What is the WWC and why should HuntWA members support it?

[pianoman9701]

The following is taken from the Washingtonians for Wildlife Conservation website home page found here - https://w4wc.org/index.html I urge everyone who wants to see our hunting heritage preserved and defended to go to the sight and see what we're all about...and join. PLEASE READ THIS:

WWC Platform
Washingtonians for Wildlife Conservation is committed to working together to advance the tenet of scientific wildlife management and protect the rights of Washington State conservationists, sportsmen and sportswomen.
The WWC resolves to protect the heritage of our husbandry, to educate, assist and assimilate information about wildlife issues, and be a focal point for public involvement.

Why Was WWC Formed?
To organize and unite wildlife interest groups to:
Protect the rights of Washington state citizens.
Defend the management techniques used to control wildlife populations.
Encourage management by wildlife professionals based on scientific data rather than false rhetoric and emotion.
Oppose animal rights extremists and their ultimate goal of no consumptive use of wildlife.

What is the WWC?
An alliance of individuals and organizations concerned with the health and well being of Washington's wildlife, and wildlife management methods.

Who are WWC members?
Individuals and organizations that have a stewardship relationship with wildlife.

What Does WWC hope to accomplish?
Educate the citizens of Washington state about the successful use of wildlife management practices that currently provide viable wildlife populations for everyone to enjoy.

Where does WWC funding come from?
Member organizations, individual members and contributions.

Is WWC only interested in wildlife?
Our primary focus is wildlife. However, WWC realizes the long term agenda of "animal rightists" is to eliminate the use of all animals and animal products both domestic and wild. Therefore, WWC will serve as an information resource for other animal interest groups.

[Skyvalhunter]

Hunt Wa members should pass this onto non Hunt Wa members and encourage them to read it and join. If this isn't nipped in the butt it's just the beginning. Our voice needs to be heard.

[pianoman9701]

 

For those who are unaware, the WWC is suing the Governor for breaking state laws regarding the Wildlife Commission and stacking it with animal rights proponents/anti-hunting groups. The topic about the lawsuit is here:
https://hunting-washington.com/smf/index.php/topic,276465.0.html

[Joyce]

Maybe there's a better place to post this, but it could be helpful for those thinking of joining WWC.

I went online to renew my membership and, while the $25 individual membership is "available" for purchase, the $100 associate membership is "not available". Any idea what the issue is there?

[WWC]

Maybe there's a better place to post this, but it could be helpful for those thinking of joining WWC.

I went online to renew my membership and, while the $25 individual membership is "available" for purchase, the $100 associate membership is "not available". Any idea what the issue is there?

Not sure what happened but We are working on it.

[WWC]

Maybe there's a better place to post this, but it could be helpful for those thinking of joining WWC.

I went online to renew my membership and, while the $25 individual membership is "available" for purchase, the $100 associate membership is "not available". Any idea what the issue is there?

The associate membership was not available on my phone, It was on a tablet, and it did work once on my desktop now won't show available. We have had memberships process notifications so it must be some kind of glitch. Try a different device.

[KNOPHISH]

Also the Donate button was inop. Or is it mail in only?

[WWC]

Also the Donate button was inop. Or is it mail in only?

The donate tab is mail in only, for now.

[hughjorgan]

It gave me trouble on my iPhone as well, but I was finally able to get it to work.

[pianoman9701]

You guys!!! Awesome. If you have friends on HuntWA who you haven't seen comment, please message them. If you have hunting friends on Facebook, same, same. Relationships are everything to get movements moving. Use the ones you have.

[jackelope]

Renewed. Thanks for the reminder!!

[Smokepole]

Before I donate I have a few questions.  I would like to know how long the club has been active, and what efforts and results it has to show in that time.  Have the officers attended any of the important meetings, and made an impact?  Are there actual resource/habitat conservation efforts organized by club members?  Is there an annual financial report published, so members know how their membership dollars are being used, and how effective they are?

I have toured the website and Facebook page, but so far I only see news clips and efforts being made by other organizations.

