Washington Wild Sheep Foundation Banquet

[huntnphool]

Good evening.

Just off a WSF conference call.  Our event count is right at 400.  We will max out soon at 450.  If you've never attended this event, now is your chance.  There will be plenty of silent and raffle items, along with a tasty dinner put on by the Murano staff.   The end goal is put more sheep on the mountain.

Go to www.washingtonwsf.org to buy tickets.

See you there

Exactly how many sheep have we "put on the mountain"?

 Chelan Butte is a good example.

[MtnMuley]

Good evening.

Just off a WSF conference call.  Our event count is right at 400.  We will max out soon at 450.  If you've never attended this event, now is your chance.  There will be plenty of silent and raffle items, along with a tasty dinner put on by the Murano staff.   The end goal is put more sheep on the mountain.

Go to www.washingtonwsf.org to buy tickets.

See you there

Exactly how many sheep have we "put on the mountain"?

 Chelan Butte is a good example.

The WSF put those sheep on the mountain? Wasn't that WDFW transplanting them from the Clemans years back? The only sheep I know of getting put on any mountain from WA were the 20 we gave to Utah a couple years ago from the Butte.  I'd rather have those 20 back to possibly establish or help one of the many struggling herds here in WA.

[ramslam]

We really should use the phrase "Putting & Keeping Wild Sheep on the Mountain" and it is correct, we are not moving a lot of sheep right now.  The last out-of-state transplant we participated in was the rockies moved from the MT Bison Range to the Tucannon and to Sullivan Lake.  I'm thinking that was 5-6 years ago?   

We definitely need to do a better job of telling our story.  We appreciate everyone's support as we know you have lots of options where to spend your hard earned money.   Below is a condensed version of our funded projects over the last 3-4 years and as a result, some things are listed multiple times as we sponsor it each year.

We have also been a big financial supporter of the Endowed Chair in Wild Sheep Research at WSU.  With the retirement of Dr. Besser and the hiring process that has taken a couple years to replace him, you wont see that on this list.  There is a new person in that position now and we look forward to supporting that program once it gets rolling again.

We are also engaged in domestic sheep/goat grazing on federal lands which has been painfully, painfully slow.  Yes, we've met face to face with the Martinez family.

We are also engaged in domestic sheep/goat on state lands near bighorn sheep. 

We are also funding in a private lands outreach program (now in year 3 and based in Asotin County) in partnership with ID WSF, OR WSF, WDFW, ODFW & IDFG. 

Asotin County Conservation – Domestic Sheep/Goat Outreach - 14,000.00
USFS - MT Hull Habitat Project - 50,000.00
BTI Native Seeds - Red Apple Fire Seed Rehab - 4,995.59
Vectronic Aerospace - BB Collars - 10,481.00
WSF - Sturgeon Case - 1,000.00
Montana CSI - Bison Range Project - 5,400.00
Tahltan Guides Assoc. - BC Stone Research - 20,000.00
Asotin County Conservation - Domestic Sheep/Goat Outreach - 15,000.00
L&M Enterprise and Fencing - 97A BHS Fence Repair - 2,500.00
Tahltan Guides Assoc. - BC Stone Research - 20,000.00
Asotin County Conservation - Back in Black Butte Project - 15,000.00
WSF - 2021 FDB Water Hauling - 5,000.00
Wenatchee Fence - 97A BHS Fence Repair - 893.03
Wenatchee Fence - SAR BHS Fence - 7,000.00
WSF - Sheep Show Sponsorship - 1,000.00
National Bighorn Sheep Center - Kids Bighorn Camp - 1,300.00
Chapter & Affiliate Summit - 941.99
WSF - <1 & 1 more for 4 sponsorship - 4,000.00
WSF - Sheep Show pledge - 2,500.00
WSF - C&A Summit Sponsorship - 2,000.00
Chapter & Affiliate Summit - 488.78
Chapter & Affiliate Summit - 1,603.92
WSF - <1 & 1 more for 4 sponsorship - 2,500.00

[Tbar]

We really should use the phrase "Putting & Keeping Wild Sheep on the Mountain" and it is correct, we are not moving a lot of sheep right now.  The last out-of-state transplant we participated in was the rockies moved from the MT Bison Range to the Tucannon and to Sullivan Lake.  I'm thinking that was 5-6 years ago?   

