Sportsman Strike

[Special T]

I will echo what others have said. Get involved. There is NO shortage of opportunity to help. EVERY sportsmen ORG will take help even if it is just to take the concerns to the department. I dont know what your preferred quarry is but the department knows sportsmen have had their fill of predators. I talked to a GMAC member and he said that they continually pound the department about predators. I was upset a few years back and only purchased the deer tag because I bow hunt black-tails near me. Another time I just purchased a Cat tag only so i could chase  coyotes and cats.

Get involved with your favorite ORG, become their researcher, The person of contact with the department, the coalition representative for your group. The state likes big blocks of sportsmen and voters. Contact your local state reps and make them aware of the problems and issues your are facing. Does your Rep sit on the Natural resource committee? If so are you educating them on sportsmen issues? Lots of opportunities to make a difference even if your not superman. 

[Karl Blanchard]

I'm still at a loss as to how some feel that demonitizing a product will somehow help 

[Russ McDonald]

I'm still at a loss as to how some feel that demonitizing a product will somehow help 

Sitting here thinking more about this too.  Economics 101 maybe  .  So lets say we don't all buy license but we want the department to improve things.  How are they going to do it with no money.  If they have no money how are they not going to increase prices.  They will just go to the state congress and ask for more money therefore increasing taxes that we pay.  We still end up paying in the end.  Me I am going to to buy my tags.  Bring new hunters out hunting, blast some turkeys in the face, and be the voice for the non profit I volunteer for. Granted I work with the state on turkey hunting and we are working on some changes that will benefit hunters coming in the near future but I get to bend the ear of some others in the department on other issues besides turkey hunting. 

[C-Money]

For me, disappointment has led me to spend money elsewhere. I really wanna invest my money and vacation time elsewhere this year. Pretty sure Ill buy deer tags for my family, but elk is surly up in the air right now. May pass on fishing the Columbia as well.

I know, I know, more for the next guy....

[Karl Blanchard]

I'm still at a loss as to how some feel that demonitizing a product will somehow help 

Sitting here thinking more about this too.  Economics 101 maybe  .  So lets say we don't all buy license but we want the department to improve things.  How are they going to do it with no money.  If they have no money how are they not going to increase prices.  They will just go to the state congress and ask for more money therefore increasing taxes that we pay.  We still end up paying in the end.  Me I am going to to buy my tags.  Bring new hunters out hunting, blast some turkeys in the face, and be the voice for the non profit I volunteer for. Granted I work with the state on turkey hunting and we are working on some changes that will benefit hunters coming in the near future but I get to bend the ear of some others in the department on other issues besides turkey hunting.

right.  When we have an item that doesnt sell, we discontinue it.  If it doesnt pay the bills we won't waste time and resources on it.  Same goes for wildlife.  Look what happens in Africa when hunter dollars dry up......

[Special T]

I'm still at a loss as to how some feel that demonitizing a product will somehow help 

Sitting here thinking more about this too.  Economics 101 maybe  .  So lets say we don't all buy license but we want the department to improve things.  How are they going to do it with no money.  If they have no money how are they not going to increase prices.  They will just go to the state congress and ask for more money therefore increasing taxes that we pay.  We still end up paying in the end.  Me I am going to to buy my tags.  Bring new hunters out hunting, blast some turkeys in the face, and be the voice for the non profit I volunteer for. Granted I work with the state on turkey hunting and we are working on some changes that will benefit hunters coming in the near future but I get to bend the ear of some others in the department on other issues besides turkey hunting.

The Problem is that Government NEVER responds like private industry does. If you add to the fact that the WDFW seems pulled in too many directions that they cannot or do not see sportsmen as their core focus. I believe you/we need to use both the carrot and the stick.  Dont think the department isnt acutely aware of the $ shortfall. What do you think the department will do as sportsmen abandon the department? See other funding sources.

http://nwsportsmanmag.com/tax-on-high-end-outdoor-tents-clothing-more-would-help-fund-washington-wildlife-management/

Do you think sportsmen will be in the drivers seat when a huge chunk of their funding comes from the non consumptive crowd?

