Free: Contests & Raffles.
‘Get Involved!’, a saying you are hearing as a call to action amongst numerous social media posts in regard to getting sportsmen/women involved in the actions of the current WDFW commission. With this comes a lot of kick-back, opinions, falsities, rumors, and in-fighting. It both surprises me but also creates roadblocks to the ultimate goals. Such statements are ‘this state is messed up’, ‘im never buying a tag again’, or ‘nothing we do will change anything’, or even accusations of lying about statements commissioners say. Typically, and this may sound harsh, but these comments come from the least informed or involved. So, bear with me, let’s put some rumors or myths to bed. Understand this is from someone that was NOT involved for several years, and now I am entrenched in the information, ongoings, meetings, studies, and backed/joined by a number of people that are just as involved. The commission has been appointed by the governor, and yes, there are at least 3 of them that have made statements and actions in evidence of being anti-hunting; several have past involvements with anti-hunting groups as well. With this knowledge, don’t be surprised at their actions of supporting ‘social pressure’ in their decisions vs. science-based decisions; a prime example is the dismissal of Spring Bear Season. But let’s address some other statements I’ve seen by people……‘Nothing we do makes a difference’-this is false, and in my view, a total excuse. In the last WDFW meeting, we DID see a difference of both actions and talks within the commissioners, especially when, for the first time, there were more hunters speaking/present than members of several anti-groups…this is the first time this has happened, it was evident on day 4 of the meetings that we made a difference. ‘This state is worthless, I’m never buying a hunting license or tag again’, I believe this a statement that promotes thinking that less funds will deter them, which is completely the wrong way to go about it. NOT buying a tag is EXACTLY what they (certain Commissioners) want you to do. Not buying a tag means no further funding for wildlife programs/studies that will rebut the anti’s positions. Let’s be honest too, that’s an excuse that sounds good in disgust. ‘Screw them, I don’t need a license to hunt, its my god-given right’. While I believe it is your right, as stated in the RCW, (RCW 77.04.012) it does not mean you can do it illegally. This type of statement not only is the wrong way to go about it, but gives sportsmen/women a bad name and, even if you don’t believe it, is watched by anti-groups and the commission and thrown in our faces when we are fighting for the rights of hunting. Think about your statements made on social media or in person for that manner and how it can negatively convey the picture of a true sportsman who is responsible and ethical. ‘Fake news, you’re just trying to get people riled up’. Yes, there are those that make untrue statements to get people riled up on BOTH sides of the isle. However, some of the recent statements from the commission are not. Simply calling it ‘fake news’ without being at the meetings or watching the recordings is irresponsible yourself. Look into these facts or ask questions about where to find the info before jumping to conclusions about even the wildest reported statements, especially when it comes from the commission.Don’t get into the attitude that WDFW is all corrupt and irreversible. Myself and others, especially members of the Conservation Coalition of Washington, have seen good information from WDFW biologist, the Director, and Law Enforcement, even several of the commissioners, however they are in the minority. The commission, on several occasions, has gone directly against their own biologists in regard to game regulations, quotas, and seasons. Several of these biologists have quit in the past several years secondary to this. Pressure and facts against the commission help them see we as sportsmen recognize this. WHAT has changed in the past 6 months following the deflating action of removal of the Spring Bear season is the joining of organizations and groups as a collective in the fight, not individuals. Such orgs as HOWL are having a HUGE impact on the commission, and they have voiced it, especially when the Commissioners who are anti-hunters claim decisions are based on social pressure (Com. Baker, Broadside Podcast). Get involved…..how can you not if you are a true sportsman. Sure, sit back and bitch about how its going or get involved and know you can be apart of the solution, not another problem. Get educated, and if you don’t know where to investigate references, meeting minutes, etc., then ask. But the in-fighting and arguing with the VERY PEOPLE THAT ARE FIGHING FOR YOUR HUNTING RIGHTS needs to stop. We’re all on the same team. There are a lot of upcoming events, dates, and involvement that each person can get involved with that will have an impact. Even if you don’t want to leave the house, fire off an email through HOWL or a personal send to the commissioner’s email in an articulate and educated manner, explaining your distaste for their actions again the very mandate they are supposed to uphold. If you want to sit back, while I don’t advise this, it is your choice too….but you negate any reason, right, or ability to bitch about input, involvement, decision making, or outcome. Upcoming dates:September 8th- Commissioner Meeting- hybrid (Zoom and in person) in YakimaSeptember 12- Fundraising Event in Arlington for legal action, hosted by Bear Country Outdoors (LOTS of giveaways, raffles, etc). Event at Skookum Brewery, 5:30-8:30.October 24-26th- Big commissioner meeting in Olympia where several big decisions on big game seasons, 'preservation policy' will be voted on, etc. We need a big showing at this one and without a doubt the meeting dates were focused on keeping sportsmen away with deer season and middle of the week.
‘Screw them, I don’t need a license to hunt, its my god-given right’. While I believe it is your right, as stated in the RCW, (RCW 77.04.012) it does not mean you can do it illegally. This type of statement not only is the wrong way to go about it, but gives sportsmen/women a bad name and, even if you don’t believe it, is watched by anti-groups and the commission and thrown in our faces when we are fighting for the rights of hunting. Think about your statements made on social media or in person for that manner and how it can negatively convey the picture of a true sportsman who is responsible and ethical.
I took the time after lunch today to pen a rather lengthy email to Commissioner Smith. I’ve sent emails before but this time I thought I’d go straight to the horses mouth. I was polite. Used good grammar and punctuation throughout. Asked her a couple questions. The content of the email was in support of predator hunting here in Washington. We’ll see if I receive a reply. Yeah it took about a half hour out of my day. Not what I wanted to do. Like I said. We’ll see…elksnout.
Vote red before hunting is dead.I'm sorry to you all that believe your voice matters, your vote matters though. If you voted blue this is on you.Thanks
So I’ve yet to have received type of response from Commissioner Smith. No surprise. Does anyone have a thought on which commissioners could by swayed by reaching out to them? elksnout
