Post by: ucwarden on September 21, 2013, 04:07:41 PM
OPERATION CODY
The book
The book
(See attached cover photo)
This true story, told in first-person, follows two undercover Washington game wardens as they work to bring down the Pacific Northwest’s wildlife parts black-market. The undercover game wardens, posing as husband and wife, lure commercial poachers into their trap by operating an undercover wildlife business complete with an enticing website. Follow along as the two wardens risk their lives dealing with dangerous criminals, all the while battling their own administration in an effort to keep their investigation running.
Available on www.amazon.com (http://www.amazon.com) or
From the author, for $15.50 (inluding a signed copy and shipping within the US), by contacting the author at: ucwarden@gmail.com
Post by: quadrafire on September 21, 2013, 04:35:29 PM
I just finished reading this book. It is addictive and difficult to put down. I would like to say I loved it, but truthfully it was sickening.
Sickening to see the wanton waste of animals
Sickening to see the disregard for our natural resources
Sickening to see certain groups of people that feel entitled to "our" resources.
I am angered that this "Operation Cody" was not more successful.
It leaves you hanging a bit at the end wondering what happened to all of the "perps" but since it is so fresh, maybe there are still cases developing?
Overall a good read, entertaining and maddening at the same time.
I give it :tup: :tup:
Post by: ucwarden on September 21, 2013, 04:39:31 PM
OK........
I just finished reading this book. It is addictive and difficult to put down. I would like to say I loved it, but truthfully it was sickening.
Sickening to see the wanton waste of animals
Sickening to see the disregard for our natural resources
Sickening to see certain groups of people that feel entitled to "our" resources.
I am angered that this "Operation Cody" was not more successful.
It leaves you hanging a bit at the end wondering what happened to all of the "perps" but since it is so fresh, maybe there are still cases developing?
Overall a good read, entertaining and maddening at the same time.
I give it :tup: :tup:
Thanks for the two thumbs up. Would you mind please writing a review on Amazon?
If it makes you feel a little better, some of the suspects are already serving their prison time. Others are awaiting trial still. Once all the cases are done, I promise and update.
Take care. Todd
Post by: quadrafire on September 21, 2013, 04:40:39 PM
check your PM box
Post by: ucwarden on September 21, 2013, 04:47:06 PM
OK........
I just finished reading this book. It is addictive and difficult to put down. I would like to say I loved it, but truthfully it was sickening.
Sickening to see the wanton waste of animals
Sickening to see the disregard for our natural resources
Sickening to see certain groups of people that feel entitled to "our" resources.
I am angered that this "Operation Cody" was not more successful.
It leaves you hanging a bit at the end wondering what happened to all of the "perps" but since it is so fresh, maybe there are still cases developing?
Overall a good read, entertaining and maddening at the same time.
I give it :tup: :tup:
Did you pick up on my subtle hints that I was just a little frustrated with the WDFW enforcment chain-of-command?
Post by: quadrafire on September 21, 2013, 04:55:29 PM
"Derailed by the Jackwagons" could have been the subtitle
Post by: firefighter4607 on September 21, 2013, 05:55:34 PM
I will have to send you an email.
Post by: ucwarden on September 21, 2013, 05:58:49 PM
I will have to order it and read it. It seems like it will be a great book. I have a couple friends whom have wrote about there careers and their books are great. One was an officer and the other is a paramedic.
I will have to send you an email.
Sounds good
Post by: MtnMuley on September 21, 2013, 07:03:57 PM
Post by: ucwarden on September 22, 2013, 06:08:17 AM
Ordering a copy right now. Can't wait :tup:
Great. Let me, and everyone else, know what you think when you are done with it.
Post by: HardCorpsHuntr on September 22, 2013, 07:29:36 AM
Post by: muzbuster on September 22, 2013, 09:45:20 AM
Post by: sven on September 22, 2013, 11:55:51 AM
Just ordered through Amazon this morning. Sounds like a good read.:yeah:
Post by: ucwarden on September 22, 2013, 01:26:15 PM
Just sent you an email for 2 books. Actually, lets make it 3. Thanks.
I responded to your email. Thanks
Post by: pianoman9701 on September 22, 2013, 01:51:53 PM
Post by: ucwarden on September 22, 2013, 02:03:02 PM
1/4 of the way into the book and it's already very exciting.
You gotta admit; it's pretty hard to understand how I feel about the adminintration, isn't it?
Post by: pianoman9701 on September 22, 2013, 04:28:02 PM
Post by: ucwarden on September 22, 2013, 06:49:11 PM
The problems you have had with the administration are no surprise to me whatsoever.
But at least I was subtle right?
Post by: rasbo on September 23, 2013, 05:06:09 AM
Post by: Special T on September 23, 2013, 08:50:25 AM
Post by: ucwarden on September 23, 2013, 09:11:13 AM
Read the free preview.. Now i can't wait until my birthday so i can read the rest of it... Fortunately i don't have to wait long... It always helps the inlaws when i give them specifics of what i'd like... ;)
Hope you enjoy the book, even though it is bound to make you mad!
Post by: Elkrunner on September 23, 2013, 10:43:32 AM
Post by: Special T on September 23, 2013, 11:17:46 AM
Post by: ucwarden on September 23, 2013, 11:27:34 AM
I read a book about the forrest service that made me so mad it took me 6 months to read because i could only read it 15min at a time once a week or so... Hopefully this doesn't piss me off as much.
Sorry, but it will probably be worse.
Post by: Special T on September 23, 2013, 11:31:41 AM
Post by: Odell on September 23, 2013, 11:35:58 AM
Post by: ucwarden on September 23, 2013, 06:42:01 PM
Just bought the Kindle version. Look forward to reading it.
Please do me a favor; when you are done write a review on Amazon, as well as on here?
Thanks. Todd
Post by: wadu1 on September 24, 2013, 08:58:58 PM
Post by: Odell on September 25, 2013, 06:19:20 PM
Just bought the Kindle version. Look forward to reading it.
Please do me a favor; when you are done write a review on Amazon, as well as on here?
Thanks. Todd
Sure. Just finished today.
Operation Cody is a book that anyone who hunts, fishes or enjoys natural resources should read. In fact, I wish every WA resident would read this. I promise you will be outraged by how little WDFW has done to protect the wildlife we all own. I assumed operations like this happened all the time, not so. Operation Cody seems to be the first (and maybe last) of its kind and even then it was shut down just when it started going. The book is easy to read and hard to put down. The author takes you inside a world of criminal trafficking in wildlife that seems to rampant and is honestly scary when you consider how much probably is still unknown.
Unfortunately the book fails to deliver at the end. There are very few details from the raids when the warrants are served and you have no closure on what has happened to these characters you have grown to know and loathe. There are no specific punishments listed and the reason given for that omission is insufficient. I suspect we would be even more outraged if we knew the level of punishment.
The author does a good job exposing the bureaucratic issues in the WDFW ranging from politics to incompetency, but some of the authors commentary comes off as petty and bitter. Enough so that it makes you wonder if there is another side of the story. I can understand his frustration after giving two years of his life to this operation, but a few edits would go a long way.
All in all, this is a must read and every hunter in this state should buy a copy for themselves and a friend. We all owe Todd a heartfelt thanks (and a steak) for his service to our state.
Post by: ucwarden on September 25, 2013, 09:06:12 PM
Just bought the Kindle version. Look forward to reading it.
Please do me a favor; when you are done write a review on Amazon, as well as on here?
Thanks. Todd
Sure. Just finished today.
Operation Cody is a book that anyone who hunts, fishes or enjoys natural resources should read. In fact, I wish every WA resident would read this. I promise you will be outraged by how little WDFW has done to protect the wildlife we all own. I assumed operations like this happened all the time, not so. Operation Cody seems to be the first (and maybe last) of its kind and even then it was shut down just when it started going. The book is easy to read and hard to put down. The author takes you inside a world of criminal trafficking in wildlife that seems to rampant and is honestly scary when you consider how much probably is still unknown.
Unfortunately the book fails to deliver at the end. There are very few details from the raids when the warrants are served and you have no closure on what has happened to these characters you have grown to know and loathe. There are no specific punishments listed and the reason given for that omission is insufficient. I suspect we would be even more outraged if we knew the level of punishment.
The author does a good job exposing the bureaucratic issues in the WDFW ranging from politics to incompetency, but some of the authors commentary comes off as petty and bitter. Enough so that it makes you wonder if there is another side of the story. I can understand his frustration after giving two years of his life to this operation, but a few edits would go a long way.
All in all, this is a must read and every hunter in this state should buy a copy for themselves and a friend. We all owe Todd a heartfelt thanks (and a steak) for his service to our state.
Odell:
I would like to explain the lack of detail "at the end". Many of the cases, in this book, have not yet been revolved in court and a few haven't even been charged yet. You might be asking, with that in mind, why I didn't wait to release the book until after all of the cases were done and I could put in the sentences of the suspects.
I wrote and released the book, not as a big money maker, but rather to try to get some real change in WDFW and how they conduct major investigations. I knew, a few months ago, WDFW Chief Bjork was going to retire at the end of August 2013, and hoped that just maybe the book might make some small difference in how things settled out with the new administration. So I released be the book in an effort to educate the public (and some of the officers in WDFW).
For the same reason, I did not put in much detail in what was found in the search warrants, but there really wasn't anything shocking there...meth, guns, and lot's of illegal wildlife.
In the coming months, I will do my best to update you and others on this forum, regarding what some of the suspects got for sentences.
As to your comment about my coming off as "petty and bitter", I can see where you (or others) may view it as such, but then again you didn't fight that administration everyday, to just give wildlife cases equal treatment as shellfish. No doubt about it, I became very bitter, but I believe it was justified.
Thanks for taking the time to read the book, for your support of wildlife and for your comments.
Todd
Post by: Odell on September 25, 2013, 09:37:42 PM
I understand what you are saying about the details, its just tough from the readers perspective. You really want to know what happens to the people you have been following.
Thanks again for your work.
Post by: DBHAWTHORNE on September 25, 2013, 10:24:41 PM
Post by: quadrafire on September 26, 2013, 07:31:09 AM
Post by: ucwarden on September 26, 2013, 10:17:37 AM
Todd when you update on these cases could you use this same thread so we can follow along?
Will do.
Post by: Todd_ID on September 26, 2013, 10:28:40 AM
I was not surprised to hear of illegal sales happening in substantial numbers. I was surprised to hear that WDFW and former Dept of Game had nothing going trying to stop these with the exception of individual officers happening to get lucky once in a while. My hope is that these types of operations will continue indefinitely; every single animal that is taken illegally is one animal closer to the end of hunting as we know it.
Imagine the health of our herds if this illegal trade could be stopped!
Post by: pianoman9701 on September 26, 2013, 11:04:07 AM
Post by: ucwarden on September 27, 2013, 08:10:56 AM
Looks like they're focused on geoduck. No wonder they were so happy to see an opportunity to allow wolves into the state. If there aren't any elk and deer, they can concentrate on geoduck. Wonderful! :bash:
I would advise everyone to remember that while the administration, in place at the time, certainly prioritized shellfish over wildlife, we do have many outstanding uniformed officers and great detectives. They all just need support and direction from the admin., to be allowed to focus on all fish and wildlife not just an ugly clam.
They also need to be allowed to spend more time on major investigations, without worrying about being chastized for not writing a bunch of minor tickets; quality over quantity!
Post by: pianoman9701 on September 27, 2013, 08:22:17 AM
Looks like they're focused on geoduck. No wonder they were so happy to see an opportunity to allow wolves into the state. If there aren't any elk and deer, they can concentrate on geoduck. Wonderful! :bash:
I would advise everyone to remember that while the administration, in place at the time, certainly prioritized shellfish over wildlife, we do have many outstanding uniformed officers and great detectives. They all just need support and direction from the admin., to be allowed to focus on all fish and wildlife not just an ugly clam.
They also need to be allowed to spend more time on major investigations, without worrying about being chastized for not writing a bunch of minor tickets; quality over quantity!
I have absolutely nothing against the LE arm of the DFW. I want my resources protected and they do that very well and as far as I've seen, very professionally. It's the administration and the Commission that has lost track of the mission and created an atmosphere of contention, pitting hunters against the DFW and the wildlife watchers. Heaven help them (funny expression from an atheist) if we can ever elect a conservative governor. Heaven help us if we can't!
Post by: bearpaw on September 28, 2013, 08:07:51 AM
I would be willing to throw in $20 to a kitty to send a book to each wildlife commissioner. Anybody else want to help get this done?
Post by: pianoman9701 on September 28, 2013, 10:51:08 AM
I'm busy hunting and have not read the book, but it sounds like every wildlife commissioner should get a copy of this book to read.
I would be willing to throw in $20 to a kitty to send a book to each wildlife commissioner. Anybody else want to help get this done?
I'm in. How do we get them to care, though?
Post by: Special T on September 28, 2013, 01:46:50 PM
Post by: deaner on September 28, 2013, 01:57:56 PM
Post by: wadu1 on September 28, 2013, 02:10:50 PM
1/4 of the way into the book and it's already very exciting.
You gotta admit; it's pretty hard to understand how I feel about the adminintration, isn't it?
Good read just finished, I think book2 will be better after the cases close. That administration sure put a lot of lives at risk by going public during the raids. Then showing all the world how "Operation Cody" worked on the news; puts the screws for other wildlife agents wanting to try the same scheme that would apply to all of North America.
:salute: Todd thank you for your efforts and Jennifer's as well.
Post by: ucwarden on September 28, 2013, 03:56:40 PM
would you prefer it to be purchased from amazon or from you directly?
Either way is fine. If you want it autographed, then it will have to come from me.
I do have a bunch sitting here now, so I can ship immediately.
Post by: ucwarden on September 28, 2013, 03:57:50 PM
1/4 of the way into the book and it's already very exciting.
You gotta admit; it's pretty hard to understand how I feel about the adminintration, isn't it?
Good read just finished, I think book2 will be better after the cases close. That administration sure put a lot of lives at risk by going public during the raids. Then showing all the world how "Operation Cody" worked on the news; puts the screws for other wildlife agents wanting to try the same scheme that would apply to all of North America.
:salute: Todd thank you for your efforts and Jennifer's as well.
You are very welcome, and thank you for your support.
Post by: Special T on September 29, 2013, 06:47:37 AM
Post by: ucwarden on September 29, 2013, 07:05:39 AM
5 of the eight commissioners are Marine specific in their occupation.
And so is the director, but that isn't necessarily a bad thing. We have many former fisheries officers who took well to the merger, and truly do treat wildlife cases equal to fish/shellfish. It just takes an open mind.
One of the problems is that at the end of a shellfish investigation, there are often thousands (or even a million) of dollars to seize, but in wildlife cases we normally end up with a beat up Toyota and some rifles. We have to convince them all, that it is the resources that should be most important, not the money.
Post by: sven on September 29, 2013, 11:14:07 AM
Post by: CoryTDF on September 29, 2013, 11:42:54 AM
Post by: wadu1 on September 29, 2013, 05:43:14 PM
Just read the preview. Think i'll have to buys this.Cory you won't be sorry for getting this book, I'm getting extras for X-mas gifts. We bitch and moan about the field officers but read the book and see what kind of crap they deal with. I've been hunting WA since the late 60's and have never had a problem with the WA filed officers and I could not tell you how many I have encountered in the field. Everyone was professional and respective and both sides gave guidance for a positive outcome.
Post by: runningboard on September 29, 2013, 06:43:21 PM
Post by: KFhunter on September 29, 2013, 06:54:57 PM
would you prefer it to be purchased from amazon or from you directly?
Either way is fine. If you want it autographed, then it will have to come from me.
I do have a bunch sitting here now, so I can ship immediately.
I sent you a PM - need another book :chuckle:
Post by: ucwarden on September 29, 2013, 07:32:25 PM
would you prefer it to be purchased from amazon or from you directly?
Either way is fine. If you want it autographed, then it will have to come from me.
I do have a bunch sitting here now, so I can ship immediately.
I sent you a PM - need another book :chuckle:
I replied. Thanks
Post by: deaner on September 29, 2013, 08:13:46 PM
im assuming thats it? title is a little diff than title of thread, just wanted to be positive im buying the right book
Post by: sumbeech66 on September 29, 2013, 08:43:37 PM
Read this thread last night... ordered the book on the kindle and just finished it up.
Interesting read thats for sure. It's unbelievable what these people did in a short period of time with even less help from the "higher ups"
:tup: Recommend :tup:
Thanks for spending the last years of your career doing the right things even through all the trial and tribulations. I think most in your position would have went about their daily routine until time was up. :tup:
Post by: sumbeech66 on September 29, 2013, 09:08:28 PM
Did you offer the phone salesman a job?
And I loved how you came up with the name "Operation Cody" :chuckle:
Post by: ucwarden on September 30, 2013, 06:37:40 AM
Operation Cody: An Undercover Investigation of Illegal Wildlife Trafficking by Todd A Vandiver
im assuming thats it? title is a little diff than title of thread, just wanted to be positive im buying the right book
The title is simply: "Operation Cody"
Post by: ucwarden on September 30, 2013, 06:38:56 AM
:yike: :yike: :yike:
Read this thread last night... ordered the book on the kindle and just finished it up.
Interesting read thats for sure. It's unbelievable what these people did in a short period of time with even less help from the "higher ups"
:tup: Recommend :tup:
Thanks for spending the last years of your career doing the right things even through all the trial and tribulations. I think most in your position would have went about their daily routine until time was up. :tup:
Thanks for your support and kind words. Would you please do me a favor and write a review on Amazon?
Todd
Post by: ucwarden on September 30, 2013, 06:40:50 AM
Oh ya...
Did you offer the phone salesman a job?
And I loved how you came up with the name "Operation Cody" :chuckle:
I would have loved to have offered a job to the cell phone salesman, but unfortunately a recommendation from me (for a F&W Enforcement job) would be a kiss of death. I don't carry much weight with our administration.
Post by: sumbeech66 on September 30, 2013, 09:01:39 PM
:yike: :yike: :yike:
Read this thread last night... ordered the book on the kindle and just finished it up.
Interesting read thats for sure. It's unbelievable what these people did in a short period of time with even less help from the "higher ups"
:tup: Recommend :tup:
Thanks for spending the last years of your career doing the right things even through all the trial and tribulations. I think most in your position would have went about their daily routine until time was up. :tup:
Thanks for your support and kind words. Would you please do me a favor and write a review on Amazon?
Todd
Review done! :tup:
Post by: ucwarden on October 01, 2013, 06:42:50 AM
:yike: :yike: :yike:
Read this thread last night... ordered the book on the kindle and just finished it up.
Interesting read thats for sure. It's unbelievable what these people did in a short period of time with even less help from the "higher ups"
:tup: Recommend :tup:
Thanks for spending the last years of your career doing the right things even through all the trial and tribulations. I think most in your position would have went about their daily routine until time was up. :tup:
Thanks for your support and kind words. Would you please do me a favor and write a review on Amazon?
Todd
Review done! :tup:
Thanks
Post by: MtnMuley on October 01, 2013, 09:29:33 AM
Post by: ucwarden on October 01, 2013, 02:41:53 PM
Believe I received my copy in the mail yesterday. Haven't opened it up to check, but plan on it tonight. :tup:
Great. Hope you find it interesting.
Todd
Post by: muzbuster on October 04, 2013, 09:00:12 AM
Post by: ucwarden on October 04, 2013, 11:08:31 AM
About 1/2 way through the book, a good read so far! :tup:
Glad to hear you like it. Once you are done, please take a few minutes and write a review on Amazon, as well as on here.
Thanks. Todd
Post by: pianoman9701 on October 04, 2013, 11:15:03 AM
Post by: ucwarden on October 04, 2013, 11:53:43 AM
I want real names, Todd. I'm actually stuck in the book because it's so frustrating reading about the disfunction of our DFW. We knew about it to some extent, but to read about it from a former LE is tough to see.
As far as real names, do you mean on the WDFW employees or the suspects?
I did use real names for all of the WDFW employees. The federal agents involved asked for me not to use their real names, so I respected their wishes. Once the cases are done on the suspects, I will be more than happy to use their real names to.
Post by: pianoman9701 on October 04, 2013, 12:27:29 PM
I want real names, Todd. I'm actually stuck in the book because it's so frustrating reading about the disfunction of our DFW. We knew about it to some extent, but to read about it from a former LE is tough to see.
As far as real names, do you mean on the WDFW employees or the suspects?
I did use real names for all of the WDFW employees. The federal agents involved asked for me not to use their real names, so I respected their wishes. Once the cases are done on the suspects, I will be more than happy to use their real names to.
I meant DFW employees. Good to know. Thanks.
Post by: ucwarden on October 04, 2013, 06:57:27 PM
I want real names, Todd. I'm actually stuck in the book because it's so frustrating reading about the disfunction of our DFW. We knew about it to some extent, but to read about it from a former LE is tough to see.
As far as real names, do you mean on the WDFW employees or the suspects?
I did use real names for all of the WDFW employees. The federal agents involved asked for me not to use their real names, so I respected their wishes. Once the cases are done on the suspects, I will be more than happy to use their real names to.
I meant DFW employees. Good to know. Thanks.
And for those of you who have read the book, you will interested to know that apparently Mike Cenci was just promoted back to Deputy Chief by the new Chief (Chief Crown). So Cenci demoted from Deputy Chief to Captain for almost a month before the new chief (a close friend of Cenci's) put him right back as DC. Also; Cenci will apparently be in charge of SIU (Detectives), so expect to see some really good geoduck cases coming in the future!! After all "Nobody gives a @#$# about deer and elk".....right?
Post by: Axle on October 04, 2013, 07:11:13 PM
Quote
Imagine the health of our herds if this illegal trade could be stopped!
Better yet - it would be nice to see how healthy 'AND NUMEROUS' our wild ungulates would be if our corrupt government (with the help of our wildlife department) would not kill them all off with predators.
I'm not coming against your book or your work. I'm sure you did a good job but the animals that have been slaughtered by cougars and wolves cannot even come close to what the poachers and wasters do.
I have not read the book yet but I love reading the 'busting' operations.
Post by: sliverthrower on October 07, 2013, 07:47:34 PM
Post by: Jack Diamond on October 07, 2013, 08:08:05 PM
Post by: ucwarden on October 07, 2013, 08:18:11 PM
Great read. Would be interested in a list of D.A.'s that didn't follow through with charges in a timely manner. Would hate to vote for the wrong guy in Nov. or worst yet if one of them ran for attorney general or superior court judge in the future.
King County is the worst. Yakima not too far behind, but may come through. I will keep all of you posted
Post by: ucwarden on October 07, 2013, 08:19:06 PM
:dunno:Chief Crown- not Steve Crown?? there must be another Crown .
Nope; one in the same...Chief Steve Crown
Post by: Jack Diamond on October 07, 2013, 08:34:23 PM
Post by: KFhunter on October 07, 2013, 08:36:57 PM
Post by: CAMPMEAT on October 07, 2013, 08:58:12 PM
Post by: KFhunter on October 07, 2013, 09:05:11 PM
Post by: ucwarden on October 08, 2013, 07:12:37 AM
I ain't no reader, but I just ordered the book.
When you are done with it, please take the time to review it on Amazon and on here. Hope you enjoy it
Post by: ucwarden on October 08, 2013, 07:14:59 AM
WDFW is ripe for a book like this to destroy what little public trust they had left.
I understand, but please do keep in-mind there are a whole lot of very dedicated officers just waiting for some leadership. It's not that WDFW needs a total house cleaning, they just need some real leadership. If we could all force some real change in admin., I am pretty sure we would all be pleased with the outcome.
Post by: PlateauNDN on October 08, 2013, 07:28:30 AM
Post by: ucwarden on October 08, 2013, 08:11:52 AM
:yeah: seems a lot of that needs to happen and not just in that section/govt. :tup:
No doubt. We had a friend from New Zealand with us. He just left yesterday and had planned on touring Glacier Park and Yellowstone.....guess you know how that's going to go.
Seems that nobody does their jobs anymore.....especially congress and the president.
Post by: rasbo on October 09, 2013, 04:14:52 AM
Post by: CoryTDF on October 09, 2013, 06:20:38 AM
Post by: ucwarden on October 09, 2013, 07:00:15 AM
good read thanks for the book..Cenci would have tested every nerve I had.
Thanks. Now would you please write reviews on Amazon and on here?
Post by: Axle on October 09, 2013, 07:11:04 AM
Quote
WDFW is ripe for a book like this to destroy what little public trust they had left.
I understand, but please do keep in-mind there are a whole lot of very dedicated officers just waiting for some leadership. It's not that WDFW needs a total house cleaning, they just need some real leadership. If we could all force some real change in admin., I am pretty sure we would all be pleased with the outcome.
It would be nice to know how to do this. I would assume the only way for this to happen is if hunters and trappers were the ones to put people into position at WDFW. If corrupt politicians are involved (as they have been) then the whole system is flawed.
Post by: ucwarden on October 09, 2013, 08:10:19 AM
QuoteWDFW is ripe for a book like this to destroy what little public trust they had left.
I understand, but please do keep in-mind there are a whole lot of very dedicated officers just waiting for some leadership. It's not that WDFW needs a total house cleaning, they just need some real leadership. If we could all force some real change in admin., I am pretty sure we would all be pleased with the outcome.
It would be nice to know how to do this. I would assume the only way for this to happen is if hunters and trappers were the ones to put people into position at WDFW. If corrupt politicians are involved (as they have been) then the whole system is flawed.
If I knew how to effect change easily, I would have done so a long time ago, but I do believe it can happen.
Always remember that everyone has a boss; whether it be the Governor, the commission, the director etc. In-light of the fact that the new WDFW chief was one of the former chief's staff (and a very close friend of the deputy chief), I am guessing the WDFW director either doesn't care what happens in enforcement or agrees with it.
Once the major hunting seasons are over, I want to try to make some real changes; perhaps through WFW (Washington for Wildlife). If we don't at least try, we can't complain too much. For one thing, I seriously doubt the legislators and F&W commissioners have any idea of what is going on.
Don't give up, there is a chance we can change things for the better.
Post by: ucwarden on October 10, 2013, 06:29:57 PM
Check it out and let me know what you think...just remember I am still working on it.
Todd
Post by: pianoman9701 on October 12, 2013, 08:43:10 PM
Post by: Knocker of rocks on October 12, 2013, 09:28:00 PM
Who's the outdoor radio host who's big in Seattle? He should have a copy right away.KIRO 710 AM
http://mynorthwest.com/category/outdoor_line/ (http://mynorthwest.com/category/outdoor_line/)
KJR 950AM
http://www.sportsradiokjr.com/media/podcast-nw-wild-country-ondemand-NWWildCountry/ (http://www.sportsradiokjr.com/media/podcast-nw-wild-country-ondemand-NWWildCountry/)
Post by: ucwarden on October 13, 2013, 09:22:03 AM
I've finished the book finally. Great work for wildlife & sportsmen. Thank you, Todd. I hate the resistance you received to complete your work. It's really appalling. Who's the outdoor radio host who's big in Seattle? He should have a copy right away.
I was hoping the book release just might get the director to think a bit about who he put in as the next chief (replacing Bjork), but it clearly didn't work....he put in Steve Crown as chief. Crown immediately put Cenci back in as a deputy chief, and put him in change of SIU (detectives)!!!