The headline says they are "pursuing" a lawsuit.  A good reason for fundraising, but I would want to see some type of track record, or an actual suit filed before I donate.  I would also like to see genuine wildlife advocacy and conservation efforts carried out by club members in the field, an investment for the future of hunting, fishing, and other wildlife related activities.

My most important questions are:  How long has this club been active?  What have they accomplished during that time?

[chukarchaser]

In order to have a track records you have to have a first time.  I have never met Pianoman or jackelope but they have always been coolheads instead of keyboard warriors.  There backing was enough to get my $35 membership.  Nothing ventured, nothing gained

[Smokepole]

In order to have a track records you have to have a first time.  I have never met Pianoman or jackelope but they have always been coolheads instead of keyboard warriors.  There backing was enough to get my $35 membership.  Nothing ventured, nothing gained

  Yes they are coolheads.  I ask those questions in all sincerity, because of the seriousness of the issue.  I do see the organization is a registered non-profit since 1997.  But I'd like to know what they have done during that time before I send $. 

[Smokepole]

I did find the WWC made a request to make September 24th Nation Hunting and Fishing Day in Washington State.  The Proclamation was made and signed by Gov. Inslee.  Progress!

 

[WWC]

Before I donate I have a few questions.  I would like to know how long the club has been active, and what efforts and results it has to show in that time.  Have the officers attended any of the important meetings, and made an impact?  Are there actual resource/habitat conservation efforts organized by club members?  Is there an annual financial report published, so members know how their membership dollars are being used, and how effective they are?

I have toured the website and Facebook page, but so far I only see news clips and efforts being made by other organizations.

The headline says they are "pursuing" a lawsuit.  A good reason for fundraising, but I would want to see some type of track record, or an actual suit filed before I donate.  I would also like to see genuine wildlife advocacy and conservation efforts carried out by club members in the field, an investment for the future of hunting, fishing, and other wildlife related activities.

My most important questions are:  How long has this club been active?  What have they accomplished during that time?

This thread answers many of your questions.
https://hunting-washington.com/smf/index.php?action=profile;u=32599;area=showposts;start=60

Let me address some of your questions it may not answer. Since we are an "organization of organizations" most of the board are organizational representatives. On our FB page we often share cool things they are doing. The Promotion of WWC and our mission has not been a priority until one of newer members took it up. Often times people other than the President show up to meetings, comment or sit on advisory committee/council representing their user group or organization. WWC has been representing sportsmen since the inception despite keeping a low profile. MANY of our BOD are members here or lurk.  In the past they have attempted to rally the sportsmen but the did so from their anonymous handles. This didn't help "The Brand" which is something we have tired to improve on. WE ARE ALL VOLUNTEERS! We have our strengths and weaknesses as such, and we try to size up/vet those that want to be part of the solution. These 2 things make us slower to move especially publicly.  Many things like this lawsuit are worked on with no public fan fare. Most prefer we are more steak than sizzle, making the promotions person's job much harder. Whom also contributes to their home organization.

WWC purpose is the education of its  member groups, members and general public. Hunting IS conservation and our most outward event is a display at the State fair.  It is specifically designed for the general public to get an idea about why hunting is good and how it benefits them. It has a bunch of hides and skulls for the kids to touch and  coloring sheets and we get a chance to answer questions to the general public.


We understand that sportsmen are naturally skeptical, and unlike our anti hunting foes are not naturally inclined to "Join" much of anything. If these explanations do not satisfy, we understand. We will make another call to action when its filed in court, which will happen soon, but not as soon as  any of us want.

[Smokepole]

Thank you WWC.   

[Joyce]

Maybe there's a better place to post this, but it could be helpful for those thinking of joining WWC.

I went online to renew my membership and, while the $25 individual membership is "available" for purchase, the $100 associate membership is "not available". Any idea what the issue is there?

The associate membership was not available on my phone, It was on a tablet, and it did work once on my desktop now won't show available. We have had memberships process notifications so it must be some kind of glitch. Try a different device.

It worked for me on my laptop just now, thanks!

[jackelope]

In order to have a track records you have to have a first time.  I have never met Pianoman or jackelope but they have always been coolheads instead of keyboard warriors.  There backing was enough to get my $35 membership.  Nothing ventured, nothing gained

Thank you.