We definitely need to do a better job of telling our story.  We appreciate everyone's support as we know you have lots of options where to spend your hard earned money.   Below is a condensed version of our funded projects over the last 3-4 years and as a result, some things are listed multiple times as we sponsor it each year.

We have also been a big financial supporter of the Endowed Chair in Wild Sheep Research at WSU.  With the retirement of Dr. Besser and the hiring process that has taken a couple years to replace him, you wont see that on this list.  There is a new person in that position now and we look forward to supporting that program once it gets rolling again.

We are also engaged in domestic sheep/goat grazing on federal lands which has been painfully, painfully slow.  Yes, we've met face to face with the Martinez family.

We are also engaged in domestic sheep/goat on state lands near bighorn sheep. 

We are also funding in a private lands outreach program (now in year 3 and based in Asotin County) in partnership with ID WSF, OR WSF, WDFW, ODFW & IDFG. 

Asotin County Conservation – Domestic Sheep/Goat Outreach - 14,000.00
USFS - MT Hull Habitat Project - 50,000.00
BTI Native Seeds - Red Apple Fire Seed Rehab - 4,995.59
Vectronic Aerospace - BB Collars - 10,481.00
WSF - Sturgeon Case - 1,000.00
Montana CSI - Bison Range Project - 5,400.00
Tahltan Guides Assoc. - BC Stone Research - 20,000.00
Asotin County Conservation - Domestic Sheep/Goat Outreach - 15,000.00
L&M Enterprise and Fencing - 97A BHS Fence Repair - 2,500.00
Tahltan Guides Assoc. - BC Stone Research - 20,000.00
Asotin County Conservation - Back in Black Butte Project - 15,000.00
WSF - 2021 FDB Water Hauling - 5,000.00
Wenatchee Fence - 97A BHS Fence Repair - 893.03
Wenatchee Fence - SAR BHS Fence - 7,000.00
WSF - Sheep Show Sponsorship - 1,000.00
National Bighorn Sheep Center - Kids Bighorn Camp - 1,300.00
Chapter & Affiliate Summit - 941.99
WSF - <1 & 1 more for 4 sponsorship - 4,000.00
WSF - Sheep Show pledge - 2,500.00
WSF - C&A Summit Sponsorship - 2,000.00
Chapter & Affiliate Summit - 488.78
Chapter & Affiliate Summit - 1,603.92
WSF - <1 & 1 more for 4 sponsorship - 2,500.00

Interesting to say the least.  With the capitalistic nature of the management do you care to share what the Pennsylvania hunter paid you for putting and keeping that sheep on the mountain? Is there, in your opinion, a conflict of interest? It's something that I do need to be better educated on so any help is appreciated.  Transparency always is a foundation of trust and you personally benefit financially from both availability as well as trophy size (guide fees, finders fee, bonus/ tips)  correct?

[huntnphool]

Good evening.

Just off a WSF conference call.  Our event count is right at 400.  We will max out soon at 450.  If you've never attended this event, now is your chance.  There will be plenty of silent and raffle items, along with a tasty dinner put on by the Murano staff.   The end goal is put more sheep on the mountain.

Go to www.washingtonwsf.org to buy tickets.

See you there

Exactly how many sheep have we "put on the mountain"?

 Chelan Butte is a good example.

The WSF put those sheep on the mountain? Wasn't that WDFW transplanting them from the Clemans years back? The only sheep I know of getting put on any mountain from WA were the 20 we gave to Utah a couple years ago from the Butte.  I'd rather have those 20 back to possibly establish or help one of the many struggling herds here in WA.