Post by: Axle on October 13, 2013, 10:17:14 AM
Quote
I was hoping the book release just might get the director to think a bit about who he put in as the next chief (replacing Bjork), but it clearly didn't work....he put in Steve Crown as chief. Crown immediately put Cenci back in as a deputy chief, and put him in change of SIU (detectives)!!!
Can you elaborate on this for those of us who don't know those fellas?
Or is the secret in the book?................
Post by: syoungs on October 13, 2013, 10:28:01 AM
Post by: ucwarden on October 13, 2013, 11:29:10 AM
QuoteI was hoping the book release just might get the director to think a bit about who he put in as the next chief (replacing Bjork), but it clearly didn't work....he put in Steve Crown as chief. Crown immediately put Cenci back in as a deputy chief, and put him in change of SIU (detectives)!!!
Can you elaborate on this for those of us who don't know those fellas?
Or is the secret in the book?................
Glad to elaborate, but the book spells it out better. In WDFW the chief's role is dealing with the legislature and other admin duties, while the deputy chief runs the field activities. Deputy Chief Cenci appeared (to alomost everyone) to be very biased for shellfish cases and very biased against wildlife work. One of his famous lines was; "Nobody gives a @## about deer and elk. If they are so important then why do we give out kill permits?" That attitude and my background/work were in constant conflict (I do give a @#$#@ about deer and elk). I was hoping that with Chief Bjork's retirement (a couple of months ago) we might seem so real change....someone who would run WDFW enforcement equally. But that change didn't happen, and seems to me to only have gone worse.
Post by: ucwarden on October 13, 2013, 11:30:40 AM
Eye opening book! Worth every penny to own. Will be buying a hard copy soon.
Thanks! Now could I as you to please write a review on Amazon? The more favorable reviews the better the book will sell.
Also; take a look at the website I just started (still working on it): www.operationcody.com (http://www.operationcody.com)
Post by: syoungs on October 13, 2013, 11:41:46 AM
Eye opening book! Worth every penny to own. Will be buying a hard copy soon.
Thanks! Now could I as you to please write a review on Amazon? The more favorable reviews the better the book will sell.
Also; take a look at the website I just started (still working on it): www.operationcody.com (http://www.operationcody.com)
I'll post a review now!
Post by: ucwarden on October 13, 2013, 12:21:13 PM
Eye opening book! Worth every penny to own. Will be buying a hard copy soon.
Thanks! Now could I as you to please write a review on Amazon? The more favorable reviews the better the book will sell.
Also; take a look at the website I just started (still working on it): www.operationcody.com (http://www.operationcody.com)
Thanks
I'll post a review now!
Post by: sven on October 13, 2013, 12:24:05 PM
Post by: ucwarden on October 13, 2013, 12:39:52 PM
This book is worth every penny, how does one get a hard copy? all sports man should read it, it will make your blood boil........my :twocents:
Look on my website for ordering info: www.operationcody.com (http://www.operationcody.com)
Or it can be purchased from Amazon (in paperback or Kindle)
Post by: Sportfury on December 09, 2013, 11:11:09 AM
Is there any way, as caring individuals that we are, that we can put together some type of recall for Cenci's job? Everything in this state should be protected equally. I think it is time as hunters we step and make Cenci's life hell!
p.s. ucwarden my son was thinking of becoming a game warden. Any tips, tricks, or people that a 16 year old could contact?
Post by: bigtex on December 09, 2013, 11:17:11 AM
Is there any way, as caring individuals that we are, that we can put together some type of recall for Cenci's job? Everything in this state should be protected equally. I think it is time as hunters we step and make Cenci's life hell!
Well as UCWARDEN has stated, this summer Cenci self demoted to a Captains position for Marine Officers. The new Chief got sworn in and a job announcement went out for the Deputy Chief. Low and behold for the first time WDFW now has two Deputy Chiefs. Mike Cenci got re-promoted(?) to Deputy Chief and is in charge of marine officers (including officers along the Columbia up to the Klickitat/Benton County line) and the SIU (detectives). And Mike Hobbs (who was a Sgt for most of the book and got promoted to Captain at the end) is now the Deputy Chief for all other non-marine and SIU operations.
Post by: pianoman9701 on December 09, 2013, 11:24:29 AM
Is there any way, as caring individuals that we are, that we can put together some type of recall for Cenci's job? Everything in this state should be protected equally. I think it is time as hunters we step and make Cenci's life hell!
Well as UCWARDEN has stated, this summer Cenci self demoted to a Captains position for Marine Officers. The new Chief got sworn in and a job announcement went out for the Deputy Chief. Low and behold for the first time WDFW now has two Deputy Chiefs. Mike Cenci got re-promoted(?) to Deputy Chief and is in charge of marine officers (including officers along the Columbia up to the Klickitat/Benton County line) and the SIU (detectives). And Mike Hobbs (who was a Sgt for most of the book and got promoted to Captain at the end) is now the Deputy Chief for all other non-marine and SIU operations.
This doesn't really answer the question. The positions inside the DFW are all political appointees (Director Anderson and the Commission), or hired by appointees. One way to get to Mike Cenci is to get to the director through an elected state official. The best person would be the governor, who appoints the director and the commission. The governor though, has other things on his mind, like pleasing unions and adding taxes, so he's probably out. Next best would be your state senator, especially if that senator is on the Natural resources committee.
Another way would be to gather evidence and bring it to the attention of the director. But, it seems the director has all of the evidence available to him and still ended up re-promoting the dirt bag, so there's that. Use your elected officials. My state senator is already aware of several problems within the DFW and I've encouraged him to read Operation Cody, as well. I truly hope he does.
Post by: ucwarden on December 09, 2013, 08:40:22 PM
Is there any way, as caring individuals that we are, that we can put together some type of recall for Cenci's job? Everything in this state should be protected equally. I think it is time as hunters we step and make Cenci's life hell!
Well as UCWARDEN has stated, this summer Cenci self demoted to a Captains position for Marine Officers. The new Chief got sworn in and a job announcement went out for the Deputy Chief. Low and behold for the first time WDFW now has two Deputy Chiefs. Mike Cenci got re-promoted(?) to Deputy Chief and is in charge of marine officers (including officers along the Columbia up to the Klickitat/Benton County line) and the SIU (detectives). And Mike Hobbs (who was a Sgt for most of the book and got promoted to Captain at the end) is now the Deputy Chief for all other non-marine and SIU operations.
This doesn't really answer the question. The positions inside the DFW are all political appointees (Director Anderson and the Commission), or hired by appointees. One way to get to Mike Cenci is to get to the director through an elected state official. The best person would be the governor, who appoints the director and the commission. The governor though, has other things on his mind, like pleasing unions and adding taxes, so he's probably out. Next best would be your state senator, especially if that senator is on the Natural resources committee.
Another way would be to gather evidence and bring it to the attention of the director. But, it seems the director has all of the evidence available to him and still ended up re-promoting the dirt bag, so there's that. Use your elected officials. My state senator is already aware of several problems within the DFW and I've encouraged him to read Operation Cody, as well. I truly hope he does.
Thanks. We will see
Post by: woodywsu on December 18, 2013, 02:47:44 PM
Post by: bigtex on December 24, 2013, 02:17:02 PM
Post by: Special T on December 25, 2013, 09:21:58 AM
I'll Write a review on Amazon when I'm Done.
Post by: runningboard on December 25, 2013, 09:42:57 AM
thanks for all of your work ucwarden
Post by: bobcat on December 25, 2013, 09:48:51 AM
Post by: Special T on December 25, 2013, 11:38:44 PM
Post by: Bordercop on December 26, 2013, 08:18:07 AM
Post by: Forks on December 26, 2013, 06:18:02 PM
Post by: Oldguy on December 26, 2013, 08:17:04 PM
Post by: ucwarden on December 27, 2013, 02:50:39 PM
Just got the Signed Book for Christmas. I look forward to reading it and plan on sharing it with as many people as possible.
I'll Write a review on Amazon when I'm Done.
Thanks!!!!
Post by: ucwarden on December 27, 2013, 02:51:35 PM
got 4 copies from amazon for friends & myself. once I started reading it, I couldn't put it down until I finished. I plan on giving them to people who I know will pass along the info. guys from our sportsman club, a friend whose father-in-law is from the Chewelah sportsman club, my hunter education mentor who works with Lenny Hahn.
thanks for all of your work ucwarden
You are very welcome, and thanks for your support!
Post by: ucwarden on December 27, 2013, 02:53:03 PM
Pianoman, are you 100 percent sure that Phil re promoted Cenci?
Newly appointed Chief Steve Crown reappointed Cenci back into Deputy Chief of the Marine Division and as head of SIU (Detectives). That is fact.
Post by: ucwarden on December 27, 2013, 02:54:35 PM
I got the book into the Whatcom County Library system just by requesting it. They will borrow or buy books that they don't have if it seems worthwhile. Has anyone thought of providing copies or stirring up interest in this book among the Audubon Society groups in Washington State. They might be a little upset regarding Eagle and Hawk deaths at the hands of those selling bird parts. Might be great allies in exposing the lack of seriousness by the WDFW in prosecuting those involved in killing protected birds.
I contacted Audubon myself, and asked for their support on Bona's sentencing. I also advised them of the book, but never heard back from anyone there.
Post by: ucwarden on December 27, 2013, 02:55:08 PM
Thank you very much for the signed copy. I got my copy on the 23rd and I cant put it down. Very well written!!!
Thank you.
Post by: Forks on December 27, 2013, 04:57:58 PM
Thank you ucwarden for clearing this up.Pianoman, are you 100 percent sure that Phil re promoted Cenci?
Newly appointed Chief Steve Crown reappointed Cenci back into Deputy Chief of the Marine Division and as head of SIU (Detectives). That is fact.
Post by: tjthebest on January 14, 2014, 06:44:53 PM
WDFW is disheartening...
Post by: CementFinisher on January 14, 2014, 07:11:30 PM
Post by: buckfvr on January 14, 2014, 07:14:07 PM
Post by: bobcat on January 24, 2014, 07:26:21 PM
I am also very surprised to learn that the WDFW enforcement puts commercial poaching of deer, elk, and bear on the bottom of the priority list. I never would have thought that. I have to say my opinion of the WDFW in general has gone down considerably after reading the book.
ucwarden, can you give us an idea of how many books have been sold?
I've been trying to think of ways to get this book out in circulation to more people. Everyone who's interested in the wildlife of this state need to be made aware of what's going on, and how the WDFW does not take it seriously.
Post by: SCRUBS on January 24, 2014, 07:48:15 PM
I have a question for you UC, are you able to seize the restaurant property they used to cook and sell the meat? If not, why not?
Post by: Special T on January 26, 2014, 11:43:44 AM
I've been trying to think of ways to get this book out in circulation to more people. Everyone who's interested in the wildlife of this state need to be made aware of what's going on, and how the WDFW does not take it seriously.
If your a facebook user go to his web site and "Share" it with all your friends. I did that and several of my "friends friends" have bought the book. Also encourage others to share to their own friends.
Post by: gvan on January 26, 2014, 11:59:11 AM
Post by: krzy4elk on January 26, 2014, 01:10:09 PM
Post by: ucwarden on January 29, 2014, 01:03:11 PM
Post by: Bordercop on January 31, 2014, 09:15:55 AM
Post by: ucwarden on February 10, 2014, 08:08:56 PM
For those of you who have read "Operation Cody" (or those interested in it), stop by and introduce yourself!
Hope to see you at the show.
Post by: TVHunts on February 16, 2014, 06:50:45 PM
I am appalled at what I read. Am not sure what pisses me off more, the vast amount of poaching or the blatant idiocy in WDFW upper management. I am enraged about both.
DC Cenci shouldn't have a job, or a state pension. What he did (and is probably still doing) is truly beyond comprehension. His stunt with the media alone should have left him unemployed. It just shows you that who you know in a Government agency trumps what you know or have earned.
Thank you UCWarden for disclosing this for all to see. And, Thank You and your partner "Sergeant Maurstad" (ex-wife Tina) for you dedicated service to our wildlife. My hat is off to both of you!
Post by: bigtex on February 16, 2014, 07:01:50 PM
Post by: ucwarden on February 17, 2014, 07:10:07 AM
As I explained early on, when I wrote the book, my goal wasn't to make a bunch of money, but rather to bring to light what is happening to our wildlife in WA and how WDFW enforcement function (and where it doesn't function). This is exactly why I would like to see all dedicated sportsmen read my book; for motivation and education.
Post by: SuperX on February 18, 2014, 01:02:56 PM
I just finished reading the book last night. It sure has opened my eyes. I never figured commercial poaching of deer and elk was that common in this state. However I'm not surprised to learn that indians, mainly the Yakamas, are one of the main suppliers of deer and elk in the commercial market.I just finished the book as well. It is in the Prime lending library. Great read! Bobcat, the reason big game is not a priority is because there is no commercial impact to poaching them. WDFW management always has been in the pocket of the commercials which is clearly why they are so focused on protecting the commercially harvested species. Sorry UCWarden if you take that last statement as an attack on you, it isn't intended that way. I am just sick of watching WDFW focus on the money and ignore the resource they are supposed to be managing.
I am also very surprised to learn that the WDFW enforcement puts commercial poaching of deer, elk, and bear on the bottom of the priority list. I never would have thought that. I have to say my opinion of the WDFW in general has gone down considerably after reading the book.
ucwarden, can you give us an idea of how many books have been sold?
I've been trying to think of ways to get this book out in circulation to more people. Everyone who's interested in the wildlife of this state need to be made aware of what's going on, and how the WDFW does not take it seriously.
Post by: ucwarden on February 18, 2014, 02:45:48 PM
I just finished reading the book last night. It sure has opened my eyes. I never figured commercial poaching of deer and elk was that common in this state. However I'm not surprised to learn that indians, mainly the Yakamas, are one of the main suppliers of deer and elk in the commercial market.I just finished the book as well. It is in the Prime lending library. Great read! Bobcat, the reason big game is not a priority is because there is no commercial impact to poaching them. WDFW management always has been in the pocket of the commercials which is clearly why they are so focused on protecting the commercially harvested species. Sorry UCWarden if you take that last statement as an attack on you, it isn't intended that way. I am just sick of watching WDFW focus on the money and ignore the resource they are supposed to be managing.
I am also very surprised to learn that the WDFW enforcement puts commercial poaching of deer, elk, and bear on the bottom of the priority list. I never would have thought that. I have to say my opinion of the WDFW in general has gone down considerably after reading the book.
ucwarden, can you give us an idea of how many books have been sold?
I've been trying to think of ways to get this book out in circulation to more people. Everyone who's interested in the wildlife of this state need to be made aware of what's going on, and how the WDFW does not take it seriously.
No offense taken at all, as a matter of fact I agree totally!
Post by: xxlx7 on February 19, 2014, 07:38:58 PM
Kyle L.
Post by: gasman on February 19, 2014, 07:46:02 PM
How about Dory Munson, he loves this kind of stuff :chuckle: :chuckle: :chuckle:
Post by: bobcat on February 19, 2014, 07:58:59 PM
Also every member of the wildlife commission.
The media is a great idea as well!
Post by: ucwarden on February 20, 2014, 08:55:20 AM
Didnt read the whole thread so forgive me if this has been said, but has anyone thought about getting a copy of the book to local Media :hello:
How about Dory Munson, he loves this kind of stuff :chuckle: :chuckle: :chuckle:
It has gone to a couple of reporters, and a couple of stories have come out as a result. There is more on the way!
Post by: ucwarden on February 20, 2014, 08:56:09 AM
I would like to get a copy for every employee of the WDFW. I'm sure there are many who have no clue about the stuff that's written about in that book.
Also every member of the wildlife commission.
The media is a great idea as well!
Trust me, it is getting around (slowly but surely).
Post by: buckfvr on February 20, 2014, 09:15:31 AM
To me, this makes them part of the problem as well............They have abandoned their conscience for their pay check. :twocents:
Post by: Special T on February 20, 2014, 09:57:10 AM
Unfortuantly that is the case in MOST public jobs. Why do you think Todd had to wait until he retired in order to tell THE TRUTH! Whistle Blowers are only protected if they are telling on a hated business. :twocents:
Post by: ucwarden on February 20, 2014, 12:29:35 PM
To me, the sad part is it appears so many employed by wdfw, who may otherwise be valueable employees, do us all a great disservice by refusing to make waves in order to preserve their jobs.
To me, this makes them part of the problem as well............They have abandoned their conscience for their pay check. :twocents:
You have to understand that not everyone is dissatisfied with how things are being run, and in-fact many like it. It all depends on where you stand, who your friends are, who your enemies are, and what you are trying to accomplish
Post by: CoryTDF on February 20, 2014, 12:40:14 PM
Post by: coachcw on February 20, 2014, 12:47:52 PM
Post by: TVHunts on February 22, 2014, 07:27:54 AM
Didn't read the whole thread so forgive me if this has been said, but has anyone thought about getting a copy of the book to local Media :hello:
How about Dory Munson, he loves this kind of stuff :chuckle: :chuckle: :chuckle:
That is a great idea. I sent Dori an email this morning. I will update it if and when I get a reply from him. He is definitely a great watchdog of local government. I will also be sending off emails to the Director of WDFW and the Governor.
Post by: CoryTDF on February 22, 2014, 07:52:10 AM
Post by: ucwarden on February 22, 2014, 07:54:34 AM
Got it in the mail yesterday :IBCOOL: :IBCOOL: :IBCOOL: :IBCOOL: :IBCOOL: :IBCOOL: :IBCOOL: :IBCOOL: :IBCOOL: :IBCOOL: :IBCOOL: :IBCOOL: :IBCOOL:
Enjoy, but unfortunately your blood pressure is guaranteed to rise a lot!
Post by: Curly on February 22, 2014, 08:26:14 AM
Didn't read the whole thread so forgive me if this has been said, but has anyone thought about getting a copy of the book to local Media :hello:
How about Dory Munson, he loves this kind of stuff :chuckle: :chuckle: :chuckle:
That is a great idea. I sent Dori an email this morning. I will update it if and when I get a reply from him. He is definitely a great watchdog of local government. I will also be sending off emails to the Director of WDFW and the Governor.
Dori is good. Another media person to make sure gets a book is David Boze (http://mynorthwest.com/137/22391/David-Boze). He (http://www.kiroradio.com/davidboze/) has a radio show and is an avid hunter.
(I haven't read the book yet myself. I'm waiting until after I buy my special permit apps this year before I read the book. I don't want to get so pissed at wdfw that I give up hunting this state this year.)
Post by: ucwarden on February 22, 2014, 08:50:08 AM
Didn't read the whole thread so forgive me if this has been said, but has anyone thought about getting a copy of the book to local Media :hello:
How about Dory Munson, he loves this kind of stuff :chuckle: :chuckle: :chuckle:
That is a great idea. I sent Dori an email this morning. I will update it if and when I get a reply from him. He is definitely a great watchdog of local government. I will also be sending off emails to the Director of WDFW and the Governor.
Dori is good. Another media person to make sure gets a book is David Boze (http://mynorthwest.com/137/22391/David-Boze). He (http://www.kiroradio.com/davidboze/) has a radio show and is an avid hunter.
(I haven't read the book yet myself. I'm waiting until after I buy my special permit apps this year before I read the book. I don't want to get so pissed at wdfw that I give up hunting this state this year.)
Thanks
Post by: CoryTDF on February 22, 2014, 10:06:28 AM
Got it in the mail yesterday :IBCOOL: :IBCOOL: :IBCOOL: :IBCOOL: :IBCOOL: :IBCOOL: :IBCOOL: :IBCOOL: :IBCOOL: :IBCOOL: :IBCOOL: :IBCOOL: :IBCOOL:
Enjoy, but unfortunately your blood pressure is guaranteed to rise a lot!
I work for the DOC so I'm used to governmental BS.
Post by: TVHunts on February 22, 2014, 10:49:13 AM
Didn't read the whole thread so forgive me if this has been said, but has anyone thought about getting a copy of the book to local Media :hello:
How about Dory Munson, he loves this kind of stuff :chuckle: :chuckle: :chuckle:
That is a great idea. I sent Dori an email this morning. I will update it if and when I get a reply from him. He is definitely a great watchdog of local government. I will also be sending off emails to the Director of WDFW and the Governor.
Dori is good. Another media person to make sure gets a book is David Boze (http://mynorthwest.com/137/22391/David-Boze). He (http://www.kiroradio.com/davidboze/) has a radio show and is an avid hunter.
(I haven't read the book yet myself. I'm waiting until after I buy my special permit apps this year before I read the book. I don't want to get so pissed at wdfw that I give up hunting this state this year.)
Crap, I guess I didn't consider that they could screw with our draw tags. Oh well, worth the chance in my eyes. If they are that bad of weasels they are probably monitoring this site anyways. So be it...
Post by: jjaba on February 23, 2014, 08:48:01 AM
Utmost respect for all the officers involved in this project.
Post by: ucwarden on February 23, 2014, 09:49:32 AM
Outstanding read. Too bad the higher up tools decided to not do what agreed upon. Hopefully the ones brought in get max penalties.
Utmost respect for all the officers involved in this project.
Thanks. We are still waiting for sentencing on several suspects, and a few others still haven't even been charged yet. It's a very slow process.
If you haven't already, would you mind getting on to Amazon and writing a review for my book on their site?
Thanks again
Post by: kirkl on February 25, 2014, 02:09:49 PM
Post by: ucwarden on February 25, 2014, 03:15:45 PM
Just ordered today and read first 3 chapters for free online. Now I have to wait for my book. Can't wait to finish it.
I would tell you to enjoy it, but most people find it very frustrating, so hopefully you will at least like my writing and the story.
Post by: kirkl on February 25, 2014, 04:11:15 PM
Post by: Rainier10 on February 25, 2014, 04:38:59 PM
Post by: TVHunts on February 25, 2014, 05:45:11 PM
Just ordered today and read first 3 chapters for free online. Now I have to wait for my book. Can't wait to finish it.
You are a man of patience! I couldn't put it down and yes, Cenci is a classic egotistical pig of a man and that's his good side!
Post by: xxlx7 on February 25, 2014, 07:45:20 PM
Post by: ucwarden on February 26, 2014, 06:23:48 AM
I received your book Saturday, thank you for the prompt shipping. My wife however, does not thank you, because once I started reading, I didn't put it down until it was over.. I agree with everyone, how frustrating and obscene is it to know what is going on, both in the wdfw and with poaching. I never knew it was that prevalent. I guess I live in a mental fantasy world. This has to change. Thank you for your years of service, I wish and hope there will be many more wardens like you who care and fight for our resources that we love. I didn't know geoducks were such a hot topic for wardens and I must suck at getting them, cause I've went quite a few times and only found one, and also have never seen a warden out there checking anything..
Thanks. Geoduck aren't that big of a deal for our wardens, but for a few of our administrators.
Post by: Wacenturion on February 26, 2014, 09:04:01 AM
To me, the sad part is it appears so many employed by wdfw, who may otherwise be valueable employees, do us all a great disservice by refusing to make waves in order to preserve their jobs.
To me, this makes them part of the problem as well............They have abandoned their conscience for their pay check. :twocents:
You have to understand that not everyone is dissatisfied with how things are being run, and in-fact many like it. It all depends on where you stand, who your friends are, who your enemies are, and what you are trying to accomplish
As a retired WDFW person myself, I can certainly agree with UC on that statement. :twocents:
Post by: trophyhunt on February 26, 2014, 09:35:05 AM
Post by: buckfvr on February 26, 2014, 09:58:43 AM
To me, the sad part is it appears so many employed by wdfw, who may otherwise be valueable employees, do us all a great disservice by refusing to make waves in order to preserve their jobs.
To me, this makes them part of the problem as well............They have abandoned their conscience for their pay check. :twocents:
You have to understand that not everyone is dissatisfied with how things are being run, and in-fact many like it. It all depends on where you stand, who your friends are, who your enemies are, and what you are trying to accomplish
As a retired WDFW person myself, I can certainly agree with UC on that statement. :twocents:
Like any career, the farther along you get, it becomes crystal clear where things went and how they got there. You can also review all the changes in hindsight.
SO to speak, early on there is gung ho, I love this job mentality everywhere. Later on is where regrets and change of opinion occur.
I know, I know.......no regrets we all would have done it the same, ( with a few changes along the way ), and I know wdfw has offered a very rewarding career for many. I personally feel they ( wdfw ) could have done a better job, and that they have lost/abandoned their direction.
I feel todays wdfw is completely off target. If their direction/goals/mission of today werent so politically motivated, then they wouldnt appear to be abandon. But wdfw has abandoned hunters and our wildlife. :twocents:
Post by: ucwarden on February 26, 2014, 02:20:59 PM
To me, the sad part is it appears so many employed by wdfw, who may otherwise be valueable employees, do us all a great disservice by refusing to make waves in order to preserve their jobs.
To me, this makes them part of the problem as well............They have abandoned their conscience for their pay check. :twocents:
You have to understand that not everyone is dissatisfied with how things are being run, and in-fact many like it. It all depends on where you stand, who your friends are, who your enemies are, and what you are trying to accomplish
As a retired WDFW person myself, I can certainly agree with UC on that statement. :twocents:
Like any career, the farther along you get, it becomes crystal clear where things went and how they got there. You can also review all the changes in hindsight.
SO to speak, early on there is gung ho, I love this job mentality everywhere. Later on is where regrets and change of opinion occur.
I know, I know.......no regrets we all would have done it the same, ( with a few changes along the way ), and I know wdfw has offered a very rewarding career for many. I personally feel they ( wdfw ) could have done a better job, and that they have lost/abandoned their direction.
I feel todays wdfw is completely off target. If their direction/goals/mission of today werent so politically motivated, then they wouldnt appear to be abandon. But wdfw has abandoned hunters and our wildlife. :twocents:
Very well said!
Post by: trophyhunt on February 28, 2014, 09:35:35 AM
Post by: ucwarden on March 01, 2014, 07:32:47 AM
7 chapters in and it's amazing how many poachers you've already got on the hook! Can't wait to finish, thanks very much for putting your experiences down for all of us to read. It's surprising we have any animals left out there to hunt. Would you please call Bruce Richards ( game warden in region 4) and let him know the impact your story is having and convey to him how important his story would also be. His view might seem racist to some when it comes to the natives but the truth hurts sometimes. What he has locked up in his head also needs to be put down on paper. I applaud you sir and all of the people that SUPPORTED you and your partner, our hunting world would be 100% better if we had more like you! Thank you very much for all that you have done, you are definently one of the good guys. Please give Bruce a call.
Thanks. I will pass your comments on to Bruce when I get a chance.
Take care, and enjoy the book
Post by: trophyhunt on March 04, 2014, 05:59:40 PM
Post by: jackmaster on March 06, 2014, 06:57:22 AM
Post by: singleshot12 on March 06, 2014, 07:37:09 AM
Post by: kirkl on March 06, 2014, 03:41:13 PM
Post by: trophyhunt on March 06, 2014, 06:29:52 PM
Post by: saylean on March 07, 2014, 09:39:09 AM
Post by: bigtex on March 07, 2014, 09:46:01 AM
I was wondering, do the wild life commissioners hire and fire the director?