[KFhunter]

I'm kind of digging this trend of spending money where the action is 

If an org is sitting on their thumbs reallocate spending to other groups involved in a fight or project you care about.

[HUNTINCOUPLE]

In order to have a track records you have to have a first time.  I have never met Pianoman or jackelope but they have always been coolheads instead of keyboard warriors.  There backing was enough to get my $35 membership.  Nothing ventured, nothing gained

Very well stated!!!  Our $35 will be going to help the cause as well.

[pianoman9701]

In order to have a track records you have to have a first time.  I have never met Pianoman or jackelope but they have always been coolheads instead of keyboard warriors.  There backing was enough to get my $35 membership.  Nothing ventured, nothing gained

Thanks man! We appreciate it. 

[ctwiggs1]

I did find the WWC made a request to make September 24th Nation Hunting and Fishing Day in Washington State.  The Proclamation was made and signed by Gov. Inslee.  Progress!

 

That was a typo. He meant "Hunting and Fishing Remembrance Day".

[Angry Perch]

Just got a membership for the family.

[pianoman9701]

You guys are all awesome.

[GASoline71]

Just got a membership for the family.

Same here.   

Gary

[wadu1]

Will they be selling memberships/renewals at the Puyallup Sportsman Show? I just tried to renew and none of the tabs worked.

[Rainier10]

I was able to do the $100 associate membership but it took some work.  I had to switch to a laptop and then had to refresh the page as I worked through the payment process to get to a credit card option.  Persistence paid off in the end.

[wadu1]

I was able to do the $100 associate membership but it took some work.  I had to switch to a laptop and then had to refresh the page as I worked through the payment process to get to a credit card option.  Persistence paid off in the end.

Pouter Gods don't like me, I tried on a laptop, Tablit and our main tower computer - NADA. I do have issues getting email, log-ons and others, I think it's my security settings. My personal data was hacked at Boeing, BECU, Ballistic Products and our great game department.

[WWC]

Thank you all for your persistence.  We are working with Square our online processor to resolve this frustration. Your dedication to try everything possible is heart warming. If you cannot currently overcome this glitch stay tuned.

[Ghost Hunter]

I was able to do the $100 associate membership but it took some work.  I had to switch to a laptop and then had to refresh the page as I worked through the payment process to get to a credit card option.  Persistence paid off in the end.

   Not that I have a lot of faith in our USPS but my printer works, and the check is in the mail.

[steeleywhopper]

What if we all got together and just raised all kinds of He!! in front of the WDFW booth that they usually have at the Sportsman show? Just really light it up and let them know that we are no longer going to put up with their illegal activities. I know they are mainly Wardens that work the booth, but we have to start putting the heat somewhere. It works for all the other groups in Washington..

WWC gets my money and a big thanks to them for fighting the big fight against a horrible Governor and WDFW Commission!

[Special T]

What if we all got together and just raised all kinds of He!! in front of the WDFW booth that they usually have at the Sportsman show? Just really light it up and let them know that we are no longer going to put up with their illegal activities. I know they are mainly Wardens that work the booth, but we have to start putting the heat somewhere. It works for all the other groups in Washington..

WWC gets my money and a big thanks to them for fighting the big fight against a horrible Governor and WDFW Commission!

Make sure your passion and motivation do something  doesn't undermine what you want. The problem is the comission, do not make enemies  with the employees they are as powerless as we are. Think of how our director has tried to do what is necessary. 2 bear tags, collar calf studies in the blues, etc.  We can nit pic over the camp fire. Direct you messages of discontent to your legislators

[JakeLand]

Are they fighting to keep our trapping in Washington?

[Special T]

Are they fighting to keep our trapping in Washington?

It appears the trappers association is a member of WWC. Do you think your organization has a representative? I saw a FB post a while ago about the passing of Bobby Thornily whom was an founding member of WWC. She and her husband both worked for the department before the merger were active trappers.

Have you asked the Washington State Trapping association?

It sounds to me like we should all ask organizations we belong to ask some questions on our behalf.