 I don’t recall seeing anybody specify “who” put the sheep in those places, and I agree with Falcons comment “The end goal is to put more sheep on the mountain”. I’m well aware how, where and when the sheep were relocated from Clemens to the Butte.

[Timberstalker]

Who transplanted the latest herd of bighorns into the Tucannon/Wooten area?

[lhrbull]

what ever became of the money donated at banquet for the tieton herd reestablishment

[scree]

Fair question lhrbull, it is still sitting there unfortunately (I would much rather have had the opportunity to spend it and move sheep back in there) .  WDFW is waiting for a resolution of those nearby Domestic Sheep grazing permits to either get converted to cattle or removed.  It has been a really long process trying to deal with the Forest Service (FS).  The process has started a couple of times, there have been a couple of public meetings but the process has been derailed for one excuse or another.
Summer before last we (WA WSF and National WSF) met with the permit holder to see if we could negotiate a buy out of those permits.  The short answer is they were not interested in selling.   
There is currently a lawsuit against the FS over those grazing permits.  Who knows how that will go but I'm hopeful; there have been similar lawsuits in ID and CO (I believe) that did cause the removal and or conversion of grazing permits and have positive results for wild sheep. 
I understand why WDFW won't put sheep back in there, they don't want the same thing to happen again but what I don't understand is how/why the FS can be so resistant to following a congressional mandate to follow best practices (separation of domestic sheep/goats) especially when the FS own data shows that those grazing allotments pose such a high risk to our central WA bighorns.
It is super frustrating; in the meantime every time I drive through there I just get angry.
Starting last fall, OR WSF and WA WSF have had a couple of meetings with managers of FS Region 6 (which we both fall under).  It seems that at least this group of managers is willing to talk about the problem (though the problem still persists).  Previous managers wouldn't even return my calls.                 

[nwhunter]

If you look at the people involved with most all of these volunteer driven groups involving wildlife, whether its sheep, mule deer, mt goats or elk , many if not most of the board members are either outfitters or avid hunter in all the states. Can it be viewed as a conflict of interest ? I guess thats up to each person and how you choose to view it . Having been on many volunteer groups and boards I do know that almost everyone that involves themselves in any of  these volunteer positions have a personal reason for it otherwise why the heck would anyone volunteer their time, effort and usually personal money to the cause..? I am glad we have people to volunteer for these organizations that have a love for the animals because otherwise we could get board members like we have on the WDFW wildlife commission that have an agenda that is 180 from what we as hunters want with their personal desires to protect predators. I am sure there is room for volunteers on the WWS board as with any volunteer committee there is never enough help. I don't understand everything about where the money goes and money to all the other organizations either but I do support the efforts of volunteers doing a job I don't have time to do so I will go to the banquet next week and support them and wild sheep and I am betting many of these questions will be answered there..

[ramslam]

WDFW organized the capture, transport and release of the Tucannon Rockies.  WA WSF bought the collars and provided some volunteer labor. Sadly the batch of collars were bad and the sheep were hard to track as a result. The company replaces the collars but that doesn’t do much good with wild critters running around.  I think if you ask the bio he’d say he was disappointed in the overall outcome. The Tucannon continues to struggle even though there’s not been documented Movi.   Extra Rockies are hard to come by especially with the out of state moratorium in Montana.  The last one was possible because they came off the federal bison range. 

[Tbar]

If you look at the people involved with most all of these volunteer driven groups involving wildlife, whether its sheep, mule deer, mt goats or elk , many if not most of the board members are either outfitters or avid hunter in all the states. Can it be viewed as a conflict of interest ? I guess that's up to each person and how you choose to view it . Having been on many volunteer groups and boards I do know that almost everyone that involves themselves in any of  these volunteer positions have a personal reason for it otherwise why the heck would anyone volunteer their time, effort and usually personal money to the cause..? I am glad we have people to volunteer for these organizations that have a love for the animals because otherwise we could get board members like we have on the WDFW wildlife commission that have an agenda that is 180 from what we as hunters want with their personal desires to protect predators. I am sure there is room for volunteers on the WWS board as with any volunteer committee there is never enough help. I don't understand everything about where the money goes and money to all the other organizations either but I do support the efforts of volunteers doing a job I don't have time to do so I will go to the banquet next week and support them and wild sheep and I am betting many of these questions will be answered there..

Fair assessments.  Do you know of any other ngo that board members benefit financially from the ONLY harvested subspecies they help conserve? On public land? Over many years? I would question any critter org where this is going on. There is no question that people volunteer for what they are passionate about but sheep management in Washington disproportionately benefits the "in" crowd and elite. It's not to say that the funds generated do not go back to conservation but is this the only tool to generate revenue? Proviso or directed funds if necessary? If the species are imperiled what is the road map to successful management?  As it stands now there are many questions and few answers other than comments on pack goats. IMHO that's like plugging a single hole in a sieve and claiming actions when the end result is unaltered.Transparency is a foundation of trust and the lack of answer from @ramslam is clear. This is as unique of a conflict of interest situation as I've ever witnessed.  Add in some previous raffle questions and it becomes more concerning.  I'm sure there will be ample time to discuss in the future. 

[Brute]

We really should use the phrase "Putting & Keeping Wild Sheep on the Mountain" and it is correct, we are not moving a lot of sheep right now.  The last out-of-state transplant we participated in was the rockies moved from the MT Bison Range to the Tucannon and to Sullivan Lake.  I'm thinking that was 5-6 years ago

That's unfortunate for getting the sheep from the NBR.
As that is about the time they lost most  of their sheep to a disease.

[nwhunter]

If you look at the people involved with most all of these volunteer driven groups involving wildlife, whether its sheep, mule deer, mt goats or elk , many if not most of the board members are either outfitters or avid hunter in all the states. Can it be viewed as a conflict of interest ? I guess that's up to each person and how you choose to view it . Having been on many volunteer groups and boards I do know that almost everyone that involves themselves in any of  these volunteer positions have a personal reason for it otherwise why the heck would anyone volunteer their time, effort and usually personal money to the cause..? I am glad we have people to volunteer for these organizations that have a love for the animals because otherwise we could get board members like we have on the WDFW wildlife commission that have an agenda that is 180 from what we as hunters want with their personal desires to protect predators. I am sure there is room for volunteers on the WWS board as with any volunteer committee there is never enough help. I don't understand everything about where the money goes and money to all the other organizations either but I do support the efforts of volunteers doing a job I don't have time to do so I will go to the banquet next week and support them and wild sheep and I am betting many of these questions will be answered there..

Fair assessments.  Do you know of any other ngo that board members benefit financially from the ONLY harvested subspecies they help conserve? On public land? Over many years? I would question any critter org where this is going on. There is no question that people volunteer for what they are passionate about but sheep management in Washington disproportionately benefits the "in" crowd and elite. It's not to say that the funds generated do not go back to conservation but is this the only tool to generate revenue? Proviso or directed funds if necessary? If the species are imperiled what is the road map to successful management?  As it stands now there are many questions and few answers other than comments on pack goats. IMHO that's like plugging a single hole in a sieve and claiming actions when the end result is unaltered.Transparency is a foundation of trust and the lack of answer from @ramslam is clear. This is as unique of a conflict of interest situation as I've ever witnessed.  Add in some previous raffle questions and it becomes more concerning.  I'm sure there will be ample time to discuss in the future. 

If you look at the people involved with most all of these volunteer driven groups involving wildlife, whether its sheep, mule deer, mt goats or elk , many if not most of the board members are either outfitters or avid hunter in all the states. Can it be viewed as a conflict of interest ? I guess that's up to each person and how you choose to view it . Having been on many volunteer groups and boards I do know that almost everyone that involves themselves in any of  these volunteer positions have a personal reason for it otherwise why the heck would anyone volunteer their time, effort and usually personal money to the cause..? I am glad we have people to volunteer for these organizations that have a love for the animals because otherwise we could get board members like we have on the WDFW wildlife commission that have an agenda that is 180 from what we as hunters want with their personal desires to protect predators. I am sure there is room for volunteers on the WWS board as with any volunteer committee there is never enough help. I don't understand everything about where the money goes and money to all the other organizations either but I do support the efforts of volunteers doing a job I don't have time to do so I will go to the banquet next week and support them and wild sheep and I am betting many of these questions will be answered there..

Fair assessments.  Do you know of any other ngo that board members benefit financially from the ONLY harvested subspecies they help conserve? On public land? Over many years? I would question any critter org where this is going on. There is no question that people volunteer for what they are passionate about but sheep management in Washington disproportionately benefits the "in" crowd and elite. It's not to say that the funds generated do not go back to conservation but is this the only tool to generate revenue? Proviso or directed funds if necessary? If the species are imperiled what is the road map to successful management?  As it stands now there are many questions and few answers other than comments on pack goats. IMHO that's like plugging a single hole in a sieve and claiming actions when the end result is unaltered.Transparency is a foundation of trust and the lack of answer from @ramslam is clear. This is as unique of a conflict of interest situation as I've ever witnessed.  Add in some previous raffle questions and it becomes more concerning.  I'm sure there will be ample time to discuss in the future. 

No I don't know the answer to that not really in my wheelhouse.. I do have a good friend in New Mexico that is probably that states premier sheep outfitter and is an officer on their wild sheep board and I don't think that has anything to do with why he books most of the auction and raffle tag hunters for sheep. Its because he is good at what he does and he gets clients wanting big sheep just like most other businesses your reputation and record gets you more customers.. Maybe a big part of the issue is that sadly Washington only has one Rocky tag which sucks for all of us wanting a tag. Maybe if the natives didn't kill a couple a year in the SE there could be more tags and I believe wws has been active in addressing that but its a never ending battle.. I can't speak for ramslam but I know he has had a life long commitment to sheep especially those in his backyard and knows them well and has been involved in many harvests so I would say that has much more to do with being involved in hunts than being on any board but thats just my personal opinion. I'm not much of a conspiracy theory guy if I don't like something I just don't participate or else I jump in and try and make a change..

[trophyhunt]

If you look at the people involved with most all of these volunteer driven groups involving wildlife, whether its sheep, mule deer, mt goats or elk , many if not most of the board members are either outfitters or avid hunter in all the states. Can it be viewed as a conflict of interest ? I guess that's up to each person and how you choose to view it . Having been on many volunteer groups and boards I do know that almost everyone that involves themselves in any of  these volunteer positions have a personal reason for it otherwise why the heck would anyone volunteer their time, effort and usually personal money to the cause..? I am glad we have people to volunteer for these organizations that have a love for the animals because otherwise we could get board members like we have on the WDFW wildlife commission that have an agenda that is 180 from what we as hunters want with their personal desires to protect predators. I am sure there is room for volunteers on the WWS board as with any volunteer committee there is never enough help. I don't understand everything about where the money goes and money to all the other organizations either but I do support the efforts of volunteers doing a job I don't have time to do so I will go to the banquet next week and support them and wild sheep and I am betting many of these questions will be answered there..

Fair assessments.  Do you know of any other ngo that board members benefit financially from the ONLY harvested subspecies they help conserve? On public land? Over many years? I would question any critter org where this is going on. There is no question that people volunteer for what they are passionate about but sheep management in Washington disproportionately benefits the "in" crowd and elite. It's not to say that the funds generated do not go back to conservation but is this the only tool to generate revenue? Proviso or directed funds if necessary? If the species are imperiled what is the road map to successful management?  As it stands now there are many questions and few answers other than comments on pack goats. IMHO that's like plugging a single hole in a sieve and claiming actions when the end result is unaltered.Transparency is a foundation of trust and the lack of answer from @ramslam is clear. This is as unique of a conflict of interest situation as I've ever witnessed.  Add in some previous raffle questions and it becomes more concerning.  I'm sure there will be ample time to discuss in the future. 