Nevermind the the nonsensical thought process of sportsmen coming to the departments aid to prevent the WDFW, DNR Parks merger where they begged sportsmen for help. They want the department fiefdom and the funds to run it. The financial pinch only helps if it is accompanied by clear and loud direction by sportsmen. That means you MUST get involved in an organization that speaks up for you. Perferably one that talks with the other stakeholders that share the resource or same lands so that a unified message can be told. Archers, Muzzle loaders, Modern, Trappers, Upland waterfowlers all need to be talking to each other. Sportsmen clubs and gun ranges need to band together.

[3dvapor]

We need to rally at the boat launches/  wdfw headquarters etc.  Just like as if we  were on strike.  Most guys dont understand the problem or are aware of the changes.  Theyre just working stiffs like me, same routine until the weekend.
 Most of my news personally comes from you guys keeping me informed.  Im all in just need a good direction to help with the cause.  I dont think either govenor wants the bad press of 500 people shutting down the boat launches over conservation issues.

[Special T]

We need to rally at the boat launches/  wdfw headquarters etc.  Just like as if we  were on strike.  Most guys dont understand the problem or are aware of the changes.  Theyre just working stiffs like me, same routine until the weekend.
 Most of my news personally comes from you guys keeping me informed.  Im all in just need a good direction to help with the cause.  I dont think either govenor wants the bad press of 500 people shutting down the boat launches over conservation issues.

Which sportsmen group do you belong to? MDF? RMEF, SCI, WWA, WSAA, WSTA? GUN  club? Sportsmen club?  If you dont belong pick one, and if you do make contact with the person that keeps track advocates pn behalf of sportsmen.

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G930A using Tapatalk

[fowl smacker]

I'm still at a loss as to how some feel that demonitizing a product will somehow help 

Sitting here thinking more about this too.  Economics 101 maybe  .  So lets say we don't all buy license but we want the department to improve things.  How are they going to do it with no money.  If they have no money how are they not going to increase prices.  They will just go to the state congress and ask for more money therefore increasing taxes that we pay.  We still end up paying in the end.  Me I am going to to buy my tags.  Bring new hunters out hunting, blast some turkeys in the face, and be the voice for the non profit I volunteer for. Granted I work with the state on turkey hunting and we are working on some changes that will benefit hunters coming in the near future but I get to bend the ear of some others in the department on other issues besides turkey hunting.

The Problem is that Government NEVER responds like private industry does. If you add to the fact that the WDFW seems pulled in too many directions that they cannot or do not see sportsmen as their core focus. I believe you/we need to use both the carrot and the stick.  Dont think the department isnt acutely aware of the $ shortfall. What do you think the department will do as sportsmen abandon the department? See other funding sources.

http://nwsportsmanmag.com/tax-on-high-end-outdoor-tents-clothing-more-would-help-fund-washington-wildlife-management/

Do you think sportsmen will be in the drivers seat when a huge chunk of their funding comes from the non consumptive crowd?

Nevermind the the nonsensical thought process of sportsmen coming to the departments aid to prevent the WDFW, DNR Parks merger where they begged sportsmen for help. They want the department fiefdom and the funds to run it. The financial pinch only helps if it is accompanied by clear and loud direction by sportsmen. That means you MUST get involved in an organization that speaks up for you. Perferably one that talks with the other stakeholders that share the resource or same lands so that a unified message can be told. Archers, Muzzle loaders, Modern, Trappers, Upland waterfowlers all need to be talking to each other. Sportsmen clubs and gun ranges need to band together.

Do you know of such an organization?  If so, I'm in.  I know CCA isn't the answer for fishing however now that the kill nets are going back in the Columbia.  No emails/phone calls to WDFW directors or State officials over the last 10+ years have done any good, so please tell me an organization that is making things better?  I hunted out of state this last year, I saw more animals in 5 days hunting there than I have in the last 5 years hunting WA combined.  That's how it used to be here!  As long as the Governor appoints the WDFW directors there will be no change, no matter what organization you think is going to help us dig out of this political hole our wildlife is in.