Yes the Fish and Wildlife Commission make the hiring decisions for the Director's position
Post by: trophyhunt on March 07, 2014, 09:47:55 AM
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Post by: jackmaster on March 07, 2014, 12:20:28 PM
BIGTEX, have you read "OPERATION CODY"? just curious what your take is on the book. i have a state patrol buddy i was telling about this book, and the low life scum of the earth bosses that UC WARDEN had to deal with let alone take orders from, he says he knows the feeling, as he has a couple higher ups that are just like CENCI and BJORK, i will assume you have ran into this as well :dunno: makes me friggin sick that the CENCI'S and BJORKS are allowed to have the possions they have, i would think that those positions should only be filled with men and women such as TODD and JENNIFER, people that have put in the time and effort to better are WDFW not worthless pencil pushers and butt kissers, with the its all about me, me, me attitude :bash: :bash: holy hell i am just pissed about the management that they had to deal with.... why is this allowed to happen?? i would have been kicked out of the military had i conducted myself like they did and i damn sure would have been fired from my job now.I was wondering, do the wild life commissioners hire and fire the director?
Yes the Fish and Wildlife Commission make the hiring decisions for the Director's position
Post by: FC on March 07, 2014, 12:45:55 PM
We really need more good people who are properly focused to steer our agencies. I have met a fair number of wardens over the years and most were pretty good folks, a few really do give the rest a bad name but adding twerps like "Cenci" into the mix makes me wonder how it is that we actually have any game left at all.
Post by: ucwarden on March 07, 2014, 04:17:32 PM
UC WARDEN, i read yours and tinas book :chuckle: awesome read to say the least, i have to say what you two did was nothing short of amazing and completely derailed by complete fricken *censored* shouldnt have a friggin job pieces of trash, i comend you for not letting loser bosses such as your from killing your cause. it amazes me how the asians and russians are raping are game at every turn, it also amazes me we have any game to hunt, i am sorry but between white trash, natives and them asians and russians that poach on these levels how are there any game animals left to hunt :dunno: i love this book, but sorry i hate that CENCI GUY and BJORK, i cant honestly tell you how i truly feel on an open forum but would be happy to tell you over a diet coke or whatever beverage you indulge in since you dont drink anymore :chuckle: we truly need guys like you INCHARGE at WDFW not pieces of trash that hold a stinkn geoy duck over and elk, deer and bear. i know shellfish are just as important but damn it big game takes the cake, i really hope your bosses have been fired without benefits after this book came out and if they havent, please point me in the way of their counsil meetings, i would feel alot better if i could atleast tell them how friggin sorry i feel for their views and what worthless people that DO NOT represent the best interest of are game animals and the sportsman, trust me sportsman would be harder on poachers than our court system could ever be, but we know that would never be left in are hands :chuckle: i would hope that intime maybe a man like yourself and a women like tina :chuckle: would someday run for counsil or any other institution that would put people like you incharge of the goings on in the saddly ran WDFW.. regardless of how some people feel about gamies, i would like to say thank you for what you have done, i wish it could have all worked out exactly how you had invisioned, but hey, you still took out some real lowlife scum that really put a hurtn on our big game, fish and raptors, how does one ver thank the guys and gals like yourself? if you ever decide to run for counsil i would be happy to hold a sign or pound sign in along roads or whatever... we need guys and gals like you in higher positions, i know you have done your time and deserve a peaceful retirement but i seriously think in the back of your mind you might feel that there is some serious unfinished business out there!!!! sorry for the book i just wrote, i could go on for days, again thank you for this book and for what the good gamies (like yourself) have done and are still doing... :tup: :tup: :tup: :tup: :tup: :tup: :tup: :tup: :tup:
Thanks. I am on a fishing trip right now, so I will get back to you and the others who have posted when I return.
Post by: jackmaster on March 07, 2014, 05:48:03 PM
Post by: ucwarden on March 09, 2014, 02:37:12 PM
I hope you hammer the fish, you Damn sure earned it sir... :tup:
Thanks. First day out we hooked five marlin and boated four.
Post by: bearpaw on March 10, 2014, 06:06:33 AM
I hope you hammer the fish, you Damn sure earned it sir... :tup:
Thanks. First day out we hooked five marlin and boated four.
Awesome! Please post a topic about your fishing trip after you get back, I would love to hear more. :tup:
Post by: bigtex on March 10, 2014, 11:28:32 AM
Yes I have read the book. I think what is seen in the book is very common with law enforcement agencies, especially the larger the agency. The days of a new cop getting his badge and gun and told to go do good work is over. It's not so much what the officer wants to do, but rather what the agency (command staff) wants them to do. And in my opinion, what the officer wants to do is usually more inline with what the public wants them to do.BIGTEX, have you read "OPERATION CODY"? just curious what your take is on the book.I was wondering, do the wild life commissioners hire and fire the director?Yes the Fish and Wildlife Commission make the hiring decisions for the Director's position
Post by: trophyhunt on March 10, 2014, 11:32:04 AM
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Post by: ucwarden on March 11, 2014, 11:39:59 AM
Bigtex, do you know the commissioners at all? Do you think if I sent them each a copy they would read it? I know if I was on the board, and read operation Cody, someone would be in my sights to be removed.
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
I am in the process or working with a reporter to bring some of the "issues" to light. If that works, we will definitely get the attention of the commissioners or even the governor. We will see.
Post by: ucwarden on March 11, 2014, 11:44:27 AM
Yes I have read the book. I think what is seen in the book is very common with law enforcement agencies, especially the larger the agency. The days of a new cop getting his badge and gun and told to go do good work is over. It's not so much what the officer wants to do, but rather what the agency (command staff) wants them to do. And in my opinion, what the officer wants to do is usually more inline with what the public wants them to do.BIGTEX, have you read "OPERATION CODY"? just curious what your take is on the book.I was wondering, do the wild life commissioners hire and fire the director?Yes the Fish and Wildlife Commission make the hiring decisions for the Director's position
Once again, Bigtex is right on the money! Most (certainly not all) officers have the right ideas, and if they were allowed to run the show, most of you would be satisfied. I have never understood the mentality of people who get hired into one of the best jobs on earth; Game Warden, then immediately work to get into an office. To me, office work (working in the headquarters office) would be the last thing on earth a game warden would desire. It used to be that our administrators were all game wardens who had promoted in their last couple of years before retirement. They had tons of experience in the field, and still understood what the job was all about.
But now, we get kids running the show, who never had enough experience to understand the job; what works and what doesn't.
Post by: ucwarden on March 11, 2014, 11:46:20 AM
I hope you hammer the fish, you Damn sure earned it sir... :tup:
Thanks. First day out we hooked five marlin and boated four.
Awesome! Please post a topic about your fishing trip after you get back, I would love to hear more. :tup:
Will do!
Post by: jackmaster on March 13, 2014, 02:18:46 PM
Post by: ucwarden on March 13, 2014, 04:03:02 PM
well you must really be putn the wood to the fish UC, we are patiently waiting for pics, my cousin is reading your book now and it is affecting him as much as it did me, this may sound a bit corny but that book really got to me, it pisses me off to say the least that there are assnuts out there that are doing this stuff to ARE game animals, and yet fine fellas like yourself and fine women like jennifer are being hand cuffed to the point where they cant do their jobs, seriously irritating as hell :bash: :bash: again good luck to you and the wife on your fishn trip :tup:
Here is one pic; more to come.
Post by: Rainier10 on March 13, 2014, 04:10:08 PM
Post by: jackmaster on March 13, 2014, 04:47:54 PM
Post by: SCRUBS on March 13, 2014, 04:57:03 PM
Post by: ucwarden on March 13, 2014, 04:58:02 PM
Thats awesome, hows that haircut feel :chuckle: do you miss your ponytail :chuckle:
First thing I did when I retired was shave and cut my hair. Kinda funny, since a lot of guys grow beards and long hair when they retire from law enforcement, but I hated it. Like combing my hair with a towel.
Post by: ucwarden on March 13, 2014, 05:02:51 PM
At least this one will "Name Names" So i can direct my frustration in the correct direction... And since i'n a WA citizen and these guys are realitively close hopefull some impact can be made.
I don't know about the forest service book, but my book won't please you very much.
But you are right; I certainly do name names.
Also; FYI today they fired one of the best game wardens we have in the state (Dave Jones). For those of you who have read the book, he was the one who handled all of our deer and elk, many times off-duty on his own time. In my opinion he was fired because he very strongly opposed Cenci, and it was a bs deal. Hopefully he will win his appeal, and get a bunch of money out of it.
Makes me really glad I retired when I did, but very sad for those good officers who remain behind in WDFW. I sure hope something drastic changes soon, before they drive out all the good one's.
Post by: hogsniper on March 13, 2014, 05:10:51 PM
Post by: ucwarden on March 13, 2014, 05:13:16 PM
The same dave jones out of Whatcom County? If I was in charge I would have fired him to. The most unprofessional guy I have ever seen in uniform. :twocents: I helped unload elk fence for landowners in the nooksack and that guy said the F word about 5 times per sentence. Im no saint but man that guy was wayyyy outta line.
One in the same. He is very rough around the edges, but one hell of a good game warden.
Post by: Oldguy on March 13, 2014, 05:50:56 PM
The same dave jones out of Whatcom County? If I was in charge I would have fired him to. The most unprofessional guy I have ever seen in uniform. :twocents: I helped unload elk fence for landowners in the nooksack and that guy said the F word about 5 times per sentence. Im no saint but man that guy was wayyyy outta line.
One in the same. He is very rough around the edges, but one hell of a good game warden.
First I read Operation Cody and get worked up and now I learn that Dave Jones is fired. He was a highlight of our Hunter Education classes. The kids loved him and we'll sure miss him. I've seen Dave in two situations and I was impressed by the way he handled the violators; very professional and not with a confrontational demeanor. I'm not sure I want to be an instructor any longer with the way the WDFW is heading.
Post by: ucwarden on March 13, 2014, 06:00:21 PM
The same dave jones out of Whatcom County? If I was in charge I would have fired him to. The most unprofessional guy I have ever seen in uniform. :twocents: I helped unload elk fence for landowners in the nooksack and that guy said the F word about 5 times per sentence. Im no saint but man that guy was wayyyy outta line.
One in the same. He is very rough around the edges, but one hell of a good game warden.
First I read Operation Cody and get worked up and now I learn that Dave Jones is fired. He was a highlight of our Hunter Education classes. The kids loved him and he we'll sure miss him. I've seen Dave in two situations and I was impressed by the way he handled the violators; very professional and not with a confrontational demeanor. I'm not sure I want to be an instructor any longer with the way the WDFW is heading.
It makes sick to watch all of the WA Game Warden history and knowledge keep getting forced out.
Post by: bigtex on March 13, 2014, 06:05:39 PM
It used to be that our administrators were all game wardens who had promoted in their last couple of years before retirement. They had tons of experience in the field, and still understood what the job was all about.Todd, why do you think this is going on? Do the younger guys just have a bigger ego to feed nowadays? I will say in my experience it's not just WDFW going this way, but rather LE as a whole moving this way. It seems like there are so many young guys who get their feet wet and immediately want their Sergeant stripes and even more. Whereas "back in the day" the only guys who wanted to get out of the field and into supervisory roles were the guys with gray in their hair..
But now, we get kids running the show, who never had enough experience to understand the job; what works and what doesn't.
Post by: ucwarden on March 13, 2014, 06:39:06 PM
It used to be that our administrators were all game wardens who had promoted in their last couple of years before retirement. They had tons of experience in the field, and still understood what the job was all about.Todd, why do you think this is going on? Do the younger guys just have a bigger ego to feed nowadays? I will say in my experience it's not just WDFW going this way, but rather LE as a whole moving this way. It seems like there are so many young guys who get their feet wet and immediately want their Sergeant stripes and even more. Whereas "back in the day" the only guys who wanted to get out of the field and into supervisory roles were the guys with gray in their hair..
But now, we get kids running the show, who never had enough experience to understand the job; what works and what doesn't.
I have no idea. "Back in the day" all game wardens loved the job, and lived it 24/7. Lately we get the young officers, you refer to, who aspire to work behind a desk for the rest of their career as early as they can. Apparently things have changed in society, when my thinking (of right or wrong) hasn't.
Post by: buckfvr on March 13, 2014, 06:42:05 PM
Post by: ucwarden on March 13, 2014, 06:47:32 PM
Upper level management of all types like the young energetic upncomers who flat out run in what ever direction they are told to run and will keep running in that direction regardless of obstacles, until told to change direction. Its a mind set they look for..........not experience . The ones who will do what they are told with out question or thought of consequences..........Just do it because you're told to do it. And then theres the unconditional loyalty to who ever gave them their brake........because they know they just circumvented the system.
Yep, that pretty well sums it up.
Post by: jackmaster on March 13, 2014, 07:16:49 PM
Post by: CoryTDF on March 19, 2014, 11:29:48 AM
Post by: ucwarden on March 19, 2014, 01:19:37 PM
My entire professional life has been dealing with crap like this. Always getting crapped on my the high ups. To bad WDFW works this way but cant say I'm surprised. This was a great book and i have already passed it on and recommended it to many others. Good on you UCWARDEN for staying the course and doing what you could even if it was with your hands tied by bureaucratic BS.
Thanks!
Post by: billythekidrock on March 19, 2014, 05:26:01 PM
Post by: ucwarden on March 19, 2014, 08:47:03 PM
Just got my copy today. Ordered from the website and it came in a very timely manner.
After reading it you will understand my movement to remove the top layers of WDFW
Post by: billythekidrock on March 21, 2014, 05:16:20 PM
Post by: johnnyaustin44 on March 21, 2014, 05:20:47 PM
Post by: ucwarden on March 21, 2014, 09:08:31 PM
Great read and very eye opening. Thanks :tup:
Thanks. Please do me a favor and get onto Amazon and write up a review.
Post by: Dhoey07 on March 21, 2014, 09:24:22 PM
Post by: SCRUBS on March 22, 2014, 02:45:33 PM
Post by: FC on March 22, 2014, 04:05:35 PM
Thank you very much for your service, I'm sorry to see it wasn't better utilized.
Post by: ucwarden on March 22, 2014, 08:55:38 PM
ucwarden, why didn`t the restaurants that sold the game meat get seized? It sounded like their vehicles did but no the restaurants.
State law does not allow for the seizure of real estate on wildlife cases, only "equipment" used.
Post by: ucwarden on March 22, 2014, 08:56:34 PM
A great book and surprisingly well written! You just might consider writing as a secondary career to fishing :chuckle:
Thank you very much for your service, I'm sorry to see it wasn't better utilized.
Thanks. If you get a chance please write a review on Amazon.
Post by: returnofsid on March 23, 2014, 09:53:24 AM
Post by: FC on March 23, 2014, 11:29:12 AM
Thanks. If you get a chance please write a review on Amazon.
Done!
Post by: ucwarden on March 23, 2014, 04:40:58 PM
Thanks. If you get a chance please write a review on Amazon.
Done!
Thanks
Post by: Harbor_hunter on March 27, 2014, 07:28:33 AM
Post by: ucwarden on March 27, 2014, 09:17:14 AM
Just ordered the book. I am looking forward to reading it. I am sure I will end up more pissed off than anything, since all of this was going on in my back yard. How much time did that P.O.S. get once he was convicted?
Bona still hasn't been sentenced. It is now looking like April
Post by: popeshawnpaul on April 05, 2014, 08:04:14 AM
Post by: ucwarden on April 06, 2014, 07:57:15 AM
I have a bunch of thoughts about a review and have opinions on many topics as I'm reading through this book. I'm 2/3rds of the way through it. I have a much different perspective from the point of a defense attorney that represents people charged with crimes, many with the ones cited in this book. I will do a rational review of the book separate from my opinions on the topics raised in this book. The chronologically oriented layout reads very much like a police report...ie, a biased and persuasive writing from an extreme end of the pendulum. Ultimately, I think that makes for a better book and read for entertainment purposes. I also see a very passionate view about these types of cases that generally isn't shared in the legal or community in general, but that isn't something that the book should be criticized for. I'll report back when I'm done.
Thanks, I look forward to your input when you are done!
Post by: doubletall on April 08, 2014, 11:23:12 AM
Tacoma man, 46, said to be 'one of the largest illegal wildlife traffickers in Washington state history'
Read more here: http://www.thenewstribune.com/2014/04/04/3133820/wild-game-poacher-sentenced-to.html##storylink=cpy (http://www.thenewstribune.com/2014/04/04/3133820/wild-game-poacher-sentenced-to.html##storylink=cpy)
Not sure if this made the papers outside of Tacoma. Seems like a slap on the wrist to me. Hopefully his cooperation brings charges against many of the other scumbags in the book, especially the business owners that fed questionable game to customers.
Post by: ucwarden on April 08, 2014, 11:52:30 AM
Wild game poacher sentenced to community service, home detention
Tacoma man, 46, said to be 'one of the largest illegal wildlife traffickers in Washington state history'
Read more here: http://www.thenewstribune.com/2014/04/04/3133820/wild-game-poacher-sentenced-to.html##storylink=cpy (http://www.thenewstribune.com/2014/04/04/3133820/wild-game-poacher-sentenced-to.html##storylink=cpy)
Not sure if this made the papers outside of Tacoma. Seems like a slap on the wrist to me. Hopefully his cooperation brings charges against many of the other scumbags in the book, especially the business owners that fed questionable game to customers.
His cooperation was as much of a joke as his sentence.....nothing new came out of his "cooperation".
His monetary penalties portion is coming in a couple of weeks. I hope he at least has to pay back the money we gave him in payment for the illegal elk and deer, but at this point I have lost a lot of faith in the "legal system". I have, multiple times, seen people get sentenced to serious jail time for taking one single elk out of season. This sentence makes me sick.
Post by: WSU on April 08, 2014, 12:01:43 PM
Post by: jackmaster on April 08, 2014, 12:03:29 PM
i can with all honesty say i feel completly bad for you TODD, all your hard work and the danger you put yourself and jennifer in and this kind of B.S happens, its sad to say the least how this state and country are ran. i can see why so many get discouraged, i guess all we can hope for now is a leader to get put in place that wants to take the battle to them and force these piece of trash prosecutors to earn their friggin paycheck, at what time do we as a state of voters say enough :dunno: why is it that we cant clean house and start new, sometime it needs to be like the wild west where one can do the cleaning :tup:Wild game poacher sentenced to community service, home detention
Tacoma man, 46, said to be 'one of the largest illegal wildlife traffickers in Washington state history'
Read more here: http://www.thenewstribune.com/2014/04/04/3133820/wild-game-poacher-sentenced-to.html##storylink=cpy (http://www.thenewstribune.com/2014/04/04/3133820/wild-game-poacher-sentenced-to.html##storylink=cpy)
Not sure if this made the papers outside of Tacoma. Seems like a slap on the wrist to me. Hopefully his cooperation brings charges against many of the other scumbags in the book, especially the business owners that fed questionable game to customers.
His cooperation was as much of a joke as his sentence.....nothing new came out of his "cooperation".
His monetary penalties portion is coming in a couple of weeks. I hope he at least has to pay back the money we gave him in payment for the illegal elk and deer, but at this point I have lost a lot of faith in the "legal system". I have, multiple times, seen people get sentenced to serious jail time for taking one single elk out of season. This sentence makes me sick.
Post by: ucwarden on April 08, 2014, 02:50:16 PM
I would guess that allowing him to serve his time on EHM is a response to the budget issues in Pierce County. The article looks like he was looking at a max of 1 year. This goes to show that the system doesn't care about putting wildlife law violators away when they are dealing with violent offenders and drugs. That isn't a judgment on part one way or the other. It is my assessment of why we see sentences like this.
You are right on the money. It seems to me that the more rural the county, the better the sentences on game violations, but in the big cities (where they have tons of gang activity, drugs, rapes, murders etc.) game violations don't raise eyebrows at all.
Post by: ucwarden on April 08, 2014, 02:52:53 PM
i can with all honesty say i feel completly bad for you TODD, all your hard work and the danger you put yourself and jennifer in and this kind of B.S happens, its sad to say the least how this state and country are ran. i can see why so many get discouraged, i guess all we can hope for now is a leader to get put in place that wants to take the battle to them and force these piece of trash prosecutors to earn their friggin paycheck, at what time do we as a state of voters say enough :dunno: why is it that we cant clean house and start new, sometime it needs to be like the wild west where one can do the cleaning :tup:Wild game poacher sentenced to community service, home detention
Tacoma man, 46, said to be 'one of the largest illegal wildlife traffickers in Washington state history'
Read more here: http://www.thenewstribune.com/2014/04/04/3133820/wild-game-poacher-sentenced-to.html##storylink=cpy (http://www.thenewstribune.com/2014/04/04/3133820/wild-game-poacher-sentenced-to.html##storylink=cpy)
Not sure if this made the papers outside of Tacoma. Seems like a slap on the wrist to me. Hopefully his cooperation brings charges against many of the other scumbags in the book, especially the business owners that fed questionable game to customers.
His cooperation was as much of a joke as his sentence.....nothing new came out of his "cooperation".
His monetary penalties portion is coming in a couple of weeks. I hope he at least has to pay back the money we gave him in payment for the illegal elk and deer, but at this point I have lost a lot of faith in the "legal system". I have, multiple times, seen people get sentenced to serious jail time for taking one single elk out of season. This sentence makes me sick.
Thanks. This is sickening, but unfortunately this is a bi-product of the "Wild West" meeting up with the ultra-liberal coast.
Post by: WSU on April 08, 2014, 03:07:46 PM
i can with all honesty say i feel completly bad for you TODD, all your hard work and the danger you put yourself and jennifer in and this kind of B.S happens, its sad to say the least how this state and country are ran. i can see why so many get discouraged, i guess all we can hope for now is a leader to get put in place that wants to take the battle to them and force these piece of trash prosecutors to earn their friggin paycheck, at what time do we as a state of voters say enough :dunno: why is it that we cant clean house and start new, sometime it needs to be like the wild west where one can do the cleaning :tup:Wild game poacher sentenced to community service, home detention
Tacoma man, 46, said to be 'one of the largest illegal wildlife traffickers in Washington state history'
Read more here: http://www.thenewstribune.com/2014/04/04/3133820/wild-game-poacher-sentenced-to.html##storylink=cpy (http://www.thenewstribune.com/2014/04/04/3133820/wild-game-poacher-sentenced-to.html##storylink=cpy)
Not sure if this made the papers outside of Tacoma. Seems like a slap on the wrist to me. Hopefully his cooperation brings charges against many of the other scumbags in the book, especially the business owners that fed questionable game to customers.
His cooperation was as much of a joke as his sentence.....nothing new came out of his "cooperation".
His monetary penalties portion is coming in a couple of weeks. I hope he at least has to pay back the money we gave him in payment for the illegal elk and deer, but at this point I have lost a lot of faith in the "legal system". I have, multiple times, seen people get sentenced to serious jail time for taking one single elk out of season. This sentence makes me sick.
The time for you to say enough is the next time the issue of tax increases come up. We're going to have to build more jails, hire more people (court staff, judges, prosecutors, janitors, sheriffs, jail staff, medical staff, etc), build additional could buildings, buy additional transportation, pay to house these people, etc. if you want more people thrown in jail.
Who wants to pay more taxes? In the alternative, what programs should local governments cut?
Post by: jackmaster on April 08, 2014, 03:26:37 PM
Post by: Special T on April 08, 2014, 03:29:25 PM
Post by: WSU on April 08, 2014, 03:31:03 PM
i am sure there is alot of places to trim the fat in are fine state administration, so are you thinking its a good idea to not prosecute poachers :dunno: we could also start by cutting alot of these programs in the prisons that make these cons feel a little more comfortable, prison isnt suppose to be comfy, its suppose to make it where you never want to come back :chuckle: millions of dollars are spent on that alone and it needs to stop. there is alot of wasted money in this state, my belief is there are few that have their hands alittle further inserted into the cookie jar :dunno: well start using that money for stuff alittle more meaningful :tup:
No, I don't think we should stop prosecuting poachers and wouldn't mind if they were treated more harsher. My point is it ain't a simple as saying we should do it. You, or someone, needs to suggest actual dollars that can be raised or cut to do so. What programs, specifically, should be cut? I'm not saying there aren't some, but realistic change will require more than vague internet posts (I'm not intending to single Jackmaster out but am trying to point out the problem).
And, I agree that fines and restitution should make the crime hurt also and fit what the profit he made through his crimes.
Post by: Skillet on April 08, 2014, 03:54:10 PM
A quick jump onto the Pierce County website shows she is up for re-election in 2016. And look at that, there's a phone number - (253) 798-6630. Bet that voicemail is going to be full of registered Pierce County residents who will suggest that she make up for her misguided sentencing by leveling a monster fine against this convicted poacher and wildlife trafficker.
How many Pierce County residents are going to forget about this in two years at the ballot box? I hope not many.
Post by: Curly on April 08, 2014, 03:58:31 PM
Post by: ucwarden on April 08, 2014, 06:51:19 PM
This was a tough pill to swallow, since this guy (and his crew) absolutely devastated the elk herds for 7 years.
Post by: ucwarden on April 08, 2014, 06:56:06 PM
In what many call an egregious miscarriage of justice, on 04/04/14, Pierce County Superior Court Judge Elizabeth Martin sentenced a man who was believed to have been the single largest illegal wildlife trafficker in history; Bona Bunphoath to 30 days of community service and 60 days’ home detention for selling deer, elk and sturgeon in violation of state law. It is not known if his ice-cream privileges were revoked or not.
Post by: jackmaster on April 09, 2014, 06:53:05 AM
Post by: Dhoey07 on April 13, 2014, 08:53:02 AM
Post by: ucwarden on April 13, 2014, 11:59:29 AM
The Bunphoath story just ran in the outdoor section of the spokesman review. What a joke :yike: :yike: :yike:
It absolutely makes me sick. If you take the time, stress, and risk my partner endured out of it, and just look at the money the state put into this case, and the absolutely devastating impact this one guy put on our wildlife populations; that alone should be good for about 20 years in the joint. At least in my book.
Post by: quadrafire on April 14, 2014, 08:48:27 AM
Post by: Bob33 on April 14, 2014, 08:59:12 AM
Field reports: Wildlife trafficker gets minimal sentence
POACHING – A Tacoma man described as “one of the largest illegal wildlife traffickers in Washington state history” was sentenced last week to 30 days of community service and 60 days’ home detention for selling deer, elk and sturgeon in violation of state law.
Bona Bunphoath, 46, had pleaded guilty to four counts of first-degree unlawful trafficking in fish and wildlife.
Bunphoath was arrested in 2012 after investigators with the state Department of Fish and Wildlife learned he was illegally dealing in wild game and set up a sting to catch him, court records show.
Fish and Wildlife detective Todd Vandivert, now retired, detailed his investigation in a letter to the court.
Vandivert said he and his partner, over the course of 19 months, bought 10 whole elk carcasses and three deer from Bunphoath and sold him one deer. The going price for an elk was $600, with deer going for $200-$250, court records show.
“Additionally, Mr. Bunphoath sold or coordinated the sale of 11 sturgeon,” Vandivert said. “As you can guess, we were not Mr. Bunphoath’s only customers … he several times told us he had many customers for his illegal fish and wildlife and had no problem selling animals to others.”
Investigators say many of the animals were harvested out of season by people in the Yakima area and sold to Bunphoath, who then resold them.
“I assure the court Mr. Bunphoath was fully aware of just how illegal the sale of deer and elk is in Washington,” Vandivert said. “… Mr. Bunphoath is one of the largest illegal wildlife traffickers in Washington state history (if not the single largest), and his activities have had a tremendous adverse impact to the wildlife populations of our state.”
Vandivert asked for the “most severe penalties possible.”
Bunphoath faced prison time under the original nine counts. But Pierce County prosecutors and defense attorney Michael Schwartz engineered a plea deal in which Bunphoath avoided a harsher sentence by agreeing to cooperate with authorities in their investigation of others.
Post by: Elkaholic daWg on April 14, 2014, 09:08:25 AM
honor among thieves???? This POS HAS no HONOR of ANY kind!!!!! Nor do the dealing attorneys!
Post by: TVHunts on April 17, 2014, 08:28:38 PM
Post by: jackmaster on April 18, 2014, 06:37:34 AM
His sentence is pathetic. It has always baffled me how an attorney can morally defend someone that is so clearly guilty. Basically he walked...another disgusting display of a system that is broken and far to lenient.its a clear view of "money can buy your way out of anything" pretty freeking sad to say the least, what bothers me the most is that there is a judge and a prosecutor that actually excepted his " i am sorry, but thats how we do it in my home country" B.S... :bash: this is exactly why are justice system is so friggin jacked up..... there isnt any hard nosed judges anymore that make people responsible for their actions.... had i been the judge, i would have deported him back to his country... and then he would have said, "well judge, you cant actually do that because i have never actually been there" then the judge could have hammered him for trying to B.S the system and thrown his sorry ASS so far into the dungeon he would never see an ounce of daylight again :bash: :bash: :tup:
Post by: ucwarden on April 18, 2014, 07:46:47 AM
I never expected this outcome, but rather expected him to get a year or two in prison.
I agree; the system doesn't work very well.
Post by: popeshawnpaul on April 19, 2014, 11:34:52 AM
Operation Cody takes you through an undercover operation involving the buying and selling of illegal wildlife in Washington. The author's first hand knowledge, insight, and willingness to share in this operation benefits readers by educating them in a world not commonly seen. The chronological layout of the book allows you to follow the process from start to finish, following the players and characters in the book throughout the operation. The book is entertaining and provokes thought on the many subjects explored in the book. Throughout the operation, the author brings light to the WDFW enforcement and management. Ultimately, the author's personal bias and hatred displayed at many points in the book detract from the operation, book, and his message. At a few points, the book becomes uncomfortable to read as the author takes us through his hatred and bias toward management in WDFW seemingly exacting his revenge in vindictive fashion about those he chooses to criticize. The book abruptly ends, with little to no conclusion to the stories and people followed throughout the book. One must conclude that the book might have been better served with a later release including this information. With so few books covering this topic available, Operation Cody delivers in providing insight into wildlife criminal operations you can't get elsewhere.
My opinions about the topics in the book:
The author put himself out there, scarily so. From a legal perspective, undoubtedly the author has put himself at risk for a civil suit. I appreciated the fact that entrapment was explained. Throughout the book, we get only one perspective but even that perspective makes me wonder how close to entrapment many of these buy/sells were. As a defense attorney, the value in racking up more and more charges on top of the already solid charges seems rather pointless and only serves to waste taxpayer money. Very little, if anything in most of these cases will benefit by having a few more charges. Ultimately, you and I, as taxpayers, funded the illegal taking of countless game animals and protected birds. Addicts went out and killed more eagles, hawks, etc. because they had a consistent buyer to sell this crap to. How many animals died because we funded their killing on a consistent basis?
I think this operation was a good one, however, stretching it out 2 years seemed rather pointless. 1 year seemed perfect in terms of maximizing time, effort, money, and meaningful sentences on the actors. The broad theme many are learning is that most wildlife crimes are not valued by society. The diehard hunters on here are mad but they make up a minority and few of you are on regular juries that I see. Prosecutors are expending the little resources they have on violent crime, DUI, etc. A guy killing some extra elk doesn't hit high on their radar. With only a few exceptions, judges don't hand out hard sentences on this stuff. Why? Their actions reflect general society that doesn't care as much as they do with a guy facing his 12 DUI, etc. Most of you say you want better prosecutors and harder judges, but I suspect you don't really want to pay for it. If we seriously jailed everyone on wildlife crimes, we would have to rework more serious crime sentences as well. Do you want a guy poaching to get more than a guy who endangered you and I on his 5th DUI, or who raped your sister? No.
The amount of time and money spent on this case is astonishing. I hate poachers as much as most of you on here, but I also see the other side of it. The cost/benefit we got out of this operation seems not worth it. This is not to say that UCwarden's job was not well done here. It seemed he worked a decent operation and did his job relatively well. It's not his call to make on cost/benefit with regard to undercover operations, etc. Perhaps superiors saw what I see and it wasn't appreciated by those actually working the operation? We may never know. I would love to get the opinions, facts, etc. from the other actors in this book. When I read a police report, it's at the far end of the spectrum and usually very influential writing used to persuade prosecutors, judges, etc. This book reads like a police report and it makes me wonder the other side of the story we aren't getting. Ultimately, the truth is somewhere in the middle. It's a good book as it gleans insight in this type of an operation. I would run this type of an operation very different. It also po'ed me to learn we let natives off the hook on criminal charges because of their status.
Post by: trophyhunt on April 19, 2014, 11:58:40 AM
Post by: popeshawnpaul on April 19, 2014, 12:10:32 PM
Post by: ucwarden on April 20, 2014, 07:38:29 AM
First of all, Operation Cody did not go 2 years. I proposed 2 years but we got shut down early; we were to work no new suspects after only 14 months, and did the take-downs after 21 months.
I still feel 2 years was a very reasonable time-frame, as it takes a while to get the word out (about our "business") and really start bringing the good ones out of the woodwork. I see no reason to start a large scale case, such as this one, and not take every opportunity to catch as many bad guys as possible.
I also disagree with the whole argument about having suspects keep killing for no reason. Up until February 29th, that was not the case, as we were still trying to gather as many suspects as possible. There is simply no way we could turn down all offers from our already established suspects, yet buy from new suspects, without the very real concern that our old suppliers/customers would communicate with our newer suspects. For example; it would have been impossible to explain why we were turning down eagles from one of our established suppliers but were willing to buy from someone we had just met (if they knew each other and talked). After February 29th, when we were told to not deal with anyone but our top-eight suspects, I agree....that was a waste of time and wildlife, but that was not our call.
One thing I also disagree with was the comment about the costs of our operation. While it was certainly not our goal (in any way) to make money on this operation, I would guess that when all the numbers are crunched, we either broke even or came really close. This operation didn't cost the state much money at all. It was probably the most cost efficient case WDFW has ever done.
As far as sentencing, punishment etc.; there simply isn't much any of us can do until the legal system starts taking these crimes seriously. That is just part of working these types of crimes; we do our best on our end, but frequently the prosecutors and/or judges don't give them the attention many of us feel they should.
Post by: billythekidrock on April 20, 2014, 07:54:09 AM
First, my review:
Operation Cody takes you through an undercover operation involving the buying and selling of illegal wildlife in Washington. The author's first hand knowledge, insight, and willingness to share in this operation benefits readers by educating them in a world not commonly seen. The chronological layout of the book allows you to follow the process from start to finish, following the players and characters in the book throughout the operation. The book is entertaining and provokes thought on the many subjects explored in the book. Throughout the operation, the author brings light to the WDFW enforcement and management. Ultimately, the author's personal bias and hatred displayed at many points in the book detract from the operation, book, and his message. At a few points, the book becomes uncomfortable to read as the author takes us through his hatred and bias toward management in WDFW seemingly exacting his revenge in vindictive fashion about those he chooses to criticize. The book abruptly ends, with little to no conclusion to the stories and people followed throughout the book. One must conclude that the book might have been better served with a later release including this information. With so few books covering this topic available, Operation Cody delivers in providing insight into wildlife criminal operations you can't get elsewhere.
My opinions about the topics in the book:
The author put himself out there, scarily so. From a legal perspective, undoubtedly the author has put himself at risk for a civil suit. I appreciated the fact that entrapment was explained. Throughout the book, we get only one perspective but even that perspective makes me wonder how close to entrapment many of these buy/sells were. As a defense attorney, the value in racking up more and more charges on top of the already solid charges seems rather pointless and only serves to waste taxpayer money. Very little, if anything in most of these cases will benefit by having a few more charges. Ultimately, you and I, as taxpayers, funded the illegal taking of countless game animals and protected birds. Addicts went out and killed more eagles, hawks, etc. because they had a consistent buyer to sell this crap to. How many animals died because we funded their killing on a consistent basis?
I think this operation was a good one, however, stretching it out 2 years seemed rather pointless. 1 year seemed perfect in terms of maximizing time, effort, money, and meaningful sentences on the actors. The broad theme many are learning is that most wildlife crimes are not valued by society. The diehard hunters on here are mad but they make up a minority and few of you are on regular juries that I see. Prosecutors are expending the little resources they have on violent crime, DUI, etc. A guy killing some extra elk doesn't hit high on their radar. With only a few exceptions, judges don't hand out hard sentences on this stuff. Why? Their actions reflect general society that doesn't care as much as they do with a guy facing his 12 DUI, etc. Most of you say you want better prosecutors and harder judges, but I suspect you don't really want to pay for it. If we seriously jailed everyone on wildlife crimes, we would have to rework more serious crime sentences as well. Do you want a guy poaching to get more than a guy who endangered you and I on his 5th DUI, or who raped your sister? No.
The amount of time and money spent on this case is astonishing. I hate poachers as much as most of you on here, but I also see the other side of it. The cost/benefit we got out of this operation seems not worth it. This is not to say that UCwarden's job was not well done here. It seemed he worked a decent operation and did his job relatively well. It's not his call to make on cost/benefit with regard to undercover operations, etc. Perhaps superiors saw what I see and it wasn't appreciated by those actually working the operation? We may never know. I would love to get the opinions, facts, etc. from the other actors in this book. When I read a police report, it's at the far end of the spectrum and usually very influential writing used to persuade prosecutors, judges, etc. This book reads like a police report and it makes me wonder the other side of the story we aren't getting. Ultimately, the truth is somewhere in the middle. It's a good book as it gleans insight in this type of an operation. I would run this type of an operation very different. It also po'ed me to learn we let natives off the hook on criminal charges because of their status.
Interesting perspective. Thanks for sharing.
Post by: Special T on April 21, 2014, 02:30:28 PM
To me If you cannot put away the worst of the wildlife offenders Then why do anything at all? I can tell you what burns me up more than anything is how it is the people who TRY to do the right thing, or make a simple mistake get hammered. Unfortunately this problem is NOT unique to Game issues. ALL Civil/criminal issues across the board have a hard time enforcing against people with nothing...
Since Pope is a defence attorney I am curiouse what his solution to this issue is? Set aside any entrapment issues you may think there were... What is the best way to punish the worst 2-5% of offenders while realizing the current system WILL NOT put them in jail...
Post by: ucwarden on April 21, 2014, 04:15:44 PM
I understand where Pope is coming form on this. I think it really points out how broken the system is..
To me If you cannot put away the worst of the wildlife offenders Then why do anything at all? I can tell you what burns me up more than anything is how it is the people who TRY to do the right thing, or make a simple mistake get hammered. Unfortunately this problem is NOT unique to Game issues. ALL Civil/criminal issues across the board have a hard time enforcing against people with nothing...
Since Pope is a defence attorney I am curiouse what his solution to this issue is? Set aside any entrapment issues you may think there were... What is the best way to punish the worst 2-5% of offenders while realizing the current system WILL NOT put them in jail...
Excellent question. It would probably be helpful to have Pope (or someone in his position) help out to see what (if anything) can be done.
Post by: jackmaster on April 21, 2014, 08:31:01 PM
Post by: PLUVIUSWAPITI on April 21, 2014, 08:34:32 PM
Post by: jackmaster on April 22, 2014, 06:40:13 AM
couldn't agree with you more jackmaster.thank you, i figure it will piss people off but oh well, it irritates me that some could think that this was b orderline entrappment, thats friggin nuts, the scud bottom vagrant was told time and time again how illegal it was and he often responded with that he was fully aware of how illegal it was, you can say well we are only getting one side of the story, so what, what does U.C have to gain by embellishing the truth?????? not a damn thing, he is the one putting it out there, so many people cry and complain about needing someone to step up, well someone has, he should get nothing but support until he proves otherwise :tup:
Post by: ucwarden on April 22, 2014, 07:13:44 AM
couldn't agree with you more jackmaster.thank you, i figure it will piss people off but oh well, it irritates me that some could think that this was b orderline entrappment, thats friggin nuts, the scud bottom vagrant was told time and time again how illegal it was and he often responded with that he was fully aware of how illegal it was, you can say well we are only getting one side of the story, so what, what does U.C have to gain by embellishing the truth?????? not a damn thing, he is the one putting it out there, so many people cry and complain about needing someone to step up, well someone has, he should get nothing but support until he proves otherwise :tup:
Thanks Jackmaster, but now my 2 cents worth. It's easy to blame defense attorneys when things don't go the way we want, but believe me when I say; they are just doing the jobs they are paid to do. Normally when cases go bad for the state/prosecutor, it is because either the case wasn't that solid to begin with, or the prosecutor screwed up. I will use the Bona case as an example. I don't in anyway blame Bona's defense attorney, he was just doing the best job he could. I do, however, blame the prosecutor and the judge. The prosecutor should have been prepared to go to trial if need-be, instead of working so hard for a plea deal, and the judge had every opportunity on earth to put the man behind bars. They dropped the ball, not the defense attorney.
Also; please don't make the mistake of thinking defense attorneys always agree with or like their clients. They are people too, and often times they are shocked and repulsed by what their client has done. It's just the way the system works.
I have done some international travelling in my years, and despite the problems our legal system has, we still have the best system I have seen in the world.
I have learned over the years, that defense attorneys (even though they work hard to punch holes in our cases) are not the enemy, and they very often are the best one's at telling us how to improve our cases, so they can't find those holes to punch.
Post by: Curly on April 22, 2014, 08:56:01 AM
Quote
Do you want a guy poaching to get more than a guy who endangered you and I on his 5th DUI, or who raped your sister? No.
Well, I have a solution. Get tougher on those other crimes so that a poacher can get an appropriate sentence in relation to the other crimes. The worst wildlife trafficer in WA state history should not get a slap on the wrist just because other criminals are not getting punished like they deserve. That makes no sense.
And the other solution is like Bigtex always brings up..............mandatory minimums. If judges are not doing their jobs, then mandatory minimum sentences are going to have to be implemented..........then judge doesn't have to worry about feeling sorry for the poor criminal who didn't know any better. :rolleyes:
Post by: Special T on April 22, 2014, 10:03:25 AM
I dislike treating symptoms of the problem and would like to deal with the root.
FACT Every department is strapped for cash, right wrong or indifferent.
FACT Wildlife violations are viewed as victim less crimes.
You have 2 different hurdles to over come IMO 1 Jail time will be reserved for really bad guys... In skagit county they are/were only accepting DUI or fellonly to be accepted at the jail... LOTS of dirtbags were given a swat on the wrist or just let go.
2 How do you penalize some one financially that does not the assets to squeeze? The best example from the book are the 2-3 crack heads Todd was buying eagle stuff from over in the Yakima valley... They are broke, have no real assets, and won't go to jail... How do you penalize people like that?
You might argue that Home detention, or community service can be some kind of penalty because it takes their time, but in reality even that is a slap on the wrist... Additionally how do you deal with those who skip on doing Community Service or whatever...
Unfortunately this book and its followup discussions show that our court system is an illusion. A paper tiger. The only people it can and will keep inline are those of us who have assets, can't miss work, or generally responsible citizens that make mistakes, or errors in judgement...
If your irresponsible, have no assets, little income... What can the court system do to you? Apparently nothing...
Post by: jackmaster on April 22, 2014, 10:44:53 AM
i see your points very well UC, i guess its sometimes easier to push blame on the people who defend people like that, i really wish there was a way for the WDFW to have their own legal team that thats all they do is put away dirt bags like BONA, of course it would take better leadership from the very top to put that in place and make it run like its suppose to, i beleive its the only way to truly hammer the scud bottom vagrants that would do the things that piece of garbage has done :tup:couldn't agree with you more jackmaster.thank you, i figure it will piss people off but oh well, it irritates me that some could think that this was b orderline entrappment, thats friggin nuts, the scud bottom vagrant was told time and time again how illegal it was and he often responded with that he was fully aware of how illegal it was, you can say well we are only getting one side of the story, so what, what does U.C have to gain by embellishing the truth?????? not a damn thing, he is the one putting it out there, so many people cry and complain about needing someone to step up, well someone has, he should get nothing but support until he proves otherwise :tup:
Thanks Jackmaster, but now my 2 cents worth. It's easy to blame defense attorneys when things don't go the way we want, but believe me when I say; they are just doing the jobs they are paid to do. Normally when cases go bad for the state/prosecutor, it is because either the case wasn't that solid to begin with, or the prosecutor screwed up. I will use the Bona case as an example. I don't in anyway blame Bona's defense attorney, he was just doing the best job he could. I do, however, blame the prosecutor and the judge. The prosecutor should have been prepared to go to trial if need-be, instead of working so hard for a plea deal, and the judge had every opportunity on earth to put the man behind bars. They dropped the ball, not the defense attorney.
Also; please don't make the mistake of thinking defense attorneys always agree with or like their clients. They are people too, and often times they are shocked and repulsed by what their client has done. It's just the way the system works.
I have done some international travelling in my years, and despite the problems our legal system has, we still have the best system I have seen in the world.
I have learned over the years, that defense attorneys (even though they work hard to punch holes in our cases) are not the enemy, and they very often are the best one's at telling us how to improve our cases, so they can't find those holes to punch.
Post by: vandeman17 on April 22, 2014, 11:01:10 AM
Post by: ucwarden on April 22, 2014, 04:48:41 PM
mandatory minimus are fine but it ignores the ability of the prosecutor to plea down like what happend in the example.
I dislike treating symptoms of the problem and would like to deal with the root.
FACT Every department is strapped for cash, right wrong or indifferent.
FACT Wildlife violations are viewed as victim less crimes.
You have 2 different hurdles to over come IMO 1 Jail time will be reserved for really bad guys... In skagit county they are/were only accepting DUI or fellonly to be accepted at the jail... LOTS of dirtbags were given a swat on the wrist or just let go.
2 How do you penalize some one financially that does not the assets to squeeze? The best example from the book are the 2-3 crack heads Todd was buying eagle stuff from over in the Yakima valley... They are broke, have no real assets, and won't go to jail... How do you penalize people like that?
You might argue that Home detention, or community service can be some kind of penalty because it takes their time, but in reality even that is a slap on the wrist... Additionally how do you deal with those who skip on doing Community Service or whatever...
Unfortunately this book and its followup discussions show that our court system is an illusion. A paper tiger. The only people it can and will keep inline are those of us who have assets, can't miss work, or generally responsible citizens that make mistakes, or errors in judgement...
If your irresponsible, have no assets, little income... What can the court system do to you? Apparently nothing...
Well said, and to make matters worse, mandatory sentencing often leads to plea agreements to a lesser charge all together. For example, if we pushing through mandatory sentencing for unlawful trafficking in wildlife (a felony) you would likely see a lot of those cases dropped down to unlawful possession of wildlife (a gross misdemeanor). There really is no simple solution....unfortunately.
Post by: ucwarden on June 02, 2014, 02:22:24 PM
The only thing he said, which I disagree with, is that I bashed WDFW enforcement in my book. I did not bash all officers, just those who put themselves above resource protection or those who don't do the job they are paid to do.
The interview starts at the 6:30 mark (6 minutes and 30 seconds into the show).
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ImfuACF6U5Y (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ImfuACF6U5Y)
Post by: tonymiller7 on December 17, 2014, 08:36:30 AM
Post by: DOUBLELUNG on December 17, 2014, 09:14:19 AM
Post by: Wacenturion on December 17, 2014, 09:40:36 AM
I read the book and passed it along to a friend who is currently a county deputy with aspirations to be a game warden. Sadly, I have tried to persuade him to stay on as a deputy. He is too resource oriented, altruistic and idealistic to survive a career starting now as a modern day game warden.
Boy, ain't that the truth. :tup:
Post by: Special T on December 17, 2014, 09:43:08 AM
Here is an interview I did with Northwestern Outdoor Radio. The host of the show is a great guy, but told me he is a friend of WDFW Chief Crown.
The only thing he said, which I disagree with, is that I bashed WDFW enforcement in my book. I did not bash all officers, just those who put themselves above resource protection or those who don't do the job they are paid to do.
The interview starts at the 6:30 mark (6 minutes and 30 seconds into the show).
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ImfuACF6U5Y (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ImfuACF6U5Y)
Dont give up keep doing interviews and spreading the word. Its REALLY hard to stir things up in this state But every time you do you shine a little truth on a bad system that needs corrective action.
Post by: ucwarden on December 17, 2014, 12:15:22 PM
Just finished this book, Congratulations of the success of the operation despite being hamstrung by the administration. Unfortunately this book only helps to confirm my feeling that Washington has the worst fish and wildlife agency in the nation!!! Not the officers in the field doing the real work but the administration as a whole. The book was a great read and hard to put down, however I was pissed off every time I read it because of the confirmations of what I have believed for years. Thanks again for your hard work and putting the truth of the entire operation out there!!!
Thanks, and if you haven't already done so, please get back on Amazon and write a review of the book.
I appreciate your support and comments.
Post by: ucwarden on December 17, 2014, 12:17:51 PM
I read the book and passed it along to a friend who is currently a county deputy with aspirations to be a game warden. Sadly, I have tried to persuade him to stay on as a deputy. He is too resource oriented, altruistic and idealistic to survive a career starting now as a modern day game warden.
I wrote a letter to 50+ legislators detailing the wrong-doings in WDFW, and I ended it by saying; "What saddens me the most it that for 25+ years, when any young college student would ask me what it’s like to be a Fish and Wildlife Officer in Washington, I always answered; “It’s the best job on earth”. Now, I (like many others) tell them to look elsewhere."
So I would advise your deputy friend to look at Idaho or Montana
Post by: ucwarden on December 17, 2014, 12:18:47 PM
Here is an interview I did with Northwestern Outdoor Radio. The host of the show is a great guy, but told me he is a friend of WDFW Chief Crown.
The only thing he said, which I disagree with, is that I bashed WDFW enforcement in my book. I did not bash all officers, just those who put themselves above resource protection or those who don't do the job they are paid to do.
The interview starts at the 6:30 mark (6 minutes and 30 seconds into the show).
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ImfuACF6U5Y (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ImfuACF6U5Y)
Dont give up keep doing interviews and spreading the word. Its REALLY hard to stir things up in this state But every time you do you shine a little truth on a bad system that needs corrective action.
Thanks, and I have not given up. As a matter of fact I should have something new for all of you very soon.
Post by: HntnFsh on December 17, 2014, 12:28:12 PM
Post by: CavemantheHunter on December 17, 2014, 01:11:02 PM
Post by: Boss .300 winmag on December 17, 2014, 01:33:50 PM
Post by: ucwarden on December 17, 2014, 01:35:32 PM
Finished the book about a month ago and it sure was eye opening (and not in a good way). Thanks ucwarden for your hard work and dedication despite being completely two-blocked by your management. I appreciate what you did and are doing. It was a fantastic read but made me sick.
Thanks for you support! Some officers from WDFW said they liked the book but wished I had not aired our dirty laundry, but I felt if I was going to write a non-fiction (true story) I had to stick to all the truth, not just that which made us look good. I also hoped the book might bring about some real change, but that hasn't come true.
It is always nice to hear from people such as yourself, who understand where I was coming from and why I wrote the book. I knew it wasn't going to make anyone happy, but I have never been one to hold back.
As I stated to one of the above posts, please take the time to write a review on Amazon, if you haven't already done so.
I also now have a new job; as editor of International Game Warden Magazine, which I hope to expose many of you to in the near future.
Thanks.
Post by: Special T on December 17, 2014, 01:37:07 PM
Post by: ucwarden on December 17, 2014, 01:37:34 PM
Does anyone have the book they would loan me to read?
If you can't afford the $12.50 to buy one; http://www.operationcody.com/ (http://www.operationcody.com/)
Let me know and I will loan you one myself.
Post by: Special T on December 17, 2014, 01:40:54 PM
Post by: Boss .300 winmag on December 17, 2014, 01:43:44 PM
I might add That Riverside Archery In West Mount Vernon has them for sale in thier shop!
Noted!
Post by: ucwarden on December 17, 2014, 01:53:32 PM
I might add That Riverside Archery In West Mount Vernon has them for sale in thier shop!
Noted!
Plus I am serious. I can ship you one if need be.
Post by: T Pearce on December 17, 2014, 02:44:48 PM
Thanks "Tom and Tina" ;)
Are any of the WDFW officers names changed?
I'm going to read this aloud around the campfire next season.
T
Post by: ucwarden on December 17, 2014, 02:46:39 PM
I just downloaded and started reading this book. Wow, so far the support is there.
Thanks "Tom and Tina" ;)
Are any of the WDFW officers names changed?
I'm going to read this aloud around the campfire next season.
T
Nope I didn't change any of the names of WDFW officers, but did change the names of the federal agents and the suspects.
Post by: Bean Counter on December 17, 2014, 02:49:25 PM
Post by: Special T on December 17, 2014, 02:52:29 PM
Post by: ucwarden on December 17, 2014, 02:57:25 PM
??? Why would the names of the Feds be changed but not the WDFW LEOs?
The feds work under different policies than do the state officers. They specifically asked me to change their names, so I did so.
Post by: Bean Counter on December 17, 2014, 03:51:49 PM
Post by: Boss .300 winmag on December 17, 2014, 04:04:06 PM
I might add That Riverside Archery In West Mount Vernon has them for sale in thier shop!
Noted!
Plus I am serious. I can ship you one if need be.
It's not the cost. It's my Jewish frugal side kicking in, most books once read sit on selves along time before being read again. :chuckle:
I have some I reread every couple years they are that good. I would never loan those outside my house. ;)
Post by: ucwarden on December 17, 2014, 04:04:53 PM
Interesting. Would you have done so if a wdfw officer had requested the same?
Yes, other than my name and my partner's, I would have gone with our real names.
Post by: CavemantheHunter on December 17, 2014, 04:46:31 PM
Finished the book about a month ago and it sure was eye opening (and not in a good way). Thanks ucwarden for your hard work and dedication despite being completely two-blocked by your management. I appreciate what you did and are doing. It was a fantastic read but made me sick.
Thanks for you support! Some officers from WDFW said they liked the book but wished I had not aired our dirty laundry, but I felt if I was going to write a non-fiction (true story) I had to stick to all the truth, not just that which made us look good. I also hoped the book might bring about some real change, but that hasn't come true.
It is always nice to hear from people such as yourself, who understand where I was coming from and why I wrote the book. I knew it wasn't going to make anyone happy, but I have never been one to hold back.
As I stated to one of the above posts, please take the time to write a review on Amazon, if you haven't already done so.
I also now have a new job; as editor of International Game Warden Magazine, which I hope to expose many of you to in the near future.
Thanks.
Thanks again for all of your work ucwarden. I just posted a 5-star review on amazon. Very eye opening experience and great read.
Post by: Man Tracker on December 17, 2014, 05:57:03 PM
Post by: Special T on December 17, 2014, 07:04:44 PM
Post by: T Pearce on December 17, 2014, 10:35:30 PM
Thank you...
A great read but it leaves me a bit miffed over how things fell apart.
Tom
Post by: wadu1 on December 17, 2014, 10:45:53 PM
I might add That Riverside Archery In West Mount Vernon has them for sale in thier shop!
Noted!
Plus I am serious. I can ship you one if need be.
It's not the cost. It's my Jewish frugal side kicking in, most books once read sit on selves along time before being read again. :chuckle:
I have some I reread every couple years they are that good. I would never loan those outside my house. ;)
I'll buy you one, Todd put out a good read we should not have him give one away to get his story out. He spent a lot of time and money getting it published, give him credit for a job well done and purchase. PM me for the offer Boss .300 winmag only please.
Post by: ucwarden on December 18, 2014, 05:19:36 PM
Even as someone with many years of wildlife law enforcement, I found Operation CODY disturbing in both the amount of trafficking occurring, as well as many folks attitudes. And what vexes many is where/when will another u/c case take up the fight to protect our wildlife resource.? The problem hasn't gone away. The best uniformed officers (and there are many) can't begin to touch the black market that exists. Kudo's to UC for fighting the battle.
Thanks
Post by: ucwarden on December 18, 2014, 05:20:44 PM
Todd and Jennifer
Thank you...
A great read but it leaves me a bit miffed over how things fell apart.
Tom
Trust me; you aren't the only one who was left a bit miffed!
Post by: MtnMuley on December 18, 2014, 05:46:31 PM
Post by: ucwarden on December 18, 2014, 06:20:42 PM
I'm about to sit down and read the book. I've loaned it out upon receiving it close to 10 times. I'm just not really sure I can take whole thing in knowing things I know. Enough credit can't be given to you, UC. :twocents:
Thanks again!
Post by: DOUBLELUNG on December 19, 2014, 03:24:51 PM
Post by: ucwarden on December 19, 2014, 07:46:17 PM
Congrats on your new gig as IGW editor! I've always enjoyed reading it.
Thanks! I am excited about it.
Post by: ucwarden on December 22, 2014, 11:25:24 PM
http://www.yakimaherald.com/home/2544664-8/fish-and-wildlife-an-agency-split-in-two (http://www.yakimaherald.com/home/2544664-8/fish-and-wildlife-an-agency-split-in-two)
Post by: Rainier10 on December 22, 2014, 11:49:33 PM
Post by: Sitka_Blacktail on December 23, 2014, 12:29:31 AM
I don't condone law enforcement breaking laws to enforce the law. But Cenci was right in this case. Sounds like he used the wrong methods to try to prove it.
Post by: ucwarden on December 23, 2014, 07:07:36 AM
Interesting article. Should be a very interesting 2015.
I am guessing it will very interesting
Post by: ucwarden on December 23, 2014, 08:16:21 AM
http://www.yakimaherald.com/photosandvideos/latestphotos/2562971-8/officers-faced-unexpected-complications-during-culmination-of-operation (http://www.yakimaherald.com/photosandvideos/latestphotos/2562971-8/officers-faced-unexpected-complications-during-culmination-of-operation)
http://www.yakimaherald.com/home/2544664-8/fish-and-wildlife-an-agency-split-in-two (http://www.yakimaherald.com/home/2544664-8/fish-and-wildlife-an-agency-split-in-two)
Post by: pianoman9701 on December 23, 2014, 08:39:57 AM
Post by: Bob33 on December 23, 2014, 08:44:28 AM
Both links come up as blank pages.They work for me. :dunno:
(You haven't been visiting any North Korean sites lately, have you?)
Post by: Wacenturion on December 23, 2014, 09:27:27 AM
Post by: Gringo31 on December 23, 2014, 11:04:27 AM
Have a Merry Christmas! I thank you for your service :tup:
Post by: ucwarden on December 23, 2014, 01:26:46 PM
Sad what has happened to what used to be a well respected agencies....old Dept. of Game and Dept of Fisheries that is. Good luck with the pursuit in 2015 Todd.
I am about done with my pursuit. I have done all I can now, so it's up to others from now on.
Thanks for the support and Merry Christmas to all!
Post by: ucwarden on December 23, 2014, 01:27:29 PM
I appreciate how tough this has been to live through and then follow through. Thank you UC!
Have a Merry Christmas! I thank you for your service :tup:
You are very welcome and thank you!
Merry Christmas
Post by: trophyhunt on December 23, 2014, 02:06:31 PM
Post by: ucwarden on December 23, 2014, 03:16:55 PM
Yes, thank you very much for the book, insite and all that you have tried to bring out. It's a damn shame that you had to endure all this crap, your service will be missed by us and those animals that will drop by the hands of poachers who go unpunished. Please enjoy your retirement, it is very well deserved. Thanks again, Merry Christmas.
That was a great message, and thanks. It is the resource and the fine officers I left behind that I worry about. I am fine and happily retired.
Post by: blackdog on December 23, 2014, 08:34:30 PM
Post by: Tbar on December 23, 2014, 09:07:42 PM
Miranda Wecker is the lynchpin of this problem in my opinion.Do you care to elaborate?
Post by: ucwarden on December 24, 2014, 06:20:05 AM
Miranda Wecker is the lynchpin of this problem in my opinion.
I tend to agree
Post by: Rainier10 on December 24, 2014, 07:31:49 AM
He did last night but now it is gone this morning. :dunno: Weird.Miranda Wecker is the lynchpin of this problem in my opinion.Do you care to elaborate?
Post by: Special T on December 24, 2014, 08:23:17 AM
There are actually two articles in the Yakima paper:
http://www.yakimaherald.com/photosandvideos/latestphotos/2562971-8/officers-faced-unexpected-complications-during-culmination-of-operation (http://www.yakimaherald.com/photosandvideos/latestphotos/2562971-8/officers-faced-unexpected-complications-during-culmination-of-operation)
http://www.yakimaherald.com/home/2544664-8/fish-and-wildlife-an-agency-split-in-two (http://www.yakimaherald.com/home/2544664-8/fish-and-wildlife-an-agency-split-in-two)
For those of you on facebook i think you should post up either of these articles (I personally thought the one with UC's ugly mug was better) for you hunting friends to see. If you ever wanted to fan the flames to get new leadership this is your chance.
Post by: ucwarden on December 24, 2014, 09:56:17 AM
There are actually two articles in the Yakima paper:
http://www.yakimaherald.com/photosandvideos/latestphotos/2562971-8/officers-faced-unexpected-complications-during-culmination-of-operation (http://www.yakimaherald.com/photosandvideos/latestphotos/2562971-8/officers-faced-unexpected-complications-during-culmination-of-operation)
http://www.yakimaherald.com/home/2544664-8/fish-and-wildlife-an-agency-split-in-two (http://www.yakimaherald.com/home/2544664-8/fish-and-wildlife-an-agency-split-in-two)
For those of you on facebook i think you should post up either of these articles (I personally thought the one with UC's ugly mug was better) for you hunting friends to see. If you ever wanted to fan the flames to get new leadership this is your chance.
"Ugly mug"....I'm hurt. I thought that was a very becoming look for me. I was told the more of my face I covered the better I looked.
I really appreciate you advice to people, because I have done about everything I am capable of doing, and yet I haven't seemed to put a dent in their armor.
Post by: Special T on December 24, 2014, 12:16:33 PM
Can you say... "Beef, its whats for dinner!"
:chuckle:
Post by: ucwarden on December 24, 2014, 12:44:37 PM
You know, with the right hair cut you could look a little like Sam Elliott...
Can you say... "Beef, its whats for dinner!"
:chuckle:
"Elk, it's what's for dinner"?
Post by: Elkaholic daWg on December 24, 2014, 03:08:16 PM
There are actually two articles in the Yakima paper:
http://www.yakimaherald.com/photosandvideos/latestphotos/2562971-8/officers-faced-unexpected-complications-during-culmination-of-operation (http://www.yakimaherald.com/photosandvideos/latestphotos/2562971-8/officers-faced-unexpected-complications-during-culmination-of-operation)
http://www.yakimaherald.com/home/2544664-8/fish-and-wildlife-an-agency-split-in-two (http://www.yakimaherald.com/home/2544664-8/fish-and-wildlife-an-agency-split-in-two)
For those of you on facebook i think you should post up either of these articles (I personally thought the one with UC's ugly mug was better) for you hunting friends to see. If you ever wanted to fan the flames to get new leadership this is your chance.
"Ugly mug"....I'm hurt. I thought that was a very becoming look for me. I was told the more of my face I covered the better I looked.
I really appreciate you advice to people, because I have done about everything I am capable of doing, and yet I haven't seemed to put a dent in their armor.
I DID that Special T at 530 AM this morning! And Todd......Love the Pic! PS .....I have seen Sam Elliot with that hair in the past....
Post by: ucwarden on December 24, 2014, 06:15:04 PM
There are actually two articles in the Yakima paper:
http://www.yakimaherald.com/photosandvideos/latestphotos/2562971-8/officers-faced-unexpected-complications-during-culmination-of-operation (http://www.yakimaherald.com/photosandvideos/latestphotos/2562971-8/officers-faced-unexpected-complications-during-culmination-of-operation)
http://www.yakimaherald.com/home/2544664-8/fish-and-wildlife-an-agency-split-in-two (http://www.yakimaherald.com/home/2544664-8/fish-and-wildlife-an-agency-split-in-two)
For those of you on facebook i think you should post up either of these articles (I personally thought the one with UC's ugly mug was better) for you hunting friends to see. If you ever wanted to fan the flames to get new leadership this is your chance.
"Ugly mug"....I'm hurt. I thought that was a very becoming look for me. I was told the more of my face I covered the better I looked.
I really appreciate you advice to people, because I have done about everything I am capable of doing, and yet I haven't seemed to put a dent in their armor.
I DID that Special T at 530 AM this morning! And Todd......Love the Pic! PS .....I have seen Sam Elliot with that hair in the past....
I left all of that on the barber shop floor two years ago
Post by: blackdog on December 24, 2014, 11:16:47 PM
Post by: Knocker of rocks on December 25, 2014, 07:08:26 AM
When folks voted for the referendum that created the current commission governance
I don't remember that
Post by: Elkaholic daWg on December 25, 2014, 07:22:26 AM
From DFW website.......
http://wdfw.wa.gov/commission/ (http://wdfw.wa.gov/commission/)
The Commission receives its authority from the passage of Referendum 45 by the 1995 Legislature and public at the 1995 general election. The Commission is the supervising authority for the Department. With the 1994 merger of the former Departments of Fisheries and Wildlife, the Commission has comprehensive species authority as well.
This was most likely made necessary by the flawed merger of Game and Fisheries departments....
Post by: Sportfury on December 25, 2014, 07:49:21 AM
Post by: ucwarden on December 25, 2014, 08:01:35 AM
Maybe it is time we use the initiative process and request that WDFW gets rolled into the Washington State Patrol similar to what Alaska has. This would cut out the top, get rid of Wecker, and give these officers the support they need.
That idea has been kicked around for decades. I personally don't support putting F&W Officers into state patrol, as I believe their focus (on fish and wildlife crimes) would be even more diminished that it already is. I believe the real problem is the top; the governor (who not only hasn't once responded to my allegations, but didn't even respond to my several attempted contacts), the commission chair (Miranda Wecker who seems to fully support Cenci and refuses to even hear the other side) and the director (who is out in a week).
Post by: Elkaholic daWg on December 25, 2014, 08:02:10 AM
Post by: Knocker of rocks on December 25, 2014, 08:05:17 AM
Maybe it is time we use the initiative process and request that WDFW gets rolled into the Washington State Patrol similar to what Alaska has. This would cut out the top, get rid of Wecker, and give these officers the support they need.
Why would transferring enforcement to WSP get rid of Miranda Wecker? By your example of Alaska and Oregon, those states have transferred enforcement duties to the State Police, but retain F&W departments. The same would probably happen here.
Post by: JimmyHoffa on December 25, 2014, 09:31:02 AM
Maybe it is time we use the initiative process and request that WDFW gets rolled into the Washington State Patrol similar to what Alaska has. This would cut out the top, get rid of Wecker, and give these officers the support they need.Oregon has it merged with State Patrol. They would rather do SP stuff than mess with wildlife. They can keep plenty busy and not have to leave the car to run around in the woods. I think there are three counties that don't have much of a sheriff's dept, so they were kind of letting SP pick up the slack. Basically no game warden type activity--super easy to poach from what I've heard.
Post by: blackdog on December 25, 2014, 09:57:02 AM
Post by: ucwarden on December 25, 2014, 10:12:16 AM
Once more with feeling, who was the director of Wildlife pre merger and what is his role today? :hello:
I believe it was Curt Smitch, until 1998 when Jeff Koenings took over
Post by: ucwarden on December 25, 2014, 10:15:37 AM
Maybe it is time we use the initiative process and request that WDFW gets rolled into the Washington State Patrol similar to what Alaska has. This would cut out the top, get rid of Wecker, and give these officers the support they need.
Why would transferring enforcement to WSP get rid of Miranda Wecker? By your example of Alaska and Oregon, those states have transferred enforcement duties to the State Police, but retain F&W departments. The same would probably happen here.
It wouldn't get rid of her, but she would no longer have any influence/power over enforcement officers. You are right, that in Oregon the "game wardens" work for OSP, while the natural resource management is under ODF&W.
I don't like what I see in Oregon, as the wildlife troopers are still troopers and when traffic issues become a problem, they are out checking to make sure semis are chained up etc., instead of remaining focused on catching poachers.
Post by: bearpaw on December 25, 2014, 10:25:06 AM
Post by: Elkaholic daWg on December 25, 2014, 10:26:23 AM
That and how do we think hunters would fare in the mob rule initiative process of :yike:Pugetropolis?? Careful what you suggest :bdid:Maybe it is time we use the initiative process and request that WDFW gets rolled into the Washington State Patrol similar to what Alaska has. This would cut out the top, get rid of Wecker, and give these officers the support they need.
Why would transferring enforcement to WSP get rid of Miranda Wecker? By your example of Alaska and Oregon, those states have transferred enforcement duties to the State Police, but retain F&W departments. The same would probably happen here.
It wouldn't get rid of her, but she would no longer have any influence/power over enforcement officers. You are right, that in Oregon the "game wardens" work for OSP, while the natural resource management is under ODF&W.
I don't like what I see in Oregon, as the wildlife troopers are still troopers and when traffic issues become a problem, they are out checking to make sure semis are chained up etc., instead of remaining focused on catching poachers.
Post by: ucwarden on December 25, 2014, 10:35:24 AM
Once more with feeling, who was the director of Wildlife pre merger and what is his role today? :hello:
I believe it was Curt Smitch, until 1998 when Jeff Koenings took over
And I looked up Smitch and it appears he is some kind of consultant.
Post by: blackdog on December 25, 2014, 10:44:40 AM
Post by: stevemiller on December 25, 2014, 10:50:49 AM
Post by: blackdog on December 25, 2014, 11:09:01 AM
Post by: Sportfury on December 25, 2014, 11:20:39 AM
Post by: blackdog on December 25, 2014, 11:33:29 AM
:tup:
Post by: ucwarden on December 25, 2014, 12:10:42 PM
What authority does the WSP actually have?I have WSP friends and they all seem to say the same thing,In WA. they patrol the highway for the most part and they assist the other LEO :dunno:
This is one of the urban myths that has always cracked me up; what officers have more authority than the others. In Washington all peace officers (police) have the same authority over all laws, with a few exceptions (ie- municipal (city) codes, county codes etc.). So a trooper has the same statewide authority as a F&W officer. Troopers already can enforce F&W laws, but are not mandated (nor encouraged) to do so.
Think of it this way; we are all cops, it is just that some us are specialized.
Post by: ucwarden on December 25, 2014, 12:12:32 PM
Just a suggestion guys on merging. Trying to think outside the box and find a way to get rid of the problem and help us out at the same time.
I appreciate the suggestion, and you are not alone (a few WDFW officers support going to WSP), but overall I think it's a very bad idea. I would much rather see a radical change in WDFW, and just leave game wardens in a F&W agency, and get the officers back on-track catching poachers.
Post by: MtnMuley on December 25, 2014, 12:22:26 PM
Just a suggestion guys on merging. Trying to think outside the box and find a way to get rid of the problem and help us out at the same time.
I appreciate the suggestion, and you are not alone (a few WDFW officers support going to WSP), but overall I think it's a very bad idea. I would much rather see a radical change in WDFW, and just leave game wardens in a F&W agency, and get the officers back on-track catching poachers.
100% spot on.
Post by: stevemiller on December 25, 2014, 12:51:08 PM
I guess authority was the wrong word lol.They dont do other things for the most part unless called on or actively see something illegal going on and even then they will call other LE agency.They are a Highway patrol in WA. and thats what they do for the most part.What authority does the WSP actually have?I have WSP friends and they all seem to say the same thing,In WA. they patrol the highway for the most part and they assist the other LEO :dunno:
This is one of the urban myths that has always cracked me up; what officers have more authority than the others. In Washington all peace officers (police) have the same authority over all laws, with a few exceptions (ie- municipal (city) codes, county codes etc.). So a trooper has the same statewide authority as a F&W officer. Troopers already can enforce F&W laws, but are not mandated (nor encouraged) to do so.
Think of it this way; we are all cops, it is just that some us are specialized.
Post by: ucwarden on December 25, 2014, 01:29:41 PM
Just a suggestion guys on merging. Trying to think outside the box and find a way to get rid of the problem and help us out at the same time.
I appreciate the suggestion, and you are not alone (a few WDFW officers support going to WSP), but overall I think it's a very bad idea. I would much rather see a radical change in WDFW, and just leave game wardens in a F&W agency, and get the officers back on-track catching poachers.
100% spot on.
But as I am learning, very difficult to accomplish in Washington's political climate.
Post by: billythekidrock on December 25, 2014, 01:37:16 PM
I think it would be a huge mistake to merge wildlife with WSP! Anything we can do to keep the focus on "wildlife only" will benefit our wildlife more. :twocents:
I agree.
I just heard that the Gov's new budget proposal may take officers from DNR and give them to State Parks. Not sure if this is true, but I heard it from a State Parks employee.
Post by: Sitka_Blacktail on December 25, 2014, 05:46:39 PM
I think it would be a huge mistake to merge wildlife with WSP! Anything we can do to keep the focus on "wildlife only" will benefit our wildlife more. :twocents:
In Alaska, the wildlife officers were originally with Fish and Game, then they were switched to the Dept of Public Safety, but were their own division, Brown Shirts (Fish and Wildlife Protection) and Blue Shirts (everything else). http://peninsulaclarion.com/stories/060503/ala_060503ala012001.shtml (http://peninsulaclarion.com/stories/060503/ala_060503ala012001.shtml) Then they were merged into one entity as a cost saving measure if I remember right under the same chain of command and were all made blue shirts. Needless to say, that was a disaster for fish and game as the emphasis was on everything else and fish and wildlife took a backseat. It was also a disaster on moral for the wildlife officers because most of them got into the field because of their interest in the outdoors and animals and conservation. That didn't last too long, then they were separated back into separate divisions of The Dept of public safety with their own chain of command. (one of the few good things Sarah Palin got done)
Many in Alaska still feel like Fish and Wildlife officers should get out of the Dept of Public Safety and back with the Dept of Fish and Game. Washington isn't the only state with this conversation going on. It all boils down to...... You can't efficiently serve two masters.
Post by: HntnFsh on December 25, 2014, 06:26:52 PM
Once more with feeling, who was the director of Wildlife pre merger and what is his role today? :hello:
I believe it was Curt Smitch, until 1998 when Jeff Koenings took over
And I looked up Smitch and it appears he is some kind of consultant.
Didn't Smitch have very close ties to Weyerhauser? Cant believe he is still associated with WDFW. Didn't seem to be vey popular when he was in office. I believe he was one of the originals that wanted to sell tags and licenses to Weyco, for them to sell.
Post by: WSU on December 25, 2014, 07:33:40 PM
Maybe it is time we use the initiative process and request that WDFW gets rolled into the Washington State Patrol similar to what Alaska has. This would cut out the top, get rid of Wecker, and give these officers the support they need.Oregon has it merged with State Patrol. They would rather do SP stuff than mess with wildlife. They can keep plenty busy and not have to leave the car to run around in the woods. I think there are three counties that don't have much of a sheriff's dept, so they were kind of letting SP pick up the slack. Basically no game warden type activity--super easy to poach from what I've heard.
That was the opposite of my experience in Oregon during school. I got checked everywhere I went. I got checked by one of the local troopers floating down the river in another drift boat, in the middle of no where during elk season, duck hunting, at the boat launch, and randomly on the river in the middle of BLM land. All that was over the course of only 3 years. I certainly wouldn't say they didn't work hard and get out in the field.
Post by: Knocker of rocks on December 25, 2014, 07:39:59 PM
Once more with feeling, who was the director of Wildlife pre merger and what is his role today? :hello:
I believe it was Curt Smitch, until 1998 when Jeff Koenings took over
And I looked up Smitch and it appears he is some kind of consultant.
Didn't Smitch have very close ties to Weyerhauser? Cant believe he is still associated with WDFW. Didn't seem to be vey popular when he was in office. I believe he was one of the originals that wanted to sell tags and licenses to Weyco, for them to sell.
Quote
Curt Smitch has served in a variety of roles with the state and federal government throughout his thirty year public service career. After leaving his position as an assistant professor at Michigan State University, Curt began his Washington State government career under Governor Dixie Lee Ray in 1979 as the Capital Budget Coordinator for the Office of Financial Management. Thereafter, Curt held management positions in the Washington State Department of Fisheries and later became Director of the Washington State Department of Wildlife under Governor Booth Gardner.
In 1994, Curt served in the Clinton Administration as the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service's Program Supervisor for the Pacific Northwest Habitat Conservation Plan Program and became the U.S. Fish and Wildlife's Assistant Regional Director in 1995. In 1997, he returned to Washington State government as a Special Assistant to Governor Locke for Natural Resources Policy and chaired the Governor's Natural Resource Cabinet.
Curt holds a Doctorate of Philosophy in Education from Michigan State University, a Masters in Environmental Sciences and a BS and BA in Biology from Western Washington University. He also successfully completed the Program for Senior Executives at Harvard University's Kennedy School of Government.
It looks like he was out of state government prior to 1993, before the departmental merger.
http://www.thompsoncg.com/Page.aspx?cid=15 (http://www.thompsoncg.com/Page.aspx?cid=15)
Post by: Knocker of rocks on December 25, 2014, 07:45:53 PM
yes and now we have identified the man behind the curtain. A consultant, now I wonder he consults for? :dunno:
Curt Smitch primarily consults for timber companies
http://www.thompsoncg.com/Page.aspx?nid=5 (http://www.thompsoncg.com/Page.aspx?nid=5)
http://www.thompsoncg.com/Page.aspx?nid=4 (http://www.thompsoncg.com/Page.aspx?nid=4)
Post by: blackdog on December 25, 2014, 08:36:53 PM
Post by: blackdog on December 25, 2014, 08:39:34 PM
Post by: blackdog on December 25, 2014, 08:43:11 PM
Post by: Hunter4Life on December 26, 2014, 12:00:31 PM
Post by: ucwarden on December 26, 2014, 12:17:11 PM
Merging WDFW into WSP would be a disaster. The ideal situation would be what we had in the old days, a Department of Game and a Department of Fisheries. Politically separating WDFW has no chance and there would be major opposition in both parties. An answer I think would be to have two Commissions, a Wildlife commission and a Fishing Commission. The Wildlife Commission would handle hunting/wildlife issues and the Fishing Commission would handle fishing/shellfish issues. The problem with the Fish and Wildlife commission is we have people like Miranda Wecker who has no clue on hunting issues and will follow the lead of people like Rob Wielgus and certain members of WDFW no matter how good or bad the science or advice is. She doesn't care about the hunting side and won't learn. The commission now is heavily slanted with experts on the fishing side. Commission Holzmiller has been outspoken on hunters rights, but other than that there is no one passionate on hunting issues.
I think you are right on the money. The problem is that virtually nobody in power (other than Senator Pearson) cares enough to even look into this mess. I have contacted the governor's office three times (actually today makes four) and haven't even received a reply. We can all come up with solutions to the problems, but the people who have the power to change things don't care.
The real irony is that I care greatly about the WDFW agency, the employees (most of them), and resources, and I hate to keep attacking WDFW. The changes we are all asking for aren't that difficult, and would be far better than watching an agency come apart at the seams like we are seeing now.
Post by: DOUBLELUNG on December 26, 2014, 01:10:17 PM
I agree that many of the problems stem from prior leadership and the merger of the Departments of Fisheries and Wildlife. When the agencies merged, Bern Shanks was director and resource-oriented; he implemented a decades-overdue Wild Salmon Policy that was perceived as a threat by the hatcheries juggernaut in WDFW, who orchestrated a spending scandal to cause his ouster. He was replaced by Koenings, a hatchery production outsider from Alaska who came in knowing that his predecessor had essentially been assassinated from within; he had no reason to trust anyone, and also no real concern for the resource - his first priority was JP Koenings. To protect the "throne", he stripped the field of resources and authority, centralizing everything in Olympia. As a result, WDFW has 900 employees in Olympia and 600 in the rest of the state (the Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies once recommended the most efficient allocation of limited resources is 30% state office and 70% field); small wonder that morale sucks - the 50% of recommended field staffing levels extends to all areas of WDFW, while Olympia sits at 200%.
Anderson inherited this situation but did not address it. WDFW needs a director who recognizes that most agency resources need to be directly deployed to managing the resource, not surrounding the throne with an exorbitant level of limited resources at the expense of the agency's responsibilities. WDFW has a prioritization problem, far more so than a funding problem. Signed, a non-disgruntled former employee.
Post by: Knocker of rocks on December 26, 2014, 06:44:57 PM
Thought I'd share my comment on the article on the Yakima paper's website. For context, another commenter had stated Anderson inherited many of the problems from his predecessor.
I agree that many of the problems stem from prior leadership and the merger of the Departments of Fisheries and Wildlife. When the agencies merged, Bern Shanks was director and resource-oriented; he implemented a decades-overdue Wild Salmon Policy that was perceived as a threat by the hatcheries juggernaut in WDFW, who orchestrated a spending scandal to cause his ouster. He was replaced by Koenings, a hatchery production outsider from Alaska who came in knowing that his predecessor had essentially been assassinated from within; he had no reason to trust anyone, and also no real concern for the resource - his first priority was JP Koenings. To protect the "throne", he stripped the field of resources and authority, centralizing everything in Olympia. As a result, WDFW has 900 employees in Olympia and 600 in the rest of the state (the Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies once recommended the most efficient allocation of limited resources is 30% state office and 70% field); small wonder that morale sucks - the 50% of recommended field staffing levels extends to all areas of WDFW, while Olympia sits at 200%.
Anderson inherited this situation but did not address it. WDFW needs a director who recognizes that most agency resources need to be directly deployed to managing the resource, not surrounding the throne with an exorbitant level of limited resources at the expense of the agency's responsibilities. WDFW has a prioritization problem, far more so than a funding problem. Signed, a non-disgruntled former employee.
Very interesting, thank you for this synopsis
Post by: blackdog on December 26, 2014, 07:07:57 PM
Post by: blackdog on December 26, 2014, 07:15:35 PM
Post by: Hunter4Life on December 27, 2014, 01:29:24 AM
Post by: Hunter4Life on December 27, 2014, 01:56:38 AM
Post by: ucwarden on December 27, 2014, 07:19:56 AM
Thought I'd share my comment on the article on the Yakima paper's website. For context, another commenter had stated Anderson inherited many of the problems from his predecessor.You are spot on. I once said that the director should be able to randomly pull any WDFW employee and ask them "In the last year, what have you done to benefit the fish and wildlife resources" and get a straight answer. Olympia is so full of employees who direct, but don't do, that the agency is very inefficient.
I agree that many of the problems stem from prior leadership and the merger of the Departments of Fisheries and Wildlife. When the agencies merged, Bern Shanks was director and resource-oriented; he implemented a decades-overdue Wild Salmon Policy that was perceived as a threat by the hatcheries juggernaut in WDFW, who orchestrated a spending scandal to cause his ouster. He was replaced by Koenings, a hatchery production outsider from Alaska who came in knowing that his predecessor had essentially been assassinated from within; he had no reason to trust anyone, and also no real concern for the resource - his first priority was JP Koenings. To protect the "throne", he stripped the field of resources and authority, centralizing everything in Olympia. As a result, WDFW has 900 employees in Olympia and 600 in the rest of the state (the Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies once recommended the most efficient allocation of limited resources is 30% state office and 70% field); small wonder that morale sucks - the 50% of recommended field staffing levels extends to all areas of WDFW, while Olympia sits at 200%.
Anderson inherited this situation but did not address it. WDFW needs a director who recognizes that most agency resources need to be directly deployed to managing the resource, not surrounding the throne with an exorbitant level of limited resources at the expense of the agency's responsibilities. WDFW has a prioritization problem, far more so than a funding problem. Signed, a non-disgruntled former employee.
Post by: Gamblin Guy on December 27, 2014, 07:30:54 AM
Thought I'd share my comment on the article on the Yakima paper's website. For context, another commenter had stated Anderson inherited many of the problems from his predecessor.You are spot on. I once said that the director should be able to randomly pull any WDFW employee and ask them "In the last year, what have you done to benefit the fish and wildlife resources" and get a straight answer. Olympia is so full of employees who direct, but don't do, that the agency is very inefficient.
I agree that many of the problems stem from prior leadership and the merger of the Departments of Fisheries and Wildlife. When the agencies merged, Bern Shanks was director and resource-oriented; he implemented a decades-overdue Wild Salmon Policy that was perceived as a threat by the hatcheries juggernaut in WDFW, who orchestrated a spending scandal to cause his ouster. He was replaced by Koenings, a hatchery production outsider from Alaska who came in knowing that his predecessor had essentially been assassinated from within; he had no reason to trust anyone, and also no real concern for the resource - his first priority was JP Koenings. To protect the "throne", he stripped the field of resources and authority, centralizing everything in Olympia. As a result, WDFW has 900 employees in Olympia and 600 in the rest of the state (the Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies once recommended the most efficient allocation of limited resources is 30% state office and 70% field); small wonder that morale sucks - the 50% of recommended field staffing levels extends to all areas of WDFW, while Olympia sits at 200%.
Anderson inherited this situation but did not address it. WDFW needs a director who recognizes that most agency resources need to be directly deployed to managing the resource, not surrounding the throne with an exorbitant level of limited resources at the expense of the agency's responsibilities. WDFW has a prioritization problem, far more so than a funding problem. Signed, a non-disgruntled former employee.
The essence of state government right there.......
Post by: Man Tracker on December 27, 2014, 10:13:56 AM
Post by: ucwarden on December 27, 2014, 10:29:48 AM
Everyone who has read my book, read the numerous newspaper and magazine articles etc. has said that the WDFW administration is way out of control, but I haven't seem a single change for the better.
We keep losing good officers (I have heard from two more who plan to leave WDFW within the next two months) and Crown Jewels (Cenci and company) stay in place. As a matter of fact it sure appears that WDFW has again stacked the deck to be able to promote one of Cenci's best friends to the region 6 captain position. I predict, and am pretty certain I will be right, that Dan Chadwick will be the next region 6 captain.
Captains work out of regional offices, and there has always been a geographic boundary (captains have to live within 30 or 35 miles of the office, so as to save time and money in commuting from home in their state vehicle), but for the first time I have ever heard of, they dropped the geographic boundary for the region 6 captain job. Chadwick lives over 60 miles from the office (next door to Cenci).
Same @#$ different day. I hate to sound negative, but I don't see things getting better for a very long time.
Post by: Knocker of rocks on December 27, 2014, 10:35:15 AM
Captains work out of regional offices, and there has always been a geographic boundary (captains have to live within 30 or 35 miles of the office, so as to save time and money in commuting from home in their state vehicle), but for the first time I have ever heard of, they dropped the geographic boundary for the region 6 captain job. Chadwick lives over 60 miles from the office (next door to Cenci).
Probably not enforceable, and they realized it.
Post by: ucwarden on December 27, 2014, 01:02:57 PM
Captains work out of regional offices, and there has always been a geographic boundary (captains have to live within 30 or 35 miles of the office, so as to save time and money in commuting from home in their state vehicle), but for the first time I have ever heard of, they dropped the geographic boundary for the region 6 captain job. Chadwick lives over 60 miles from the office (next door to Cenci).
Probably not enforceable, and they realized it.
I have no idea how anyone can think the reason they changed the geographic boundaries is because "it's probably not enforceable". So let's take your argument to the extreme; do you think it's okay for a captain to live in Clarkston and work out of the Montesano office? There have always been geographic boundaries for all officers, as there is an assumption that the employee (using state vehicles and gas) live within a certain distance of their assigned duty station. Not only does that save taxpayer money, but it is necessary so law enforcement officers are actually available to respond to incidents in their assigned area.
But if you are right, and this change wasn't just so one particular favored employee can get the job they want him to have without having to move (like the rest of us did), then they would keep the geographic boundary out of all future position announcements. And if you want to bet on that happening, I will be glad to take your money.
Post by: Elkaholic daWg on December 27, 2014, 06:09:00 PM
Post by: Knocker of rocks on December 27, 2014, 07:29:22 PM
Captains work out of regional offices, and there has always been a geographic boundary (captains have to live within 30 or 35 miles of the office, so as to save time and money in commuting from home in their state vehicle), but for the first time I have ever heard of, they dropped the geographic boundary for the region 6 captain job. Chadwick lives over 60 miles from the office (next door to Cenci).
Probably not enforceable, and they realized it.
I have no idea how anyone can think the reason they changed the geographic boundaries is because "it's probably not enforceable". So let's take your argument to the extreme; do you think it's okay for a captain to live in Clarkston and work out of the Montesano office? There have always been geographic boundaries for all officers, as there is an assumption that the employee (using state vehicles and gas) live within a certain distance of their assigned duty station. Not only does that save taxpayer money, but it is necessary so law enforcement officers are actually available to respond to incidents in their assigned area.
But if you are right, and this change wasn't just so one particular favored employee can get the job they want him to have without having to move (like the rest of us did), then they would keep the geographic boundary out of all future position announcements. And if you want to bet on that happening, I will be glad to take your money.
Employee residency requirements are constantly being eroded for governmental jobs in all locations and at all levels except political office.
Your Clarkston-Montesano is pretty much a straw man argument. There is no requirement that they take the vehicle home.
Post by: bigtex on December 27, 2014, 09:17:03 PM
:yeah:It wouldn't get rid of her, but she would no longer have any influence/power over enforcement officers. You are right, that in Oregon the "game wardens" work for OSP, while the natural resource management is under ODF&W.Maybe it is time we use the initiative process and request that WDFW gets rolled into the Washington State Patrol similar to what Alaska has. This would cut out the top, get rid of Wecker, and give these officers the support they need.Why would transferring enforcement to WSP get rid of Miranda Wecker? By your example of Alaska and Oregon, those states have transferred enforcement duties to the State Police, but retain F&W departments. The same would probably happen here.
I don't like what I see in Oregon, as the wildlife troopers are still troopers and when traffic issues become a problem, they are out checking to make sure semis are chained up etc., instead of remaining focused on catching poachers.
Only Oregon and Alaska have fish and wildlife enforcement under the state patrol/police, so that should tell you something when only 2 out of 50 states do it that way. Alaska for many years has been talking about getting rid of their system.
Problem is traffic is always #1. When budgets are good, traffic gets more officers, when budgets are bad, fish and wildlife gets cut drastically. And from a mission standpoint, traffic is always the overall number 1 priority. For many years in Oregon the fish and wildlife enforcement division is where the OSP Troopers went to retire, for many it was a "retire on-duty" job. Things are changing with them, but it's still not good in my opinion.
Post by: ucwarden on December 28, 2014, 07:11:03 AM
Captains work out of regional offices, and there has always been a geographic boundary (captains have to live within 30 or 35 miles of the office, so as to save time and money in commuting from home in their state vehicle), but for the first time I have ever heard of, they dropped the geographic boundary for the region 6 captain job. Chadwick lives over 60 miles from the office (next door to Cenci).
Probably not enforceable, and they realized it.
I have no idea how anyone can think the reason they changed the geographic boundaries is because "it's probably not enforceable". So let's take your argument to the extreme; do you think it's okay for a captain to live in Clarkston and work out of the Montesano office? There have always been geographic boundaries for all officers, as there is an assumption that the employee (using state vehicles and gas) live within a certain distance of their assigned duty station. Not only does that save taxpayer money, but it is necessary so law enforcement officers are actually available to respond to incidents in their assigned area.
But if you are right, and this change wasn't just so one particular favored employee can get the job they want him to have without having to move (like the rest of us did), then they would keep the geographic boundary out of all future position announcements. And if you want to bet on that happening, I will be glad to take your money.
Employee residency requirements are constantly being eroded for governmental jobs in all locations and at all levels except political office.
Your Clarkston-Montesano is pretty much a straw man argument. There is no requirement that they take the vehicle home.
If the positions we are talking about were not law enforcement, I might agree with you, but they are.
Post by: bigtex on December 28, 2014, 05:34:44 PM
This is just a guess but maybe the reason why legislators aren't taking on Cenci is because they know him. Ever since he was first promoted to DC around 2007 he has been in the legislature working on bills, testifying, gathering support, etc. Bjork was the main face but as he got closer to retirement he started handing stuff to Cenci. When Crown took over Cenci basically ran the legislative show. In fact if you watch Crown's first testimony on a bill he was tongue-tied and stuttering, granted not everyone is a public speakers but when your the Chief you should be. For the 2015 legislative package for WDFW Enforcement who is the point of contact? Cenci.
Post by: bigtex on December 28, 2014, 05:42:56 PM
We keep losing good officers (I have heard from two more who plan to leave WDFW within the next two months) and Crown Jewels (Cenci and company) stay in place. As a matter of fact it sure appears that WDFW has again stacked the deck to be able to promote one of Cenci's best friends to the region 6 captain position. I predict, and am pretty certain I will be right, that Dan Chadwick will be the next region 6 captain.I wouldn't be shocked either. Just a little background on Chadwick, he started as an Adams County Deputy, then went to Whatcom County and then got picked up by WDFW in Pacific County as a marine officer. A little over 5 years ago he promoted to Detective for a year (which included one well known bear gall bladder case which he worked with ucwarden) and then became the Sergeant for marine officers on the coast.
Captains work out of regional offices, and there has always been a geographic boundary (captains have to live within 30 or 35 miles of the office, so as to save time and money in commuting from home in their state vehicle), but for the first time I have ever heard of, they dropped the geographic boundary for the region 6 captain job. Chadwick lives over 60 miles from the office (next door to Cenci).
Total marine guy from head to toe. I know he hunts, but almost all of his career has been marine oriented. I know some officers don't like his mindset which is something along the lines of everyone is doing something wrong, it's your job to figure it out.
It's interesting that they basically kicked Dan Brinson out of his Region 6 Captain's position which he held for many years, gave him a job at HQ doing bi**h work in his same rank even though the job was previously done by a Lieutenant, merged Region 5 & 6 for about a year, and now suddenly are re-creating the Region 6 Captains job.
And everyone knows, Cenci and Chadwick are best friends...
Post by: bigtex on December 28, 2014, 05:48:23 PM
Post by: blackdog on December 28, 2014, 08:14:54 PM
Post by: PLUVIUSWAPITI on December 28, 2014, 09:34:14 PM
Post by: Whitpirate on December 29, 2014, 08:00:06 AM
Captains work out of regional offices, and there has always been a geographic boundary (captains have to live within 30 or 35 miles of the office, so as to save time and money in commuting from home in their state vehicle), but for the first time I have ever heard of, they dropped the geographic boundary for the region 6 captain job. Chadwick lives over 60 miles from the office (next door to Cenci).
Probably not enforceable, and they realized it.
Actually quite enforceable or at least they can require taxable benefit on the miles driven beyond the "norm"
Post by: idahohuntr on December 29, 2014, 08:40:39 AM
I know some officers don't like his mindset which is something along the lines of everyone is doing something wrong, it's your job to figure it out.That is the exact mentality I loathe, and several times I've witnessed that attitude turn good folks into folks who would NEVER, under any circumstance, ever help or support a warden in any way. Wardens with that attitude should be fired immediately.
Post by: ucwarden on December 29, 2014, 10:23:35 AM
UC, the department just hired a new officer for Pacific Co. and he was told that he has to live in the Raymond- South Bend area. I have met this new officer and so far he seems like a great guy. This officer has already made an Impact on some poaching that has been going on in the north end of the county, this is just amazing that he has a living requirement but yet the bosses don't. I had a good friend that was a Sgt. out of the region 6 office and he said he could't drink Cenci's koolaid anymore and retired. I have delt with quite of wildlife officers and he seemed to be very dedicated to doing his job for WDFW.
I am very happy you like/respect the new officer.
Post by: ucwarden on December 29, 2014, 10:24:35 AM
Isn't Wecker's husband retired USFWS?
I have no idea.....sorry
Post by: ucwarden on December 29, 2014, 10:32:22 AM
Captains work out of regional offices, and there has always been a geographic boundary (captains have to live within 30 or 35 miles of the office, so as to save time and money in commuting from home in their state vehicle), but for the first time I have ever heard of, they dropped the geographic boundary for the region 6 captain job. Chadwick lives over 60 miles from the office (next door to Cenci).
Probably not enforceable, and they realized it.
Actually quite enforceable or at least they can require taxable benefit on the miles driven beyond the "norm"
I respect everyone's right to express their opinions, but I strongly disagree with Knocker of rocks, when he said the geographic restrictions were probably dropped because they realized the boundaries are "probably not enforceable". That comment would suggest that WDFW just suddenly came to a realization that their decades old policy, of requiring law enforcement officers to actually live near their assigned area, was unnecessary. The policy is necessary; even if WDFW allowed commissioned staff to drive their own personal vehicles from home to the boundary of their assigned area (where they could then jump into a state vehicle for the remainder of the day), the response time to an event could be multiple hours. That is not to mention that another reason for having commissioned staff live in a local area, is so they learn what the issues are in that area, and meet the people.
This change was obviously (to myself and most WDFW officers) made so they could promote the person they want to promote.
Post by: ucwarden on December 31, 2014, 02:25:21 PM
www.chinookobserver.com/co/letters/20141223/letters-to-the-editor (http://www.chinookobserver.com/co/letters/20141223/letters-to-the-editor)
Writer says change is needed in WDFW
WDFW Director Phil Anderson is retiring this month, December 2014. Why is that important? Think of those jockeying for coveted moves up the promotion ladder.
My best guess is the current WDFW Deputy Chief Mike Cenci and his inner sanctum of cohorts are already planning their move. Who are these people in Deputy Chief Mike Cenci’s circle? The litmus test is which ones are embracing the Mike Cenci way of doing business.
Do you want business as usual at WDFW headquarters? I don’t. I am weary of the bullying, intimidation and harassment tactics employed by this bunch. I am alarmed at the spin Cenci puts on events.
An example is the book “Operation Cody” by Todd Vandivert. Read that book, then read Cenci’s take on that two-year period of investigation of wildlife traffickers in Washington state. The book tells how Cenci went on live TV the morning warrants were being served and announced to all listeners that warrants were in motion. This information put all law enforcement officers at risk that day and warned the traffickers of pending warrants and arrests giving them time to lawyer up and destroy evidence. The fact that Cenci kept his job speaks volumes about the impotence of his superiors.
I have reported wrongdoing committed by WDFW officers through the years not knowing of this inner circle bond within WDFW administration. I was naïve believing reporting to WDFW headquarters was the way to go. Since then I have realized it is best to bypass them so a reported infraction will see the light of day and not a trashcan. Also it would hopefully reduce the risk of retaliation. There is that risk. Believe me, I know. However, if enough people report wrongdoing, that collective statement could make a difference instead of being picked off one by one.
Now is the time to bring those infractions to the light. Contact Sen. Kirk Pearson, kirkpearson@leg.wa.gov. 115-D Newhouse Bldg., P.O. Box 40439, Olympia, WA 98501-0439. 360-786-7676 or 800-562-6000; the WDFW Commission, 600 Capitol Way, N., Olympia, WA 98501-1091, commission@dfw.wa.gov. 360-902-2267. Fax 360-902-2448; and Gov. Jay Inslee, P.O. Box 40002, Olympia, WA 98504-0802. 360-902-4111, Fax 360-753-4110.
We need honest, professional WDFW officers running headquarters. We need this to repair the damage done by current and previous impotent administrators whose ego, power plays and self-preservation led to such dysfunction in WDFW.
Bring back those good officers run out by this pack. Rehire, promote those officers that would end the slaughter of our fish and wildlife resources. We need those men and women officers who would be good stewards of WDFW. We deserve this.
Carolyn A. Crawford
Naselle
Post by: Encore 280 on January 05, 2015, 11:30:35 AM
Post by: ucwarden on January 05, 2015, 01:40:22 PM
My wife got me the book for Christmas and I read it this weekend while we were at the beach clam digging. I told friends that were there with us about it and he downloaded it on his iPad and read it also. We both thoroughly enjoyed it and got depressed and pissed off at the same time. All I can say is Cenci and the higher ups must keep their knee pads (promotion devices) in their desk drawers! Those yaehoos draw a vacuum to say the least!!! :bash: I couldn't believe that morons actions telling the media what was going down before it happened!! That guy is a complete idiot! Jeeze I'm so mad all over again now that I'm shaking!! Ok cool off, take a few deep breathes. I thought all the video was going to be lost when the guy backed into your truck to unload an animal and I didn't think you'd find out until it was too late, whew! What was the warden thinking that was supposed to be keeping track of the videos and stuff, jeeze!! He needs a boot up his a$$!! It woulda been so cool if you coulda done a Dirty Harry to Cenci in the end and busted his jaw in front of all the media cameras. :chuckle:but this isn't Hollywood. Anyway excellent job on the book and for your's and your partner's efforts to take these jerks down. I hope you can find time to enjoy your retirement and take it easy. Abalone? C'mon Man gimme a break!!!! I hope these people aren't breeding and passing the genes along. I gotta quit. Sorry for the rant.
Unfortunately they do seem to breed and there is a whole office of like-minded administrators in Olympia. I just got a phone call telling me that two more outstanding WDFW officers have resigned this week.
Thanks for your comments and I too very much hope things change soon, before we lose all the good officers.
Post by: bigtex on January 10, 2015, 08:30:30 PM
In your opinion how many WDFW Officers have resigned or retired earlier then they had planned simply because of the current situation in WDFW Enforcement HQ?
Post by: ucwarden on January 10, 2015, 10:08:26 PM
UC,
In your opinion how many WDFW Officers have resigned or retired earlier then they had planned simply because of the current situation in WDFW Enforcement HQ?
Nine so far, mostly sergeants
Post by: Pinetar on January 10, 2015, 10:16:10 PM
Now we will end up with a bunch of game wardens that don't hunt and probably won't even know how to check and handle our guns. Which, I have already run into.
Post by: Remnar on January 12, 2015, 08:25:29 PM
My wife got me the book for Christmas and I read it this weekend while we were at the beach clam digging. I told friends that were there with us about it and he downloaded it on his iPad and read it also. We both thoroughly enjoyed it and got depressed and pissed off at the same time. All I can say is Cenci and the higher ups must keep their knee pads (promotion devices) in their desk drawers! Those yaehoos draw a vacuum to say the least!!! :bash: I couldn't believe that morons actions telling the media what was going down before it happened!! That guy is a complete idiot! Jeeze I'm so mad all over again now that I'm shaking!! Ok cool off, take a few deep breathes. I thought all the video was going to be lost when the guy backed into your truck to unload an animal and I didn't think you'd find out until it was too late, whew! What was the warden thinking that was supposed to be keeping track of the videos and stuff, jeeze!! He needs a boot up his a$$!! It woulda been so cool if you coulda done a Dirty Harry to Cenci in the end and busted his jaw in front of all the media cameras. :chuckle:but this isn't Hollywood. Anyway excellent job on the book and for your's and your partner's efforts to take these jerks down. I hope you can find time to enjoy your retirement and take it easy. Abalone? C'mon Man gimme a break!!!! I hope these people aren't breeding and passing the genes along. I gotta quit. Sorry for the rant.
SPOILER ALERT ! :chuckle:
Post by: ucwarden on January 13, 2015, 03:57:06 PM
Nine? Well that doesn't sound good. And they were probably the good ones?
Now we will end up with a bunch of game wardens that don't hunt and probably won't even know how to check and handle our guns. Which, I have already run into.
I actually stand corrected; it has been 10. That is about 10% of the field officers and a lot of experience out the door, but don't give up we still have some great officers out there.
Post by: idahohuntr on January 13, 2015, 05:23:24 PM
Post by: Special T on January 13, 2015, 06:08:53 PM
Great suggestion
Post by: ucwarden on January 15, 2015, 06:05:56 AM
Start the video at the 18:00 minute mark. This is my testimony, from yesterday's hearing of the Senate Natural Resources Committee.
Post by: combs338 on January 15, 2015, 07:22:20 AM
Post by: LITTLEBUCK on January 15, 2015, 07:25:02 AM
Post by: ghosthunter on January 15, 2015, 07:37:22 AM
:dunno:
Post by: Encore 280 on January 15, 2015, 07:56:52 AM
Post by: LITTLEBUCK on January 15, 2015, 11:47:42 AM
Post by: MtnMuley on January 15, 2015, 12:50:50 PM
Post by: SnakeEyes on January 15, 2015, 02:03:53 PM
What was with the rumors mentioned before the testimony?
Post by: bigtex on January 15, 2015, 02:48:46 PM
Thank you UC!The rumor was that the hearing/Senator Pearson was behind a push to take away general law enforcement authority away from WDFW. This would mean WDFW Officers couldn't enforce all state laws, basically we would roll back to the 1980s when officers could just do fish and wildlife enforcement. Like UC said in his testimony, in the old days if the spotlighter had cocaine, WDFW would have to call a deputy now your tying up resources of two agencies.
What was with the rumors mentioned before the testimony?
Another issue is if this was true then WDFW Officers would lose their current retirement system. In WA general authority LEOs are apart of the LEOFF retirement, all limited authority officers are apart of PSERS. LEOFF is better then PSERS.
So the rumor was basically there was a push to significantly handicap WDFW Officers by rolling back their authority which would then impact their retirement as well.
All of this was untrue.
Post by: Man Tracker on January 15, 2015, 04:39:46 PM
Post by: MtnMuley on January 15, 2015, 05:38:42 PM
I think it was more a campaign of misinformation than rumors.
Would you mind sharing why you think that was the case?
Post by: trophyhunt on January 15, 2015, 05:42:04 PM
http://www.tvw.org/index.php?option=com_tvwplayer&eventID=2015011030 (http://www.tvw.org/index.php?option=com_tvwplayer&eventID=2015011030)Very inspiring report, Todd we definitely need more guys like you in charge. That presentation was very thought out, investigated and very well represented. I really get the feeling you have the right peoples attention, if they don't end up fixing the problems I would be surprised and very disappointed. I feel like the right thing will come of all your hard work and time. I must have thanked you a dozen times for doing what you have done, I absolutely owe you one more!! You are a very stand up guy, thank you again for putting out the effort when you could have just walked away. God bless
Start the video at the 18:00 minute mark. This is my testimony, from yesterday's hearing of the Senate Natural Resources Committee.
Post by: ucwarden on January 15, 2015, 05:55:04 PM
Do you think that fell on deaf ears or did it appear they were interested at all? Did you notice if anyone was taking notes at all? I hope something positive comes of your testimony and there's a big shake up in the administration. It's really sad when all the good guys are forced out early due to being fed up with the b.s.. Good job and thanks for giving up your time to do that. :tup: I hope good things happen in the real near future.
I really do, finally, think we are on the verge of real change.
Post by: ucwarden on January 15, 2015, 06:01:11 PM
Thank you UC!The rumor was that the hearing/Senator Pearson was behind a push to take away general law enforcement authority away from WDFW. This would mean WDFW Officers couldn't enforce all state laws, basically we would roll back to the 1980s when officers could just do fish and wildlife enforcement. Like UC said in his testimony, in the old days if the spotlighter had cocaine, WDFW would have to call a deputy now your tying up resources of two agencies.
What was with the rumors mentioned before the testimony?
Another issue is if this was true then WDFW Officers would lose their current retirement system. In WA general authority LEOs are apart of the LEOFF retirement, all limited authority officers are apart of PSERS. LEOFF is better then PSERS.
So the rumor was basically there was a push to significantly handicap WDFW Officers by rolling back their authority which would then impact their retirement as well.
All of this was untrue.
But the person spreading the rumor (I am pretty sure we will prove who that was) got the desired result of scaring a whole lot of officers to show up at the meeting, only to find out they had been lied to.
Post by: ucwarden on January 15, 2015, 06:03:30 PM
http://www.tvw.org/index.php?option=com_tvwplayer&eventID=2015011030 (http://www.tvw.org/index.php?option=com_tvwplayer&eventID=2015011030)Very inspiring report, Todd we definitely need more guys like you in charge. That presentation was very thought out, investigated and very well represented. I really get the feeling you have the right peoples attention, if they don't end up fixing the problems I would be surprised and very disappointed. I feel like the right thing will come of all your hard work and time. I must have thanked you a dozen times for doing what you have done, I absolutely owe you one more!! You are a very stand up guy, thank you again for putting out the effort when you could have just walked away. God bless
Start the video at the 18:00 minute mark. This is my testimony, from yesterday's hearing of the Senate Natural Resources Committee.
What can I say....wow, that was an awesome post. Thanks. I really hope that I finally can allow the fine officers to just go out and do their jobs.
Post by: HntnFsh on January 15, 2015, 06:11:54 PM
Do you think that fell on deaf ears or did it appear they were interested at all? Did you notice if anyone was taking notes at all? I hope something positive comes of your testimony and there's a big shake up in the administration. It's really sad when all the good guys are forced out early due to being fed up with the b.s.. Good job and thanks for giving up your time to do that. :tup: I hope good things happen in the real near future.
