Sportsman Alliance files petition to Gov Ferguson for removal of corrupt WA Wildlife Commissioners

[TriggerMike]

Alot to unpack here but it looks like it has some serious teeth for removing Baker, Smith, Lehmkuhl and Rowland. They have documents showing corruption and that these Commissioners broke state law by holding secret meetings and excluding the public and tribes from fish and wildlife decisions.


First link is the SA statement on their petition.

https://sportsmensalliance.org/news/saf-petitions-washington-governor-for-removal-of-commissioners/


Second link is the actual petition to the Governor with documents and emails from the Commissioners that SA acquired through the Public Records Act.


https://sportsmensalliance.org/news/petition-to-remove-commissioners-barbara-baker-john-lehmkuhl-lorna-smith-and-melanie-rowland-from-the-fish-and-wildlife-commission-under-rcw-43-06-070/

[Jake Dogfish]

I don’t see it happening, but good luck anyway.

[ghosthunter]

Excellent hope it works.

[nwmein199]

Happy to hear someone is trying to remove these commissioners. Hopefully this pisses off the tribes and they push for the removal of these commissioners as well

[Scruffy]

It would be nice but as corrupt as Fergie is signing unconstitutional bills into law.  I just don't see him caring about a couple corrupt commissioners.

[Special T]

Don't be so pessimistic. This could be an opportunity. Aside from Baker none of these folks are well connected to the Dem party. The tribes appear to hate Melanie and Lorna is an easy target.

[dwils233]

Even if the governor isn't legally compelled to remove them, they won't get reappointed with this kind of stink on them....as a long play this is helpful too

[TriggerMike]

Ferguson already rescinded multiple appointments. He wants to shape the commission in his vision, which so far seems much more sportsman friendly and sane than Inslee was. This is all he needs to either remove or at least not re-appoint any of these crazy anti hunters. I've been more optimistic about the future of hunting and fishing in WA in the last 6 weeks than I have been in the last 6 years for sure.

[Bushcraft]

Being Governor of Washington state is a notch in his political belt, but let's not forget that Ferguson's goal is to be a U.S. Senator.

As Washington's percentage of voters that don't consider themselves Democrats or Republican grows, the more he will depend on moderate voters to achieve his goal.  If he's smart, and he most certainly is, then he should recognize the value of the moderates in the hunting and fishing communities (to include tribes) that might help tip the odds of him winning the election firmly in his favor.  If he floods the Commission with non-consumptive clowns like Ragan, Smith, Rowland, Lemkuhl, Baker, etc., then he will absolutely alienate a whole bunch of consumptive use voters.

[Twispriver]

I'm looking forward to reading the governor's response.

[Moose Master]

https://www.spokesman.com/stories/2025/may/17/hunting-advocates-petition-for-removal-of-four-was/

Here is another perception from the east side paper.  The agency needs rebuilding

[hughjorgan]

I'm looking forward to reading the governor's response.

If he responds….

“ There is no time limit on how long Governor Ferguson can consider the petition before taking action. Nor is there a requirement that the governor answer the petition one way or the other. Meanwhile, the SAF lawsuit to compel production of insider communications continues, with more activity expected on that case in coming weeks”

https://sportsmensalliance.org/news/saf-petitions-washington-governor-for-removal-of-commissioners/

[TriggerMike]

I'm looking forward to seeing the tens of thousands of documents that have yet to be turned over made public. I'm sure it will only get worse for them.

[jstone]

It will be like when Jay was supposed to turn stuff in and Tax payers just paid the fine

[actionshooter]

 I'm only 20 pages in and there is some pretty interesting reading in the petition documents... seems they knew or had a pretty good idea what they were doing was illegal or at least potentially cause some problems later.

[Limhangerslayer]

Being Governor of Washington state is a notch in his political belt, but let's not forget that Ferguson's goal is to be a U.S. Senator.

As Washington's percentage of voters that don't consider themselves Democrats or Republican grows, the more he will depend on moderate voters to achieve his goal.  If he's smart, and he most certainly is, then he should recognize the value of the moderates in the hunting and fishing communities (to include tribes) that might help tip the odds of him winning the election firmly in his favor.  If he floods the Commission with non-consumptive clowns like Ragan, Smith, Rowland, Lemkuhl, Baker, etc., then he will absolutely alienate a whole bunch of consumptive use voters.

You nailed it Allen, anti hunting is super low on his political agenda!  He’s hoping to win a bunch of moderate votes in the long run. 

[dreamingbig]

I like the heat the SA is bringing.


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[10heiau]

I like the heat the SA is bringing.


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I do as well! I don’t have a lot of money to give to conservation organizations. Based completely on their track record of direct involvement with issues surrounding the commission I have funneled all of my annual conservation org donations to The Sportsman’s Alliance. I’m incredibly happy to see them leading the charge on this still. To all hunters with connections to Washington hunting: I recommend you contribute to The Sportsman’s Alliance! When you do, let them know it’s in support of the good work they are doing in Washington state!
Edit: spelling

[Skillet]

This was just discussed on the Vortex podcast.  Good to see it's getting attention outside of Washington.

[dreamingbig]

Randy Newberg and Ryan Callahan have both been pushing the issues on their platforms too.


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[TriggerMike]

Barbara Baker has been summoned by the Governor's office for a meeting this upcoming Monday.

And a good article here from NW Sportsman Mag summing up the meetings this week.

https://nwsportsmanmag.com/a-fiery-morning-with-the-washington-fish-and-wildlife-commission/

[addicted1]

I like the heat the SA is bringing.


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Same! Considering I am member it makes me especially happy to see they fighting for us.

[ghosthunter]

I like the heat the SA is bringing.


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Same! Considering I am member it makes me especially happy to see they fighting for us.

 

I am a member too. And I hope they take so far that the foul four are gone. Be a good example for the rest and future commissioners.

Sounds like Baker got called to the Governor’s office this coming week. Fingers crossed.

I would really like Smith and Baker gone.

[hunter399]

No way this happened
Just unbelievable 😮 
Maybe the text/email wouldn't be out of context,if you didn't try to delete a bunch of stuff.....lol
Good side game , trying to derail the subject with the federal land grab.
Hope they keep digging.

[ASHQUACK]

I am a member too. And I hope they take so far that the foul four are gone. Be a good example for the rest and future commissioners.

Sadly enough I figure that SA bringing out the heat is only going to make them (commissioners) hide deeper in the shadows to get what they want done, done. I don't believe for one second that Fergy will act on this or anything else in the consumptive users favor.

[hunter399]

Hilary's missing email......lol 😂
Free lunch for everyone!!!!
Definition of conservation...still makes me laugh.

Let's have a meeting,about the meeting,with another meeting.
Then five closed door meetings and a social dinner meeting....lol

[Humptulips]

I am a member too. And I hope they take so far that the foul four are gone. Be a good example for the rest and future commissioners.

Sadly enough I figure that SA bringing out the heat is only going to make them (commissioners) hide deeper in the shadows to get what they want done, done. I don't believe for one second that Fergy will act on this or anything else in the consumptive users favor.

I don't believe Ferguson will fire them either. It is however a strong argument against reappointment and Smith, Rowland and Lehmkuhl's terms expire next year.

[RC]

Being that she will be meeting with Ferguson directly, perhaps this would be a good time to email him directly to try and get him to take action. Can’t hurt!

[pickardjw]

Start the video at or before 31:25 minutes in to hear Dane's testimony. It's worth the listen.

https://tvw.org/video/washington-fish-and-wildlife-commission-2025061076/?eventID=2025061076

[Tinmaniac]

Interesting to hear and watch Lorna Smith clutch her pearls and feign terror in the response to public input."These people have guns you know,and the black trucks rolling in front of our house!" "We've had to listen to you people for an hour and a half."

[ghosthunter]

Interesting to hear and watch Lorna Smith clutch her pearls and feign terror in the response to public input."These people have guns you know,and the black trucks rolling in front of our house!" "We've had to listen to you people for an hour and a half."

Smoke and mirrors ,they got caught now they are trying to distract from it. The Foul Four need to be gone.

[ghosthunter]

I am anxious for more evidence from SA. Like to keep the heat on these commissioners. It really bothers me how they behave.

[MADMAX]

https://blog.eastmans.com/washington-state-game-commission-corruption-uncovered/


If they don’t get booted from their position
You’ll know how much Washington values the hunting community.
Ferguson needs to act.

[Jake Dogfish]

If Baker is removed from the commission, who do you expect to take over as commission chair? 

[Tbar]

If Baker is removed from the commission, who do you expect to take over as commission chair? 

Oh no,  they'd be so lost! Enlighten us why she is the only one who can lead the commission.  Or better yet why she is leading,  I've literally never seen the dysfunction or violations of roberts that the gavel should control. 

[Jake Dogfish]

If Baker is removed from the commission, who do you expect to take over as commission chair? 

Oh no,  they'd be so lost! Enlighten us why she is the only one who can lead the commission.  Or better yet why she is leading,  I've literally never seen the dysfunction or violations of roberts that the gavel should control.

I would expect Smith to take over. 
A much more liberal agenda of “what can we close next”? 

[fishngamereaper]

https://blog.eastmans.com/washington-state-game-commission-corruption-uncovered/


If they don’t get booted from their position
You’ll know how much Washington values the hunting community.
Ferguson needs to act.

I think Ferguson has to act...
If not it makes him and his AG look corrupt.....
There's grounds for criminal charges....
If one of "Troopers" behaved the same way they'd get fired ..

[MADMAX]

Do we even need a commission ?

[Tbar]

Do we even need a commission ?

Considering the proposed alternative, yes! Ruth at the top would be a nightmare. 

[dwils233]

https://blog.eastmans.com/washington-state-game-commission-corruption-uncovered/


If they don’t get booted from their position
You’ll know how much Washington values the hunting community.
Ferguson needs to act.