If you look at the people involved with most all of these volunteer driven groups involving wildlife, whether its sheep, mule deer, mt goats or elk , many if not most of the board members are either outfitters or avid hunter in all the states. Can it be viewed as a conflict of interest ? I guess that's up to each person and how you choose to view it . Having been on many volunteer groups and boards I do know that almost everyone that involves themselves in any of  these volunteer positions have a personal reason for it otherwise why the heck would anyone volunteer their time, effort and usually personal money to the cause..? I am glad we have people to volunteer for these organizations that have a love for the animals because otherwise we could get board members like we have on the WDFW wildlife commission that have an agenda that is 180 from what we as hunters want with their personal desires to protect predators. I am sure there is room for volunteers on the WWS board as with any volunteer committee there is never enough help. I don't understand everything about where the money goes and money to all the other organizations either but I do support the efforts of volunteers doing a job I don't have time to do so I will go to the banquet next week and support them and wild sheep and I am betting many of these questions will be answered there..

Fair assessments.  Do you know of any other ngo that board members benefit financially from the ONLY harvested subspecies they help conserve? On public land? Over many years? I would question any critter org where this is going on. There is no question that people volunteer for what they are passionate about but sheep management in Washington disproportionately benefits the "in" crowd and elite. It's not to say that the funds generated do not go back to conservation but is this the only tool to generate revenue? Proviso or directed funds if necessary? If the species are imperiled what is the road map to successful management?  As it stands now there are many questions and few answers other than comments on pack goats. IMHO that's like plugging a single hole in a sieve and claiming actions when the end result is unaltered.Transparency is a foundation of trust and the lack of answer from @ramslam is clear. This is as unique of a conflict of interest situation as I've ever witnessed.  Add in some previous raffle questions and it becomes more concerning.  I'm sure there will be ample time to discuss in the future. 

No I don't know the answer to that not really in my wheelhouse.. I do have a good friend in New Mexico that is probably that states premier sheep outfitter and is an officer on their wild sheep board and I don't think that has anything to do with why he books most of the auction and raffle tag hunters for sheep. Its because he is good at what he does and he gets clients wanting big sheep just like most other businesses your reputation and record gets you more customers.. Maybe a big part of the issue is that sadly Washington only has one Rocky tag which sucks for all of us wanting a tag. Maybe if the natives didn't kill a couple a year in the SE there could be more tags and I believe wws has been active in addressing that but its a never ending battle.. I can't speak for ramslam but I know he has had a life long commitment to sheep especially those in his backyard and knows them well and has been involved in many harvests so I would say that has much more to do with being involved in hunts than being on any board but thats just my personal opinion. I'm not much of a conspiracy theory guy if I don't like something I just don't participate or else I jump in and try and make a change..

Not much of a conspiracy guy???  I call BS on that, I seen you in the bigfoot thread!!       See ya next week scott!

[nwhunter]

If you look at the people involved with most all of these volunteer driven groups involving wildlife, whether its sheep, mule deer, mt goats or elk , many if not most of the board members are either outfitters or avid hunter in all the states. Can it be viewed as a conflict of interest ? I guess that's up to each person and how you choose to view it . Having been on many volunteer groups and boards I do know that almost everyone that involves themselves in any of  these volunteer positions have a personal reason for it otherwise why the heck would anyone volunteer their time, effort and usually personal money to the cause..? I am glad we have people to volunteer for these organizations that have a love for the animals because otherwise we could get board members like we have on the WDFW wildlife commission that have an agenda that is 180 from what we as hunters want with their personal desires to protect predators. I am sure there is room for volunteers on the WWS board as with any volunteer committee there is never enough help. I don't understand everything about where the money goes and money to all the other organizations either but I do support the efforts of volunteers doing a job I don't have time to do so I will go to the banquet next week and support them and wild sheep and I am betting many of these questions will be answered there..