I really do, finally, think we are on the verge of real change.
Would you care to elaborate?
Post by: RClare1223 on January 15, 2015, 06:43:08 PM
Post by: billythekidrock on January 15, 2015, 06:48:49 PM
http://www.tvw.org/index.php?option=com_tvwplayer&eventID=2015011030 (http://www.tvw.org/index.php?option=com_tvwplayer&eventID=2015011030)
Start the video at the 18:00 minute mark. This is my testimony, from yesterday's hearing of the Senate Natural Resources Committee.
Great job.
Post by: billythekidrock on January 15, 2015, 06:50:06 PM
I think it was more a campaign of misinformation than rumors.
Interesting.
Spread by whom for what purpose?
Post by: HntnFsh on January 15, 2015, 08:12:39 PM
I know this may not mean much coming from some yahoo down the road. But I'm proud of you for what you have done. And what you are doing! I also think that you found the audience that you deserve. And you are going to finally see some action on what you are trying to achieve. Shouldn't have taken so long. Thank you for persevering. I'm sure there were way too many times you were wondering what you got yourself into. Was it worth it. And should I just throw in the towel. Its definitely worth and so many of us are thankful that you didn't throw in the towel.
Keep up the good work! You may have finally become the catalyst for the changes that are needed!
HntnFsh
Post by: mfswallace on January 15, 2015, 08:39:42 PM
It may just be me and my computer but I am unable to view the video.
:yeah: on 3 different devices :dunno: :'(
Finally got it :tup: :tup: :tup: :tup:
Post by: Man Tracker on January 15, 2015, 09:39:41 PM
Post by: MtnMuley on January 15, 2015, 10:21:03 PM
Post by: ucwarden on January 16, 2015, 06:16:34 AM
Sorry Todd! I should have watched that video before I asked that question.
I know this may not mean much coming from some yahoo down the road. But I'm proud of you for what you have done. And what you are doing! I also think that you found the audience that you deserve. And you are going to finally see some action on what you are trying to achieve. Shouldn't have taken so long. Thank you for persevering. I'm sure there were way too many times you were wondering what you got yourself into. Was it worth it. And should I just throw in the towel. Its definitely worth and so many of us are thankful that you didn't throw in the towel.
Keep up the good work! You may have finally become the catalyst for the changes that are needed!
HntnFsh
Thanks. After two years, hundreds of hours, and a pretty good chunk of my own money I feel pretty positive about the future for WA game wardens, for the first time in many years.
Post by: ucwarden on January 16, 2015, 06:24:31 AM
I called the rumors "misinformation" because it is widely known that both the men who spoke at the hearing worked very hard (with many others) to help achieve general authority for DFW officers. At no time have either suggested that general authority should be revoked. In fact, one is on the executive board of an organization that represents thousands of police officers/deputies in Washington State. As pointed out earlier, the misinformation appears to have been designed to foster an atmosphere of fear and confusion within the ranks of the enforcement program in DFW. I ask you, to what goal? And who benefits?
I am pretty sure the goal was to get a lot of officers to the hearing on very short notice, so the WDFW enforcement administration could show-off their presence as a show of support for the administration. Too bad it backfired, because those officers were brought there under false pretenses. What is dumb about that move (besides telling a lie which points the finger at a senator who was actually helping officers not hurting them) was that many of the admin supporters would have come for any reason the admin had given them. If they had instead told the truth and just said the hearing was about mismanagement and corruption, we still would have seen many of the same admin supporters. Oh well, I never accused this administration of making smart decisions.
Post by: HntnFsh on January 16, 2015, 10:20:53 AM
Post by: Special T on January 16, 2015, 11:19:50 AM
Atta boy!
Post by: idahohuntr on January 16, 2015, 02:23:07 PM
Post by: bobcat on January 16, 2015, 04:40:59 PM
Perfect timing too, just as a new director is taking over!
Post by: bobcat on January 16, 2015, 04:52:25 PM
http://www.tvw.org/index.php?option=com_tvwplayer&eventID=2015011030 (http://www.tvw.org/index.php?option=com_tvwplayer&eventID=2015011030)
Post by: Curly on January 16, 2015, 05:40:04 PM
Post by: trophyhunt on January 16, 2015, 05:50:41 PM
I just got done watching the video. Very good job! I can't imagine this issue being ignored any longer.Good wasn't it! I pumped my fist when the senator asked Todd why Cenci called the reporters and wouldn't that have put the detectives in danger! I'm pretty sure that got the council's attention, Todd has done an unbelievable job at committing himself to this issue.
Perfect timing too, just as a new director is taking over!
Post by: Curly on January 16, 2015, 06:34:49 PM
If not for Senator Pearson, where would things sit? Thank you Todd for your perseverance! :tup:
Post by: Special T on January 16, 2015, 08:25:23 PM
I must say that you handled your self great AND i think its good you let them know you can spill plenty of additional dirt and have other news stories planned if they dont make some forward progress.
I bet it was hard not naming names especially when they were likely in the room watching over you.
Post by: ucwarden on January 17, 2015, 06:30:56 AM
U.C. was the committee made aware of the court of appeals reinstating the Tarabachia suit against Cenci and the others?
Yes, it was in the binder I made for each of them
Post by: ucwarden on January 17, 2015, 06:35:01 AM
I had contacted Kirk Pearson since he is my Senator and was a little disappointed that this had not been addressed earlier... However the news articles could have been just the catalyst he needed to justify calling you into a hearing.
I must say that you handled your self great AND i think its good you let them know you can spill plenty of additional dirt and have other news stories planned if they dont make some forward progress.
I bet it was hard not naming names especially when they were likely in the room watching over you.
Both Pearson and Hewitt have been very helpful, and have been on top of this for some time now.
I do expect a backlash or some sort, from the pro-admin officers, but I am working off of facts not just emotion.
Things are looking far better.
Post by: idahohuntr on January 17, 2015, 06:58:39 AM
Post by: Rainier10 on January 17, 2015, 03:39:36 PM
I finally had the time today to view this link. I agree that change should be on the way. I think that you definitely had their attention and had their genuine concern. Good job and keep it up.Do you think that fell on deaf ears or did it appear they were interested at all? Did you notice if anyone was taking notes at all? I hope something positive comes of your testimony and there's a big shake up in the administration. It's really sad when all the good guys are forced out early due to being fed up with the b.s.. Good job and thanks for giving up your time to do that. :tup: I hope good things happen in the real near future.
I really do, finally, think we are on the verge of real change.
Do you have email contact for those members that we can send our concerns as sportmans to them so they know this is an issue that we as sportsman and taxpayers want to see dealt with? I would love to send them something saying that I am behind your efforts and want to see more done in enforcemnent to protect the resource.
Post by: trophyhunt on January 17, 2015, 04:08:34 PM
Good idea about the emails!I finally had the time today to view this link. I agree that change should be on the way. I think that you definitely had their attention and had their genuine concern. Good job and keep it up.Do you think that fell on deaf ears or did it appear they were interested at all? Did you notice if anyone was taking notes at all? I hope something positive comes of your testimony and there's a big shake up in the administration. It's really sad when all the good guys are forced out early due to being fed up with the b.s.. Good job and thanks for giving up your time to do that. :tup: I hope good things happen in the real near future.
I really do, finally, think we are on the verge of real change.
Do you have email contact for those members that we can send our concerns as sportmans to them so they know this is an issue that we as sportsman and taxpayers want to see dealt with? I would love to send them something saying that I am behind your efforts and want to see more done in enforcemnent to protect the resource.
Post by: ucwarden on January 18, 2015, 06:04:11 AM
I finally had the time today to view this link. I agree that change should be on the way. I think that you definitely had their attention and had their genuine concern. Good job and keep it up.Do you think that fell on deaf ears or did it appear they were interested at all? Did you notice if anyone was taking notes at all? I hope something positive comes of your testimony and there's a big shake up in the administration. It's really sad when all the good guys are forced out early due to being fed up with the b.s.. Good job and thanks for giving up your time to do that. :tup: I hope good things happen in the real near future.
I really do, finally, think we are on the verge of real change.
Do you have email contact for those members that we can send our concerns as sportmans to them so they know this is an issue that we as sportsman and taxpayers want to see dealt with? I would love to send them something saying that I am behind your efforts and want to see more done in enforcemnent to protect the resource.
Pearson, Sen. Kirk (kirk.pearson@leg.wa.gov); maralyn.chase@leg.wa.gov (maralyn.chase@leg.wa.gov); brian.dansel@leg.wa.gov (brian.dansel@leg.wa.gov); brian.hatfield@leg.wa.gov (brian.hatfield@leg.wa.gov); rosemary.mcauliffe@leg.wa.gov (rosemary.mcauliffe@leg.wa.gov); judy.warnick@leg.wa.gov (judy.warnick@leg.wa.gov); mike.hewitt@leg.wa.gov
Post by: Rainier10 on January 18, 2015, 07:27:30 AM
Hopefully they fix the toxic environment that you and so many others had to work in.
Stay on this I really do think you are on the verge of some real change coming.
Post by: ucwarden on January 18, 2015, 08:09:13 AM
Perfect and thanks for listing these emails. I am going to send one to all of them letting them know that after reading the book and the recent articles in the papers I am a concerned outdoorsman that wants to see this dealt with and more done in enforcement to prevent and prosecute people who take advantage of the resource. It just isn't fair so many of us to follow the rules and a have others take advantage of the lack of attention poaching gets.
Hopefully they fix the toxic environment that you and so many others had to work in.
Stay on this I really do think you are on the verge of some real change coming.
Thanks. For some reason I forgot to put Senator Hewitt's email address on the last post (I updated the post and added it now). Senators Pearson and Hewitt are the most active on this, which I really appreciate.
Post by: bigtex on January 20, 2015, 09:12:14 PM
The legislature/commission finally starts investigating. The commission/agency finds grounds that he can be terminated on and Crown tells Cenci what is about to happen and suddenly Cenci retires. Cenci already has his 20 LE years in and is over 50 so he can begin drawing early retirement. In about two years he'll reach the age where he can get his full benefits.
Post by: Gamblin Guy on January 20, 2015, 09:25:00 PM
Post by: bigtex on January 20, 2015, 09:30:32 PM
Cenci graduated from the police academy in May of 1990 but worked for Lewis County for a time before he entered the academy, he should be pretty close to having his 25 in....Only need 20 years of LE time at 50 for early retirement.
Post by: Gamblin Guy on January 20, 2015, 09:31:17 PM
Post by: bigtex on January 20, 2015, 09:32:35 PM
He spent a short time with NMFS but not sure how that would affect his years of service.It was only about a year.
Post by: bobcat on January 20, 2015, 09:34:17 PM
Post by: Gamblin Guy on January 20, 2015, 09:43:30 PM
Post by: bigtex on January 20, 2015, 09:48:24 PM
His ego wont allow him to take an early retirement.....:yeah:
Like I said, it would have to be a "oh sh*t I'm going to be fired" retirement. Otherwise, he'll be here until he croaks.
Post by: Gamblin Guy on January 20, 2015, 09:49:46 PM
Post by: HntnFsh on January 21, 2015, 06:05:42 AM
Post by: ucwarden on January 21, 2015, 03:34:51 PM
I was thinking about all this today and while I also hate Cenci I can totally see the following taking place:
The legislature/commission finally starts investigating. The commission/agency finds grounds that he can be terminated on and Crown tells Cenci what is about to happen and suddenly Cenci retires. Cenci already has his 20 LE years in and is over 50 so he can begin drawing early retirement. In about two years he'll reach the age where he can get his full benefits.
I just can't see any of them rolling over and calling it quits on their own. I can only see this happening if or when they see no escape from the hammer coming down. Time will tell.
Post by: Skillet on January 21, 2015, 03:54:22 PM
Keep it up, UC. I've written emails, and will send a few more now that you've made it even easier for me with the addresses you listed above. Subject line - "WDFW Enforcement debacle"
Post by: ucwarden on January 21, 2015, 07:58:51 PM
I tend to believe they already have grounds to fire him, but have chosen not to do so. It will take continued pressure - embarrassing, public pressure - to force their hand.
Keep it up, UC. I've written emails, and will send a few more now that you've made it even easier for me with the addresses you listed above. Subject line - "WDFW Enforcement debacle"
Thanks. We will take all the help we can get!
Post by: ucwarden on January 29, 2015, 09:14:25 AM
Thanks to all of you for your support!
Post by: ucwarden on January 29, 2015, 07:35:47 PM
Thanks to all of you for your support!
Post by: Rainier10 on January 30, 2015, 07:41:15 AM
Post by: ucwarden on January 30, 2015, 04:44:18 PM
I sent an email to all of the members of the committee expressing my concerns and desire for them to look into this further and take action to strengthen the emphasis on enforcement and prosecution of violators of big game hunting rules. I found all of the committee members email addresses in another thread that you had posted them in, the "Petition to Remove WDFW Director Anderson, Chief Crown and Deputy Chief Cenci" thread.
Thank you very much!
Post by: ucwarden on February 05, 2015, 11:12:25 AM
Amazing how that worked out.
Post by: Rainier10 on February 05, 2015, 11:34:14 AM
As I predicted over a month ago, Sgt. Dan Chadwick (Deputy Chief Cenci's best friend and neighbor) was just promoted to the region 6 captain position. Fortunately for Chadwick, WDFW (for the first time ever) dropped the geographic boundary restriction, as Chadwick lives about 60 miles from the Montesano office.That was nice of them to make an exception. Must be part of the new friendlier WDFW working to build moral amongst employees. :chuckle:
Amazing how that worked out.
Post by: ucwarden on February 05, 2015, 12:11:51 PM
Post by: bobcat on February 05, 2015, 12:15:54 PM
As I predicted over a month ago, Sgt. Dan Chadwick (Deputy Chief Cenci's best friend and neighbor) was just promoted to the region 6 captain position. Fortunately for Chadwick, WDFW (for the first time ever) dropped the geographic boundary restriction, as Chadwick lives about 60 miles from the Montesano office.
Amazing how that worked out.
I hope he's required to commute to Montesano in his personal vehicle like any other state employee.
Post by: ucwarden on February 05, 2015, 01:02:54 PM
As I predicted over a month ago, Sgt. Dan Chadwick (Deputy Chief Cenci's best friend and neighbor) was just promoted to the region 6 captain position. Fortunately for Chadwick, WDFW (for the first time ever) dropped the geographic boundary restriction, as Chadwick lives about 60 miles from the Montesano office.
Amazing how that worked out.
I hope he's required to commute to Montesano in his personal vehicle like any other state employee.
I seriously doubt that will be the case. Special people get special privileges.
Post by: ucwarden on February 09, 2015, 07:04:13 PM
Post by: h2ofowlr on February 26, 2015, 01:31:40 PM
Check out this article: http://www.northkitsapherald.com/news/291307771.html (http://www.northkitsapherald.com/news/291307771.html)
Wow, that Cenci sounds like a straight up D-bag.
Post by: Special T on February 26, 2015, 03:47:59 PM
Post by: bigtex on February 26, 2015, 04:11:23 PM
Yes at Mike Hobbs the guy who got ran out f the NE is the enforcement captain for the Skagit valley era.... I bet its got to be great working for the guy who ticketed a mentally challenged kid for fishing with no Lic... With a broken pole and Beef jerky taped to it!That's not Mike Hobbs. Alan Meyers is the individual you are talking about.
Hobbs is a Deputy Chief in Olympia and a damn good man, even UC Warden doesn't say bad things about him.
Post by: trophyhunt on February 26, 2015, 05:54:52 PM
Check out this article: http://www.northkitsapherald.com/news/291307771.html (http://www.northkitsapherald.com/news/291307771.html)Sounds like you have a real fight on your hands, I sure hope real change is in our future. Cenci and his buddy are real dirt bags, sure hope they lose their jobs when this is over. Please keep up the fight, I can't imagine how easy it would be to walk away and move on with your life. Take care
Post by: Boss .300 winmag on February 26, 2015, 06:23:14 PM
Yes at Mike Hobbs the guy who got ran out f the NE is the enforcement captain for the Skagit valley era.... I bet its got to be great working for the guy who ticketed a mentally challenged kid for fishing with no Lic... With a broken pole and Beef jerky taped to it!
You gotta be a real looser to cite someone like that. :twocents: :bash:
I bet he felt like a real big game warden after that bust. :yike:
Post by: Special T on February 26, 2015, 08:32:29 PM
Post by: ucwarden on February 28, 2015, 08:11:20 AM
Yes at Mike Hobbs the guy who got ran out f the NE is the enforcement captain for the Skagit valley era.... I bet its got to be great working for the guy who ticketed a mentally challenged kid for fishing with no Lic... With a broken pole and Beef jerky taped to it!
Big Tex was correct, you are actually talking about a "case" Region 4 Captain Alan Myers wrote, not Hobbs
Post by: Special T on February 28, 2015, 08:27:06 AM
My Mistake and Lumping Mike Hobbs in with the Likes of Allen Meyers Is a Slap in the face. I will will be more thorough IF I call some one out again by name.
Post by: floatinghat on March 05, 2015, 10:50:06 AM
As the parent of a special needs child I would have gone APE POO on that :bash:
Post by: mfswallace on March 05, 2015, 12:22:30 PM
Check out this article: http://www.northkitsapherald.com/news/291307771.html (http://www.northkitsapherald.com/news/291307771.html)
Any updates?
Post by: ucwarden on October 07, 2015, 06:57:06 PM
For documents and updated information check out:
www.wdfwinvestigation.com (http://www.wdfwinvestigation.com)
Post by: quadrafire on October 08, 2015, 07:29:27 AM
I can't open any of the links :dunno:
Post by: bigtex on October 08, 2015, 07:41:10 AM
Post by: quadrafire on October 08, 2015, 07:45:27 AM
The links are working for me...are you getting PDF links?
Post by: Curly on October 08, 2015, 11:50:14 AM
UC
I can't open any of the links :dunno:
I can't open any except the second one (Amy Stephson "Investigation"). With the other links, the computer doesn't know what program to open the documents.......it says unknown file type.
Post by: bigtex on October 08, 2015, 12:00:03 PM
Their opening in word for meThe links are working for me...are you getting PDF links?
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I337 using Tapatalk
Post by: Curly on October 08, 2015, 12:03:34 PM
Their opening in word for meThe links are working for me...are you getting PDF links?
Thanks. That helped me figure it out.
I'm running an old Word version and the files don't have an extension. After adding docx as an extension I can open the other files. :tup:
Post by: Curly on October 08, 2015, 12:12:26 PM
Post by: pianoman9701 on October 08, 2015, 12:34:35 PM
Post by: bigtex on October 08, 2015, 12:50:12 PM
Wow, Cenci and Bjork and Capt. Anderson sound like really great guys. Not! Some of that stuff is unbelievable. It sounds like Jones ought to be talking with some lawyers and Cenci should be the one in the fire. It's too bad the WSP wasn't allowed to investigate further.They were allowed to investigate further. There were essentially 3 investigations; an audit of the Stephson investigation, Cenci's involvement in Operation Cody, and a program wide investigation. The first two have been released. Wait till November for the "big one"....
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I337 using Tapatalk
Post by: pianoman9701 on October 08, 2015, 01:05:06 PM
Post by: ucwarden on October 08, 2015, 02:11:25 PM
Wow, Cenci and Bjork and Capt. Anderson sound like really great guys. Not! Some of that stuff is unbelievable. It sounds like Jones ought to be talking with some lawyers and Cenci should be the one in the fire. It's too bad the WSP wasn't allowed to investigate further.
Fortunately, Jones is talking with some very good lawyers. It is my hope that he not only gets his job back, but that he gets so much money out of these guys that he gets one hell of a paid vacation in Hawaii for his whole family. Firing him, for a bunch of B.S., put his family through hell.
Post by: ucwarden on October 08, 2015, 02:24:53 PM
Wow, Cenci and Bjork and Capt. Anderson sound like really great guys. Not! Some of that stuff is unbelievable. It sounds like Jones ought to be talking with some lawyers and Cenci should be the one in the fire. It's too bad the WSP wasn't allowed to investigate further.They were allowed to investigate further. There were essentially 3 investigations; an audit of the Stephson investigation, Cenci's involvement in Operation Cody, and a program wide investigation. The first two have been released. Wait till November for the "big one"....
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I337 using Tapatalk
This is the one time I disagree with BigTex. WSP was not allowed to investigate anything except for what was in the Amy Stephson "investigation", and Operation Cody. Although they heard about a lot more, they could not investigate any of it; as per instructions from Deputy Director Joe Stohr. The reason I am so anxious to see the 6,000 page report from WSP, is that report contains the transcripts of interviews of over 125 WDFW employees. I believe that many of the employees intended to air it all out in those interviews, even if it was outside of the scope of what they were asked, because as I told everyone; we will only get one shot at this. I assume that employees provided a great deal of additional material, which is included in those 6,000 pages. As soon as I get my hands on it, I will start releasing it.
Since WDFW doesn't seem to interested in doing the right thing, I am hoping all of you (the public) can force them to do so.
Post by: bigtex on October 08, 2015, 02:32:20 PM
Oops. For some reason I thought Unsworth allowed WSP to expand the scope of the investigation.Wow, Cenci and Bjork and Capt. Anderson sound like really great guys. Not! Some of that stuff is unbelievable. It sounds like Jones ought to be talking with some lawyers and Cenci should be the one in the fire. It's too bad the WSP wasn't allowed to investigate further.They were allowed to investigate further. There were essentially 3 investigations; an audit of the Stephson investigation, Cenci's involvement in Operation Cody, and a program wide investigation. The first two have been released. Wait till November for the "big one"....
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I337 using Tapatalk
This is the one time I disagree with BigTex. WSP was not allowed to investigate anything except for what was in the Amy Stephson "investigation", and Operation Cody. Although they heard about a lot more, they could not investigate any of it; as per instructions from Deputy Director Joe Stohr. The reason I am so anxious to see the 6,000 page report from WSP, is that report contains the transcripts of interviews of over 125 WDFW employees. I believe that many of the employees intended to air it all out in those interviews, even if it was outside of the scope of what they were asked, because as I told everyone; we will only get one shot at this. I assume that employees provided a great deal of additional material, which is included in those 6,000 pages. As soon as I get my hands on it, I will start releasing it.
Since WDFW doesn't seem to interested in doing the right thing, I am hoping all of you (the public) can force them to do so.
Either way, happy to see the truth is starting to come out!
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I337 using Tapatalk
Post by: ucwarden on October 08, 2015, 02:39:59 PM
Nope, Unsworth did not allow a full investigation, and he allowed the very administrators who were being investigated to remain in office (in power) during the entire investigation. A bit intimidating for some, knowing the people they are testifying against are still watching over their shoulders, but there is a slight chance that the good guys might actually win this time.Oops. For some reason I thought Unsworth allowed WSP to expand the scope of the investigation.Wow, Cenci and Bjork and Capt. Anderson sound like really great guys. Not! Some of that stuff is unbelievable. It sounds like Jones ought to be talking with some lawyers and Cenci should be the one in the fire. It's too bad the WSP wasn't allowed to investigate further.They were allowed to investigate further. There were essentially 3 investigations; an audit of the Stephson investigation, Cenci's involvement in Operation Cody, and a program wide investigation. The first two have been released. Wait till November for the "big one"....
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I337 using Tapatalk
This is the one time I disagree with BigTex. WSP was not allowed to investigate anything except for what was in the Amy Stephson "investigation", and Operation Cody. Although they heard about a lot more, they could not investigate any of it; as per instructions from Deputy Director Joe Stohr. The reason I am so anxious to see the 6,000 page report from WSP, is that report contains the transcripts of interviews of over 125 WDFW employees. I believe that many of the employees intended to air it all out in those interviews, even if it was outside of the scope of what they were asked, because as I told everyone; we will only get one shot at this. I assume that employees provided a great deal of additional material, which is included in those 6,000 pages. As soon as I get my hands on it, I will start releasing it.
Since WDFW doesn't seem to interested in doing the right thing, I am hoping all of you (the public) can force them to do so.
Either way, happy to see the truth is starting to come out!
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Post by: bigtex on October 08, 2015, 02:41:05 PM
What's your view on Unsworth so far?
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Post by: ucwarden on October 08, 2015, 02:59:28 PM
Todd,
What's your view on Unsworth so far?
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I337 using Tapatalk
I'm just not sure. He quit answering my emails, which I feel is a mistake as I am trying to work with him not against him. Also; I haven't seen him do anything yet, relating to enforcement. So my answer is; if he doesn't do anything soon, I am not impressed.
Post by: pianoman9701 on October 08, 2015, 03:11:04 PM
Post by: SuperX on October 08, 2015, 03:48:07 PM
Post by: pianoman9701 on October 08, 2015, 04:11:21 PM
Post by: ucwarden on October 08, 2015, 08:07:40 PM
They're not clueless. They're a good ole boys' club and think they can do what they want to whom they want.Because, thus far they have been able to do what they want to whom they want
Post by: Gringo31 on October 09, 2015, 11:29:25 AM
I could read any or part of this anywhere else and it would quite feel the same. This thread is a great example of the value or resource that we have with this forum. It puts common guys in touch with the not so common guys and allows for the the opportunity to focus on some of these things that really matter and somehow, together, we get the chance to attempt to make a difference.
Another thank you for you Todd! :tup:
Post by: ucwarden on October 09, 2015, 03:36:29 PM
Thought I'd just point out what is in my head right now....Well said. I added some new material to the website ( www.wdfwinvestigation.com (http://www.wdfwinvestigation.com) ) today, and will continue to do so until there is some acceptable resolution.
I could read any or part of this anywhere else and it would quite feel the same. This thread is a great example of the value or resource that we have with this forum. It puts common guys in touch with the not so common guys and allows for the the opportunity to focus on some of these things that really matter and somehow, together, we get the chance to attempt to make a difference.
Another thank you for you Todd! :tup:
Post by: ucwarden on October 10, 2015, 09:32:57 AM
Post by: floatinghat on October 28, 2016, 10:25:49 AM
Most of the documents on the WDFWInvestigation site aren't opening. I don't know if this is an isolated issue (mine), but this is important information.
Post by: ucwarden on October 29, 2016, 07:31:45 AM
Most of the documents on the WDFWInvestigation site aren't opening. I don't know if this is an isolated issue (mine), but this is important information.
I don't know what the problem is, but I think it is on your end, since I just tried opening the documents and they all opened just fine.
I hate to tell you this, but I am going to shut the website down this weekend, as it obviously hasn't done any good at all. Clearly nobody in a position to do anything about the corruption (ie- Director Unsworth) cares at all, so it's just a big waste of my time.
Post by: floatinghat on October 29, 2016, 08:36:06 AM
Sorry to hear that nothing more has been done. However, I you and this site have done a significant service in education people about the problems in the agency.
Post by: ucwarden on October 29, 2016, 08:41:27 AM
Todd,
Sorry to hear that nothing more has been done. However, I you and this site have done a significant service in education people about the problems in the agency.
Thanks for the support. I really feel sorry for those WDFW officers who are still going through hell, due to the protection afforded to bullies by this administration. I originally had high hopes when we got a new director, but he has done absolutely nothing at all, except appoint yet another Cenci fan as "acting" chief (maybe acting chief for life?).
Post by: Harbor_hunter on October 30, 2016, 08:40:42 PM
Post by: ucwarden on October 30, 2016, 08:46:28 PM
Thank you for everything you have done ucwarden! That is really unfortunate that no one seems to care.
You are very welcome. Maybe someday things will be better.
Post by: bigtex on October 31, 2016, 05:51:05 PM
Todd,Most of the documents on the WDFWInvestigation site aren't opening. I don't know if this is an isolated issue (mine), but this is important information.I don't know what the problem is, but I think it is on your end, since I just tried opening the documents and they all opened just fine.
I hate to tell you this, but I am going to shut the website down this weekend, as it obviously hasn't done any good at all. Clearly nobody in a position to do anything about the corruption (ie- Director Unsworth) cares at all, so it's just a big waste of my time.
That's definitely disappointing. However, I do think your website did do some good. It got the public's attention (at least some of those in the hunting public) to what is really going on in WDFW Enforcement. You got the attention of a couple legislators in Olympia. I think a part of Crown leaving was due to your site and the ramifications of it (people contacting their reps, the commission, etc.)
While Unsworth didn't hire a candidate who definitely could have improved the program (Ted) he also didn't hire a Cenci follower to the permanent position. Who knows, had it not been for your site Cenci may have gotten the job, but his name was smeared all over the internet for the person he actually is, and not the nice guy that he portrays to fishing groups.
Post by: Special T on October 31, 2016, 06:12:45 PM
Post by: trophyhunt on October 31, 2016, 07:55:33 PM
Im not impressed with unsworth, I've sent him a couple emails on different subjects and have yet to receive a response, not even a simple acknowledgment. We all are very greatfull for your efforts Todd, thank you.Todd,Most of the documents on the WDFWInvestigation site aren't opening. I don't know if this is an isolated issue (mine), but this is important information.I don't know what the problem is, but I think it is on your end, since I just tried opening the documents and they all opened just fine.
I hate to tell you this, but I am going to shut the website down this weekend, as it obviously hasn't done any good at all. Clearly nobody in a position to do anything about the corruption (ie- Director Unsworth) cares at all, so it's just a big waste of my time.
That's definitely disappointing. However, I do think your website did do some good. It got the public's attention (at least some of those in the hunting public) to what is really going on in WDFW Enforcement. You got the attention of a couple legislators in Olympia. I think a part of Crown leaving was due to your site and the ramifications of it (people contacting their reps, the commission, etc.)
While Unsworth didn't hire a candidate who definitely could have improved the program (Ted) he also didn't hire a Cenci follower to the permanent position. Who knows, had it not been for your site Cenci may have gotten the job, but his name was smeared all over the internet for the person he actually is, and not the nice guy that he portrays to fishing groups.
Post by: whacker1 on October 31, 2016, 08:09:37 PM
Post by: ucwarden on November 01, 2016, 06:14:23 AM
Todd,Most of the documents on the WDFWInvestigation site aren't opening. I don't know if this is an isolated issue (mine), but this is important information.I don't know what the problem is, but I think it is on your end, since I just tried opening the documents and they all opened just fine.
I hate to tell you this, but I am going to shut the website down this weekend, as it obviously hasn't done any good at all. Clearly nobody in a position to do anything about the corruption (ie- Director Unsworth) cares at all, so it's just a big waste of my time.
That's definitely disappointing. However, I do think your website did do some good. It got the public's attention (at least some of those in the hunting public) to what is really going on in WDFW Enforcement. You got the attention of a couple legislators in Olympia. I think a part of Crown leaving was due to your site and the ramifications of it (people contacting their reps, the commission, etc.)
While Unsworth didn't hire a candidate who definitely could have improved the program (Ted) he also didn't hire a Cenci follower to the permanent position. Who knows, had it not been for your site Cenci may have gotten the job, but his name was smeared all over the internet for the person he actually is, and not the nice guy that he portrays to fishing groups.
BigTex:
You may be right. The website, and all of my efforts may have done some good, and possibly kept the worst of the worst from climbing even further up the ladder, but I still fell way short of my goal. Cenci is still right where he was, one of Cenci's buddies is acting chief, Hobbs is still in place, and region 4 is a total mess.
At this point I would just like to see Unsworth actually do something. I have never seen a director who moves so slowly (if he actually does even move at all).
Thanks for the support!
Post by: ucwarden on November 01, 2016, 06:19:59 AM
I think you should do away with the Web site but transfer it to Facebook. It's free and accessible to lots of people...
Thanks, but my message on the website is sincere; I want to see if things get better without me reminding all of the officers just how corrupt their administration is. It's time for a truce (at least until they fire another shot).
Post by: ucwarden on November 01, 2016, 06:21:56 AM
Im not impressed with unsworth, I've sent him a couple emails on different subjects and have yet to receive a response, not even a simple acknowledgment. We all are very greatfull for your efforts Todd, thank you.Todd,Most of the documents on the WDFWInvestigation site aren't opening. I don't know if this is an isolated issue (mine), but this is important information.I don't know what the problem is, but I think it is on your end, since I just tried opening the documents and they all opened just fine.
I hate to tell you this, but I am going to shut the website down this weekend, as it obviously hasn't done any good at all. Clearly nobody in a position to do anything about the corruption (ie- Director Unsworth) cares at all, so it's just a big waste of my time.
That's definitely disappointing. However, I do think your website did do some good. It got the public's attention (at least some of those in the hunting public) to what is really going on in WDFW Enforcement. You got the attention of a couple legislators in Olympia. I think a part of Crown leaving was due to your site and the ramifications of it (people contacting their reps, the commission, etc.)
While Unsworth didn't hire a candidate who definitely could have improved the program (Ted) he also didn't hire a Cenci follower to the permanent position. Who knows, had it not been for your site Cenci may have gotten the job, but his name was smeared all over the internet for the person he actually is, and not the nice guy that he portrays to fishing groups.
From talking to many people, who have tried to contact Unsworth, it's apparent he just doesn't care enough to respond to his own "customers". I sincerely think he just doesn't care.
Post by: ucwarden on November 01, 2016, 06:22:45 AM
I read your book Todd. Thank you for all you have done. It is definitely disappointing to see the outcome, but I am grateful to get to at least be exposed to it. Wish the outcome could have been more significant.
I appreciate your support. Thanks
Post by: ucwarden on November 01, 2016, 01:29:37 PM
Take a look at the attached letter, which Captain Brinson wrote to all WDFW enforcement employees.
Post by: MtnMuley on November 03, 2016, 08:02:52 PM
Post by: ucwarden on November 03, 2016, 08:14:46 PM
Most important topic on this forum. Wishing Cptn. Brinson a speedy and full recovery and hopefully the title "Chief". :tup:
I will pass that on to him.
Post by: bigtex on November 04, 2016, 10:21:48 AM
Nowhere did he mention anything on the hiring of a Chief.
But hey he did mention they are adding yet another HQ position! Lt. Anderson who was in charge of training/recruitment will now be in charge of Aquatic Invasive Species enforcement, this position was eliminated several years ago but apparently is now needed again. Interesting enough, Anderson was the former AIS Lt.... The training/recruitment position will now be a Sergeant position.
Post by: trophyhunt on November 04, 2016, 10:47:35 AM
Post by: bigtex on November 04, 2016, 02:10:57 PM
The case is just in the beginning stages of making it's way through the court.
This will be the 3rd time in less than 5 years that Cenci has been sued federally. The now infamous Tarabochia case has now changed law enforcement search/inspection authority for all law enforcement officers on the West Coast (good job Mike!). Cenci was also sued with several officers by a fish processor. The case ultimately was dismissed by the fish processor, but it only took about a year and a half of legal wrangling for that to happen.
Post by: trophyhunt on November 04, 2016, 02:29:18 PM
Not sure if it's been mentioned, but WDFW Officer Dave Jones (and his wife) filed a federal civil rights lawsuit this summer against WDFW, Director Unsworth, Retired Director Anderson, Deputy Director Stohr, Retired Chief Bjork, Former Chief Crown, Deputy Chief Cenci, Deputy Chief Hobbs, Retired Region 4 Captain Hebner, and Sergeant Mullis.wow, what's the suit over?
The case is just in the beginning stages of making it's way through the court.
This will be the 3rd time in less than 5 years that Cenci has been sued federally. The now infamous Tarabochia case has now changed law enforcement search/inspection authority for all law enforcement officers on the West Coast (good job Mike!). Cenci was also sued with several officers by a fish processor. The case ultimately was dismissed by the fish processor, but it only took about a year and a half of legal wrangling for that to happen.
Post by: bigtex on November 04, 2016, 02:41:39 PM
The Jones suit?Not sure if it's been mentioned, but WDFW Officer Dave Jones (and his wife) filed a federal civil rights lawsuit this summer against WDFW, Director Unsworth, Retired Director Anderson, Deputy Director Stohr, Retired Chief Bjork, Former Chief Crown, Deputy Chief Cenci, Deputy Chief Hobbs, Retired Region 4 Captain Hebner, and Sergeant Mullis.wow, what's the suit over?
The case is just in the beginning stages of making it's way through the court.
This will be the 3rd time in less than 5 years that Cenci has been sued federally. The now infamous Tarabochia case has now changed law enforcement search/inspection authority for all law enforcement officers on the West Coast (good job Mike!). Cenci was also sued with several officers by a fish processor. The case ultimately was dismissed by the fish processor, but it only took about a year and a half of legal wrangling for that to happen.
Retaliation, allegation the department/defendants conspired to violate Dave's First Amendment right, hostile work environment, the lack of human decency for WDFW in removing Dave's dog from his family, wrongful termination, the fact that after WDFW was ordered to reinstate and pay back wages that WDFW refused to pay full back wages and Dave had to get additional judge orders for WDFW to finally institute the back pay, since filing a Tort Claim WDFW has again began investigations new claims that Dave is violating policy (continuing the witch hunt).
Post by: Special T on November 04, 2016, 03:05:36 PM
Post by: bigtex on November 04, 2016, 03:08:06 PM
Was Jones up in what comes county?I assume you mean Whatcom? Yes.
Post by: ucwarden on November 04, 2016, 04:30:40 PM
Was Jones up in what comes county?I assume you mean Whatcom? Yes.
Wow BigTex, you are more "in the know" than I am. You summed it all up pretty well.
Post by: trophyhunt on November 04, 2016, 04:41:36 PM
Post by: Special T on November 04, 2016, 07:48:47 PM
Damn auto correct and phat fingers on the phone!Was Jones up in what comes county?I assume you mean Whatcom? Yes.
Post by: bobcat on November 04, 2016, 08:07:35 PM
Damn auto correct and phat fingers on the phone!Was Jones up in what comes county?I assume you mean Whatcom? Yes.
:chuckle:
Post by: HUNTINCOUPLE on November 04, 2016, 08:23:23 PM
Thanks again bigtex, I think you and Todd should run Wdfw!!! I would vote you two in and it wouldn't be a vote for the lesser of two evils!!! Go Trump :IBCOOL:
:yeah:
Post by: Gopher on November 06, 2016, 09:48:07 AM
Post by: floatinghat on November 06, 2016, 12:49:51 PM
I fear we are in for a cycle where this just continues after this election. Thanks UC and BT for keeping us informed about the underbelly of our department.
Post by: ucwarden on November 07, 2016, 05:33:04 AM
I fear we are in for a cycle where this just continues after this election. Thanks UC and BT for keeping us informed about the underbelly of our department.
I am not sure what the election would have to do with severe issues in WDFW, but you are certainly welcome. Thanks for paying attention to what we have to say. Too bad nobody in Olympia listens.
Post by: Special T on November 07, 2016, 06:27:35 AM
If we got a new govenor that may change things up. Nothing will change under that tool Inslee
I fear we are in for a cycle where this just continues after this election. Thanks UC and BT for keeping us informed about the underbelly of our department.
I am not sure what the election would have to do with severe issues in WDFW, but you are certainly welcome. Thanks for paying attention to what we have to say. Too bad nobody in Olympia listens.
Post by: bigtex on November 28, 2016, 07:55:27 PM
Post by: Special T on November 28, 2016, 08:50:44 PM
Now over 6 months since the Chief's job was posted....Who in thier right mind would want to take on this job knowing you'd be doing it with at least one hand tied behind your back?
Post by: MtnMuley on November 28, 2016, 08:55:14 PM
Post by: Special T on November 28, 2016, 10:20:01 PM
Post by: MtnMuley on November 29, 2016, 07:28:25 AM
Post by: bigtex on November 29, 2016, 07:04:58 PM
I actually kind of disagree. Bjork & Crown basically had complete autonomy over the program when they were Chief. They could basically do whatever they wanted. Would that continue with a new Chief? I don't know but Unsworth let it happen with Crown.Now over 6 months since the Chief's job was posted....Who in thier right mind would want to take on this job knowing you'd be doing it with at least one hand tied behind your back?
The first battles the new Chief will have is determining what to do with Cenci & Meyers. Moving/removing them will cause an uptick in morale, but will likely end up in a long drawn out lawsuit, as is common in any similar situation.
By not hiring from the pool that originally applied (all WDFW employees) Unsworth basically made it appear he wants an outsider. That angered some officers because two (Jackson & Brinson) of the applicants definitely could've changed things up pretty quickly had they been given the Chief stars.
Now the question is what does Unsworth want? A proven law enforcement leader, no matter if it's natural resource LE or non-NR related? State/highway patrol command staff across the country are known to bounce to other state agencies as Chiefs. Bjork came over from WSP, the DNR Chief is a former WSP Lt, the Liquor Control Board Deputy Chief is retired WSP. There are several 'Chief Game Wardens' in the country who were never field game wardens but came over as a higher up in that state's highway/state patrol. Does he want a proven natural resource LE leader? You don't really see game wardens bounce across state lines for employment especially in the supervisory roles, that's typically more for field officer positions. Time will tell.
A retired WDFW Officer who was against many things Bjork pushed for, including full LE authority has suggested that Chris Hurst who's background includes being a commander with a small King County Police Dept and being a state Representative take the Chief's job. For me that was shocking to hear, I would've definitely thought he wanted a proven natural resource law enforcement officer.
We will just have to wait and see what happens.
Post by: baker5150 on November 29, 2016, 07:11:42 PM
Post by: bigtex on November 29, 2016, 07:15:41 PM
Is there any legal timeline for filling the position?Not at all. The position is basically open until filled.
Post by: MtnMuley on November 29, 2016, 07:49:56 PM
Post by: ucwarden on December 01, 2016, 08:31:59 AM
Is there any legal timeline for filling the position?Not at all. The position is basically open until filled.
It is clear to me that when it comes to picking sides or staying neutral in the anti-Cenci/pro-Cenci battle, Unsworth has chosen to align himself with the pro-Cenci crowd. If he had really wanted a neutral chief, he wouldn't have put Anderson in as acting chief, and certainly wouldn't have left him in place for so long. I personally don't see Unsworth actually doing anything. He has just kept the same corrupt administration in power and they continue to act as if they are untouchable....because they are.
Unfortunately, I see no hope for the WDFW enforcement program; at least for the foreseeable future.
Post by: bigtex on December 07, 2016, 07:06:36 PM
Not sure if it's been mentioned, but WDFW Officer Dave Jones (and his wife) filed a federal civil rights lawsuit this summer against WDFW, Director Unsworth, Retired Director Anderson, Deputy Director Stohr, Retired Chief Bjork, Former Chief Crown, Deputy Chief Cenci, Deputy Chief Hobbs, Retired Region 4 Captain Hebner, and Sergeant Mullis.The case has been given a March 2018 trial date. It is estimated to last 15 days.
The case is just in the beginning stages of making it's way through the court.
Post by: logger on December 25, 2016, 03:13:48 PM
Post by: Rainier10 on December 25, 2016, 04:09:34 PM
I recieved this book this morning as a gift, already 120 pages into it, it's addicting! very good book!!:tup:
Post by: ucwarden on December 27, 2016, 06:33:55 AM
I recieved this book this morning as a gift, already 120 pages into it, it's addicting! very good book!!I am glad you like the book, and am sure it will open your eyes to a couple of different issues/problems
Post by: bigtex on January 12, 2017, 03:19:17 PM
Post by: dreamunelk on January 12, 2017, 03:34:53 PM
Expect the announcement of a new Chief "soon"....
Tease!
Post by: HntnFsh on January 12, 2017, 04:56:06 PM
Expect the announcement of a new Chief "soon"....
I haven't looked through any of this for awhile. So don't remember the ins and outs. So I'm wondering if this is a replacement for an out going chief? (Cenci?) Or filling a vacancy?
Post by: ucwarden on January 12, 2017, 04:59:39 PM
Expect the announcement of a new Chief "soon"....
I haven't looked through any of this for awhile. So don't remember the ins and outs. So I'm wondering if this is a replacement for an out going chief? (Cenci?) Or filling a vacancy?
As far as I know, it is still acting Chief Anderson, with no change in sight, but I have been gone for a while.
Post by: ucwarden on January 14, 2017, 07:53:30 AM
Expect the announcement of a new Chief "soon"....
Bigtex: "Soon" has come and gone, so if you know something; share it, because I will die of old age waiting for Unsworth to do something.
Post by: bigtex on January 17, 2017, 08:17:53 AM
The rumor mill is saying that Phil Johnson has been tapped. The actual job announcement has been removed...So it appears they have someone...Expect the announcement of a new Chief "soon"....Bigtex: "Soon" has come and gone, so if you know something; share it, because I will die of old age waiting for Unsworth to do something.
Post by: ucwarden on January 18, 2017, 10:45:19 AM
The rumor mill is saying that Phil Johnson has been tapped. The actual job announcement has been removed...So it appears they have someone...Expect the announcement of a new Chief "soon"....Bigtex: "Soon" has come and gone, so if you know something; share it, because I will die of old age waiting for Unsworth to do something.
I don't know Phil Johnson at all, and am not sure I would recognize him if I saw him, but I have always heard he is a fair and honest man, which would make for a drastic improvement over the WDFW administrators of the past decade. I am more than a little confused as to what is taking so long for Unsworth to do anything.
Post by: bigtex on January 18, 2017, 11:09:17 AM
I'll say all I know about Phil. About 15 years of law enforcement experience, all with WDFW. Prior to that a pretty long stint in the military. His promotions have all been in HQ positions, never supervised a commissioned employee that I've heard of. So with that it feels awkwardly similar to Crown's WDFW experience. Obviously different people bring different traits. That being said, I've never heard anything bad about him.The rumor mill is saying that Phil Johnson has been tapped. The actual job announcement has been removed...So it appears they have someone...Expect the announcement of a new Chief "soon"....Bigtex: "Soon" has come and gone, so if you know something; share it, because I will die of old age waiting for Unsworth to do something.
I don't know Phil Johnson at all, and am not sure I would recognize him if I saw him, but I have always heard he is a fair and honest man, which would make for a drastic improvement over the WDFW administrators of the past decade. I am more than a little confused as to what is taking so long for Unsworth to do anything.
And like I said, that's just the rumor mill pick. But it appears they do have someone since the job announcement has been pulled.
Post by: ucwarden on January 18, 2017, 11:14:18 AM
I'll say all I know about Phil. About 15 years of law enforcement experience, all with WDFW. Prior to that a pretty long stint in the military. His promotions have all been in HQ positions, never supervised a commissioned employee that I've heard of. So with that it feels awkwardly similar to Crown's WDFW experience. Obviously different people bring different traits. That being said, I've never heard anything bad about him.The rumor mill is saying that Phil Johnson has been tapped. The actual job announcement has been removed...So it appears they have someone...Expect the announcement of a new Chief "soon"....Bigtex: "Soon" has come and gone, so if you know something; share it, because I will die of old age waiting for Unsworth to do something.
I don't know Phil Johnson at all, and am not sure I would recognize him if I saw him, but I have always heard he is a fair and honest man, which would make for a drastic improvement over the WDFW administrators of the past decade. I am more than a little confused as to what is taking so long for Unsworth to do anything.
And like I said, that's just the rumor mill pick. But it appears they do have someone since the job announcement has been pulled.
I agree with two points of clarification; I don't think you will find anyone who would say Crown was a dedicated hard-working employee, while I have heard such about Phil. And Phil at least appears to be capable of making decisions on his own, rather than just being a lapdog for Cenci.
Post by: bigtex on January 30, 2017, 05:11:21 PM
Post by: dreamunelk on January 30, 2017, 05:29:53 PM
Post by: Bob33 on January 30, 2017, 05:46:45 PM
The Chief's job announcement is back open. The first review of applications will occur February 28th, final interviews will be in April. It looks like the job will have been vacant for probably close to, or over a year before a new Chief officially starts. The agency has contracted with an outside firm to recruit for the position.No takers? A job like that, with no political trappings and a highly enthused staff with morale at an all time high - it's a dream come true!
Post by: ucwarden on January 31, 2017, 06:15:45 AM
Post by: ucwarden on January 31, 2017, 11:26:10 AM
New stuff added
Post by: ucwarden on February 11, 2017, 06:04:56 AM
www.tvw.org/watch/?clientID=9375922947&eventID=2017011402&eventID=2017011402&autoStartStream=true (http://www.tvw.org/watch/?clientID=9375922947&eventID=2017011402&eventID=2017011402&autoStartStream=true)
You will want to start the video at 01:01:00, then make sure and watch it through 01:11:45
Post by: 7mmstalker on February 11, 2017, 07:19:26 AM
Looks like that guy has near zero credibility, and perhaps completely out of touch.
Post by: ucwarden on February 11, 2017, 08:05:02 AM
Wow.
Looks like that guy has near zero credibility, and perhaps completely out of touch.
He has basically done nothing at all to fix the internal problems in WDFW, and I guess people are finally starting to notice.
Post by: Mudman on February 11, 2017, 08:26:02 AM
Post by: ASHQUACK on February 11, 2017, 08:36:22 AM
Post by: ucwarden on February 11, 2017, 09:08:28 AM
Listening to him read his spiel makes me wonder who wrote it and if they have a job today. The committee chair basically called him out twice and then told him to stop. Maybe just maybe someone is actually reading and comprehending what the people are actually saying. Unsworth's description of the comments also makes we wonder how many times in the past the comment forms were misrepresented.You don't really expect honesty and transparency from this current WDFW administration do you?
Post by: ASHQUACK on February 13, 2017, 01:38:04 AM
Oh, good god NO!Listening to him read his spiel makes me wonder who wrote it and if they have a job today. The committee chair basically called him out twice and then told him to stop. Maybe just maybe someone is actually reading and comprehending what the people are actually saying. Unsworth's description of the comments also makes we wonder how many times in the past the comment forms were misrepresented.You don't really expect honesty and transparency from this current WDFW administration do you?
Post by: CoryTDF on February 13, 2017, 10:49:40 AM
Post by: bearpaw on February 13, 2017, 11:38:41 PM
Wow.
Looks like that guy has near zero credibility, and perhaps completely out of touch.
He has basically done nothing at all to fix the internal problems in WDFW, and I guess people are finally starting to notice.
:yeah: A huge disappointment, I guess now we know why some people in Idaho were glad to get rid of him! :dunno:
Post by: trophyhunt on February 14, 2017, 06:11:28 AM
Agree, I was willing and hoping he would have been a better person, doesn't seem to be. I had a feeling when he didn't bother to answer my emails about concerns that he would be out of touch, damn shame. Maybe this commission can fire him sooner than later?Wow.
Looks like that guy has near zero credibility, and perhaps completely out of touch.
He has basically done nothing at all to fix the internal problems in WDFW, and I guess people are finally starting to notice.
:yeah: A huge disappointment, I guess now we know why some people in Idaho were glad to get rid of him! :dunno:
Post by: Curly on February 14, 2017, 11:20:05 AM
Sadly I don't think they have any intention of firing him. Seems they like Cenci and if Unsworth is doing nothing about Cenci then they are probably fine with him.Agree, I was willing and hoping he would have been a better person, doesn't seem to be. I had a feeling when he didn't bother to answer my emails about concerns that he would be out of touch, damn shame. Maybe this commission can fire him sooner than later?Wow.
Looks like that guy has near zero credibility, and perhaps completely out of touch.
He has basically done nothing at all to fix the internal problems in WDFW, and I guess people are finally starting to notice.
:yeah: A huge disappointment, I guess now we know why some people in Idaho were glad to get rid of him! :dunno:
Seems to me that the governor should step in and clean up the wdfw but sadly the people have re-elected an idiot to govern this state. :(
Post by: pianoman9701 on February 14, 2017, 11:53:36 AM
Post by: HUNTINCOUPLE on February 14, 2017, 12:17:11 PM
Post by: pianoman9701 on February 14, 2017, 12:44:22 PM
Is it even possible to start a whole new department from scratch? :dunno: Maybe a state wide boycott on buying any Fishing or Hunting licenses. They hit us in the pocket book we need to sink there pocket book.How would you organize such a boycott at such a late date? People are already putting in for MS and buying licenses, setting vacations, etc. I would think a ballot initiative would be easier to build support. :dunno:
Post by: Special T on February 14, 2017, 01:57:15 PM
I think we just have to keep pounding on our legislators about the problems in the department, and Kirk Pearson seems to be a decent advocate.
Post by: ucwarden on February 15, 2017, 07:05:14 AM
I totally agree with Curly. If they wanted someone who would clean house and get rid of the bad, they had to know (by speaking to him for even a couple of minutes) that Unsworth is not the man. I believe a couple of the commission members are personal friends of Cenci's and want to protect him at all cost. So this is what we are stuck with.Sadly I don't think they have any intention of firing him. Seems they like Cenci and if Unsworth is doing nothing about Cenci then they are probably fine with him.Agree, I was willing and hoping he would have been a better person, doesn't seem to be. I had a feeling when he didn't bother to answer my emails about concerns that he would be out of touch, damn shame. Maybe this commission can fire him sooner than later?Wow.
Looks like that guy has near zero credibility, and perhaps completely out of touch.
He has basically done nothing at all to fix the internal problems in WDFW, and I guess people are finally starting to notice.
:yeah: A huge disappointment, I guess now we know why some people in Idaho were glad to get rid of him! :dunno:
Seems to me that the governor should step in and clean up the wdfw but sadly the people have re-elected an idiot to govern this state. :(
I think it's time to do away with this entire commission and start over. The commission is simply ignoring the problems, and nothing will get better until we get a commission who actually cares.
Post by: ucwarden on March 30, 2017, 07:29:16 AM
Post by: pianoman9701 on March 30, 2017, 08:00:22 AM
Post by: ucwarden on March 30, 2017, 08:05:54 AM
What a nice letter. I hope he comes to talk with me. :bash:The only way he is going to meet with you is if you are sitting in Cenci's office.
Post by: pianoman9701 on March 30, 2017, 08:15:15 AM
What a nice letter. I hope he comes to talk with me. :bash:The only way he is going to meet with you is if you are sitting in Cenci's office.
I'm game.
Post by: ucwarden on March 30, 2017, 08:39:55 AM
Good. Give Unsworth a call and see what he says about meeting with you.What a nice letter. I hope he comes to talk with me. :bash:The only way he is going to meet with you is if you are sitting in Cenci's office.
I'm game.
Post by: huntnphool on March 30, 2017, 09:08:14 AM
Is it even possible to start a whole new department from scratch?
Yep, first you take your cities back, then your counties, then your state.......you have to win elections. ;)