I think Ferguson has to act...
If not it makes him and his AG look corrupt.....
There's grounds for criminal charges....
If one of "Troopers" behaved the same way they'd get fired ..

No he doesn't. He could leave it to the lawsuit to sort it out if he thinks the case has merit. He's still getting them removed without inviting the fanatical blowback of animal rights activists

[ghosthunter]

If Baker is removed from the commission, who do you expect to take over as commission chair? 

Baker shouldn’t be chair. Her demeanor in condescending towards Sportsman and Fishermen.

Linville called out the Commission after she left on podcasts. And I respect her for not getting sucked into the foul four dealings.

[ghosthunter]

Hey Tbar

If I were a member of the tribes I would be asking for them to be talking to the governor over these commissioners.

Any news on that front you heard of?

[RC]

Just saw this in the Seattle Times:

A national sportsmen’s group says it has found “egregious” violations of Washington’s Public Records Act by the state’s Department of Fish and Wildlife commissioners, and it’s asking Gov. Bob Ferguson to remove them.

The Sportsmen’s Alliance initially requested records after commissioners, who set policy for the state Fish and Wildlife department, voted to cancel spring bear hunting season indefinitely in 2022, which upset some hunters.

A commissioner said during that meeting they received a text from a constituent, prompting the Sportsmen’s Alliance to file a public records request with the agency in September 2023.

That commissioner informed WDFW staff they didn’t have the text after records requests were filed for it. The state Public Records Act requires the commissioners to retain official records, including texts.

The Sportsmen’s Alliance filed a lawsuit against WDFW in Thurston County Superior Court in January seeking the public records related to their request. The organization said the “vast majority” of the records were only delivered after the lawsuit was filed.

On Friday, the U.S. Sportsmen’s Alliance filed supplemental evidence to a petition filed with the governor in May asking Gov. Bob Ferguson to remove the four commissioners after it discovered “undeniable evidence that commissioners have, or intended to, destroyed or deleted substantive public records.”

“The point is, you’re not supposed to be conducting business in the dark,” said Todd Adkins, senior vice president for the Sportsmen’s Alliance.

In response to questions from The Seattle Times, the Fish and Wildlife Department declined to comment due to the pending lawsuit and sent a May news release saying it had released records to the Sportsmen’s Alliance. The agency directed reporters to Ferguson’s office.

Brionna Aho, a spokesperson for Ferguson’s office, said in an email it received the petition and amendment Friday, and was “in the process of reviewing the information.”

The Sportsmen’s Alliance represents members in all 50 states, Adkins said. Some of their Washington members flagged their concerns to the organization after the 2022 vote. Commissioners voted 5-4 against recreational spring bear hunting, citing concerns about killing nursing bear mothers, which may orphan cubs.

The Sportsmen’s Alliance’s petition said the records they received showed “one egregious example after another of violations of open meetings requirements,” along with “open flouting” of state laws, “a patent disregard of the interest of Indian tribes,” and general disdain for the public’s involvement in government processes.

Records posted online by the organization show a commissioner repeatedly asking other commissioners and staff members to delete texts discussing WDFW commission matters, which would be a violation of the Public Records Act.

After the request by the Sportsmen’s Alliance, one commissioner admitted to possibly deleting records before they “knew of the importance of retaining such emails.” 

The state’s Public Records Act says anyone who destroys or conceals public records willfully is guilty of a class C felony, punishable by up to five years in jail and/or a fine up to $1,000.

The Sportsmen’s Alliance said in its Friday petition that the evidence is “more than enough evidence of misconduct, malfeasance, and incompetence to justify dismissal” of commissioners.

In total, WDFW has nine governor-appointed commissioners who have six-year terms. All four commissioners at the heart of the petition and lawsuit were appointed by former Gov. Jay Inslee.

[Nmesub]

The comments in the seattle times article about the situation is what you would expect from west side Washington. https://www.seattletimes.com/seattle-news/politics/wa-state-fish-and-wildlife-commissioners-violated-public-records-law-group-says/?fbclid=IwY2xjawLREblleHRuA2FlbQIxMQABHneK2mFao5feS31LMGbgHVjXd7ZjSIY18ATbsfjGGlQRnZH69u-t1cw4o4Fz_aem_Xs0Bg-_qHt4dS8VDoqT-NA

[EnglishSetter]

"We've had to listen to you (public) for 1.5 hours" is all one really needs to know to come to the conclusion these folks are not fit for the position.

[timberfaller]

 

leftist don't understand the words, "public servant"!!  Nor "criminals"

[HntnFsh]

Has Baker had her meeting with Bob yet?

[pickardjw]

I joined/donated to the Sportsmen's Alliance after listening to the Vortex podcast episode. They seem like a well organized, valuable asset for sportsmen across the country.

[lewy]

I see it made the local news the other night as well. Was just a quick blip but I was glad to see it in the local mainstream media