Post by: huntrights on August 28, 2015, 03:29:52 PM
:twocents:
It is important that the voices of the hunting and fishing communities are heard loud and clear with a significant number of hunters and anglers giving input; please take action and help to rally the hunting and fishing communities to take advantage of this opportunity to give input. It is always good speak to the Commission in person with enough copies of your testimony (11) to give to the WDFW Commission members (http://wdfw.wa.gov/commission/members.html), the WDFW Director, