more cover for eastside...OK, less cover less hunting days with mandatory reporting and GOOD escapement figures to manage properly.
Quality for all not just the lucky few who 10 friggin years of not drawing a permit then having a 35% success rate...what a joke.

OK..my rant  is over...how many emails and where do you want them to go?

[Coldeadhands]

the wdfw SUCKS what do they do for us. Not a damn thing if you wanna see management look at the odfw the wdfw needs to be schooled by the odfw.

You appear to be speaking about hunting.  The Oregon Commission is lock stock and barrel, paid for by the commercial fishermen.  One of the Commissioner owns a business that supplies Commercial fishermen.   If thats the rule of thumb, lets appoint Gary Loomis (He wont) and other folks from Joes, Sportsmens Warehouse and a couple boat builders.  At least our commissioners are focusing on preserving the resource rather than harvesting all of it as soon as possilbe.  If the depts dont use the science, it doesnt matter who is running it.

[billythekidrock]

the wdfw SUCKS what do they do for us. Not a damn thing if you wanna see management look at the odfw the wdfw needs to be schooled by the odfw.

If you read the Oregon boards you will see that the hunters there don't like their system much either. They want ODFW to  be modeled after other states.

[bbarnes]

In reading all these post not just this one, but all and everything everyone has to say,one things is for sure .There's not enough people that are willing to take the time to get involved and show up to meeting's,rally's,commission meeting's or write letter's or make a few phone calls.Until the sportsman unite and show law makers that we have a genuine concern,not in profiting from fish and wildlife,but in conserving the resource,were all screwed.One way is turn off your computer off because if you have  hours to waste on the chat line or posting, you have time to show up and make the difference.I encourage you to send certified letters to anyone one you have a concern with,WDFW or whoever it may be.This way you have a receipt that they received it, and they just don't hit the delete button.I think we can all agree on one thing,that most things are OK in moderation,but the overharvest of our resource's isn't.Thank's BBarnes keeping our public lands public.

[WDFW-SUX]

How much money is wdfw spwnding on wolf playtime for scott fitkin?

Might be a good place to make some cuts.