[WWC]

The membership hiccup is resolved. Everyone should be able to  buy any membership with out a problem. Please reach out if you encounter a problem.

Are they fighting to keep our trapping in Washington?

Washington State Trappers Association is a group member. Our goal is support all methods of take, and educate people about them. Member groups are stronger with us because of the networking with fellow members.  If you are a trapper, archer, waterfowler, modern firearm, or houndsmen your voice is amplified  when we work together.

[pianoman9701]

My talk portion of the Republicans and conservation panel went very well today. People were stoked that WWC was standing up against the king. I know at least two who signed up on the spot. Out of about 500 people, I suspect there were quite a few more. Joel Kretz was also on the panel. After we got done, I had a line of people to talk to who asked me more about outreach, the WWC, and the suit.

[GASoline71]

My talk portion of the Republicans and conservation panel went very well today. People were stoked that WWC was standing up against the king. I know at least two who signed up on the spot. Out of about 500 people, I suspect there were quite a few more. Joel Kretz was also on the panel. After we got done, I had a line of people to talk to who asked me more about outreach, the WWC, and the suit.

If you need assistance with an outreach of any kind.  I'm game.  Hunters have been painted with too broad of a brush for far too long.  Our public perception has been convoluded by AR's and anti-hunting groups, and we need to change that narrative.

Gary

[pianoman9701]

My talk portion of the Republicans and conservation panel went very well today. People were stoked that WWC was standing up against the king. I know at least two who signed up on the spot. Out of about 500 people, I suspect there were quite a few more. Joel Kretz was also on the panel. After we got done, I had a line of people to talk to who asked me more about outreach, the WWC, and the suit.

If you need assistance with an outreach of any kind.  I'm game.  Hunters have been painted with too broad of a brush for far too long.  Our public perception has been convoluded by AR's and anti-hunting groups, and we need to change that narrative.

Gary

Thanks Gary. We need all the help we can get. If you haven't already, please join the WWC at any level you can afford. www.w4wc.org. 

[GASoline71]

My talk portion of the Republicans and conservation panel went very well today. People were stoked that WWC was standing up against the king. I know at least two who signed up on the spot. Out of about 500 people, I suspect there were quite a few more. Joel Kretz was also on the panel. After we got done, I had a line of people to talk to who asked me more about outreach, the WWC, and the suit.

If you need assistance with an outreach of any kind.  I'm game.  Hunters have been painted with too broad of a brush for far too long.  Our public perception has been convoluded by AR's and anti-hunting groups, and we need to change that narrative.

Gary

Thanks Gary. We need all the help we can get. If you haven't already, please join the WWC at any level you can afford. www.w4wc.org. 

Absolutely!  I have already renewed my membership. 

Gary

[pianoman9701]

Thanks Gary!

[Ghost Hunter]

Here are a few notes from a local RMEF committee meeting.  I was glad to see this noted.

"Government affairs RMEF rep Ryan Bronson discussed RMEF efforts to push back on restrictive gun laws and how they affect fundraising and Pittman Robertson funding for wildlife.
Wolf status was discussed, Alex is on the Wolf advisory committee—33 packs in WA, but not dispersed into 5 packs per area to allow removing from listing protections.
RMEF working with several sports coalition groups to push back on Governor Inslee’s liberal non game appointees to Wildlife commission."

[Special T]

Here are a few notes from a local RMEF committee meeting.  I was glad to see this noted.

"Government affairs RMEF rep Ryan Bronson discussed RMEF efforts to push back on restrictive gun laws and how they affect fundraising and Pittman Robertson funding for wildlife.
Wolf status was discussed, Alex is on the Wolf advisory committee—33 packs in WA, but not dispersed into 5 packs per area to allow removing from listing protections.
RMEF working with several sports coalition groups to push back on Governor Inslee’s liberal non game appointees to Wildlife commission."

I would encourage you to follow up on that. Nail down if they are going to support this lawsuit or if they have something else in mind. Call me a skeptic but get the general feeling that RMEF and similar Orgs have not learned from RMEF massive membership loss when they refused to engage on wolves.