[Special T]

I'm still at a loss as to how some feel that demonitizing a product will somehow help 

Sitting here thinking more about this too.  Economics 101 maybe  .  So lets say we don't all buy license but we want the department to improve things.  How are they going to do it with no money.  If they have no money how are they not going to increase prices.  They will just go to the state congress and ask for more money therefore increasing taxes that we pay.  We still end up paying in the end.  Me I am going to to buy my tags.  Bring new hunters out hunting, blast some turkeys in the face, and be the voice for the non profit I volunteer for. Granted I work with the state on turkey hunting and we are working on some changes that will benefit hunters coming in the near future but I get to bend the ear of some others in the department on other issues besides turkey hunting.

The Problem is that Government NEVER responds like private industry does. If you add to the fact that the WDFW seems pulled in too many directions that they cannot or do not see sportsmen as their core focus. I believe you/we need to use both the carrot and the stick.  Dont think the department isnt acutely aware of the $ shortfall. What do you think the department will do as sportsmen abandon the department? See other funding sources.

http://nwsportsmanmag.com/tax-on-high-end-outdoor-tents-clothing-more-would-help-fund-washington-wildlife-management/

Do you think sportsmen will be in the drivers seat when a huge chunk of their funding comes from the non consumptive crowd?

Nevermind the the nonsensical thought process of sportsmen coming to the departments aid to prevent the WDFW, DNR Parks merger where they begged sportsmen for help. They want the department fiefdom and the funds to run it. The financial pinch only helps if it is accompanied by clear and loud direction by sportsmen. That means you MUST get involved in an organization that speaks up for you. Perferably one that talks with the other stakeholders that share the resource or same lands so that a unified message can be told. Archers, Muzzle loaders, Modern, Trappers, Upland waterfowlers all need to be talking to each other. Sportsmen clubs and gun ranges need to band together.

Do you know of such an organization?  If so, I'm in.  I know CCA isn't the answer for fishing however now that the kill nets are going back in the Columbia.  No emails/phone calls to WDFW directors or State officials over the last 10+ years have done any good, so please tell me an organization that is making things better?  I hunted out of state this last year, I saw more animals in 5 days hunting there than I have in the last 5 years hunting WA combined.  That's how it used to be here!  As long as the Governor appoints the WDFW directors there will be no change, no matter what organization you think is going to help us dig out of this political hole our wildlife is in.

I suppose it depends on what you want. If you want to join a national well oiled machine that is world renown I'd say SCI. @Bushmaster  could probably speak to the benefits of a National Organization.

If you only want to support a Washington Specific organization  I would say Washingtonians for Wildlife Conservation. There are many sportsmen's clubs that are organizational members, as well as other sportsmen groups. I know the Washington Waterfowlers Association, the Trapping Assciation, all the SCI chapters in the state belong.  You can help by joining as an individual or you can tell the organization you do belong to to add their name to the list of sportsmen groups.

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G930A using Tapatalk

[fowl smacker]

I'm still at a loss as to how some feel that demonitizing a product will somehow help 

Sitting here thinking more about this too.  Economics 101 maybe  .  So lets say we don't all buy license but we want the department to improve things.  How are they going to do it with no money.  If they have no money how are they not going to increase prices.  They will just go to the state congress and ask for more money therefore increasing taxes that we pay.  We still end up paying in the end.  Me I am going to to buy my tags.  Bring new hunters out hunting, blast some turkeys in the face, and be the voice for the non profit I volunteer for. Granted I work with the state on turkey hunting and we are working on some changes that will benefit hunters coming in the near future but I get to bend the ear of some others in the department on other issues besides turkey hunting.

The Problem is that Government NEVER responds like private industry does. If you add to the fact that the WDFW seems pulled in too many directions that they cannot or do not see sportsmen as their core focus. I believe you/we need to use both the carrot and the stick.  Dont think the department isnt acutely aware of the $ shortfall. What do you think the department will do as sportsmen abandon the department? See other funding sources.

http://nwsportsmanmag.com/tax-on-high-end-outdoor-tents-clothing-more-would-help-fund-washington-wildlife-management/

Do you think sportsmen will be in the drivers seat when a huge chunk of their funding comes from the non consumptive crowd?