Fair assessments.  Do you know of any other ngo that board members benefit financially from the ONLY harvested subspecies they help conserve? On public land? Over many years? I would question any critter org where this is going on. There is no question that people volunteer for what they are passionate about but sheep management in Washington disproportionately benefits the "in" crowd and elite. It's not to say that the funds generated do not go back to conservation but is this the only tool to generate revenue? Proviso or directed funds if necessary? If the species are imperiled what is the road map to successful management?  As it stands now there are many questions and few answers other than comments on pack goats. IMHO that's like plugging a single hole in a sieve and claiming actions when the end result is unaltered.Transparency is a foundation of trust and the lack of answer from @ramslam is clear. This is as unique of a conflict of interest situation as I've ever witnessed.  Add in some previous raffle questions and it becomes more concerning.  I'm sure there will be ample time to discuss in the future. 

If you look at the people involved with most all of these volunteer driven groups involving wildlife, whether its sheep, mule deer, mt goats or elk , many if not most of the board members are either outfitters or avid hunter in all the states. Can it be viewed as a conflict of interest ? I guess that's up to each person and how you choose to view it . Having been on many volunteer groups and boards I do know that almost everyone that involves themselves in any of  these volunteer positions have a personal reason for it otherwise why the heck would anyone volunteer their time, effort and usually personal money to the cause..? I am glad we have people to volunteer for these organizations that have a love for the animals because otherwise we could get board members like we have on the WDFW wildlife commission that have an agenda that is 180 from what we as hunters want with their personal desires to protect predators. I am sure there is room for volunteers on the WWS board as with any volunteer committee there is never enough help. I don't understand everything about where the money goes and money to all the other organizations either but I do support the efforts of volunteers doing a job I don't have time to do so I will go to the banquet next week and support them and wild sheep and I am betting many of these questions will be answered there..

Fair assessments.  Do you know of any other ngo that board members benefit financially from the ONLY harvested subspecies they help conserve? On public land? Over many years? I would question any critter org where this is going on. There is no question that people volunteer for what they are passionate about but sheep management in Washington disproportionately benefits the "in" crowd and elite. It's not to say that the funds generated do not go back to conservation but is this the only tool to generate revenue? Proviso or directed funds if necessary? If the species are imperiled what is the road map to successful management?  As it stands now there are many questions and few answers other than comments on pack goats. IMHO that's like plugging a single hole in a sieve and claiming actions when the end result is unaltered.Transparency is a foundation of trust and the lack of answer from @ramslam is clear. This is as unique of a conflict of interest situation as I've ever witnessed.  Add in some previous raffle questions and it becomes more concerning.  I'm sure there will be ample time to discuss in the future. 

No I don't know the answer to that not really in my wheelhouse.. I do have a good friend in New Mexico that is probably that states premier sheep outfitter and is an officer on their wild sheep board and I don't think that has anything to do with why he books most of the auction and raffle tag hunters for sheep. Its because he is good at what he does and he gets clients wanting big sheep just like most other businesses your reputation and record gets you more customers.. Maybe a big part of the issue is that sadly Washington only has one Rocky tag which sucks for all of us wanting a tag. Maybe if the natives didn't kill a couple a year in the SE there could be more tags and I believe wws has been active in addressing that but its a never ending battle.. I can't speak for ramslam but I know he has had a life long commitment to sheep especially those in his backyard and knows them well and has been involved in many harvests so I would say that has much more to do with being involved in hunts than being on any board but thats just my personal opinion. I'm not much of a conspiracy theory guy if I don't like something I just don't participate or else I jump in and try and make a change..

Not much of a conspiracy guy???  I call BS on that, I seen you in the bigfoot thread!!       See ya next week scott!

Well I do live in Bigfoot country....haha. Yep see you next weekend... Bottom line we are all on the same team.. Hunters...