Nevermind the the nonsensical thought process of sportsmen coming to the departments aid to prevent the WDFW, DNR Parks merger where they begged sportsmen for help. They want the department fiefdom and the funds to run it. The financial pinch only helps if it is accompanied by clear and loud direction by sportsmen. That means you MUST get involved in an organization that speaks up for you. Perferably one that talks with the other stakeholders that share the resource or same lands so that a unified message can be told. Archers, Muzzle loaders, Modern, Trappers, Upland waterfowlers all need to be talking to each other. Sportsmen clubs and gun ranges need to band together.

Do you know of such an organization?  If so, I'm in.  I know CCA isn't the answer for fishing however now that the kill nets are going back in the Columbia.  No emails/phone calls to WDFW directors or State officials over the last 10+ years have done any good, so please tell me an organization that is making things better?  I hunted out of state this last year, I saw more animals in 5 days hunting there than I have in the last 5 years hunting WA combined.  That's how it used to be here!  As long as the Governor appoints the WDFW directors there will be no change, no matter what organization you think is going to help us dig out of this political hole our wildlife is in.

I suppose it depends on what you want. If you want to join a national well oiled machine that is world renown I'd say SCI. @Bushmaster  could probably speak to the benefits of a National Organization.

If you only want to support a Washington Specific organization  I would say Washingtonians for Wildlife Conservation. There are many sportsmen's clubs that are organizational members, as well as other sportsmen groups. I know the Washington Waterfowlers Association, the Trapping Assciation, all the SCI chapters in the state belong.  You can help by joining as an individual or you can tell the organization you do belong to to add their name to the list of sportsmen groups.

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G930A using Tapatalk

I belong to several groups as of right now.  Like I said, none of them, nor any I know of are stopping the landslide our deer and elk populations are in. 

[konradcountry]

If you really wanted to make a difference wouldn't spending a few weekends in spring and summer doing some habitat improvement projects, hitting the woods hard to get a bear and heading out in Mass to shoot a cougar before the end of December get your better more immediate results without having to hope a government agency you don't have confidence in will do what you want?

Gonna agree here. Even if we rattled them with a loss of revenue that doesn't mean they will make any productive changes. They might just raise fees and then blame a lack of new hunters which is what other states have done.

I think focusing on bears and habitat improvement makes sense.  The typical hunter doesn't care about bears and only buys a deer or elk license. If we could organize a bear hunt in August that covers a lot of ground that would make a bigger difference. There are also too many forests in Wa that are covered in salal or blackberries. Deer and elk need more protein sources.

[Special T]

If you really wanted to make a difference wouldn't spending a few weekends in spring and summer doing some habitat improvement projects, hitting the woods hard to get a bear and heading out in Mass to shoot a cougar before the end of December get your better more immediate results without having to hope a government agency you don't have confidence in will do what you want?

Gonna agree here. Even if we rattled them with a loss of revenue that doesn't mean they will make any productive changes. They might just raise fees and then blame a lack of new hunters which is what other states have done.

I think focusing on bears and habitat improvement makes sense.  The typical hunter doesn't care about bears and only buys a deer or elk license. If we could organize a bear hunt in August that covers a lot of ground that would make a bigger difference. There are also too many forests in Wa that are covered in salal or blackberries. Deer and elk need more protein sources.

I am all for habitat improvement, but it is the feel good non political way to help. Since the department is reactionary it is necessary to press them in areas where they are failing. Most folks realize they are failing in predator control. To  my knowledge very few habitat groups like RMEF MDF DU etc will do so because they are habitat focused.

Lewis and Clark noted the lack of game in the Rockies despite having all the habitat in the world. Predator management is necessary in order to have hunt-able populations of Ungulates. 

[Iveexcaped3]

I have a hard time understanding the logic of "don't support your local wdf by buying licenses and tags. go to another state support their wdf." You'll spend $871 for a hunting license, deer tag (bear or cougar can be taken with your tag if you chose), and an elk tag in Idaho. Same license here you pay $115. If that's how you feel why not just give WDFW a $700 donation and buy a local tag?

[Sitka_Blacktail]

I think it's about 31 Mil, but yes.  That's why there will more than likely be a 15% increase in license fees next year.  You can give them all the money, but you can't make them spend it wisely.  You are correct on needing the WDFW counsel to be voted on by the people however and not the Governor.

Do you really think the voters who outlawed hound hunting, and leg hold and conibear traps will elect council members who care what hunters think?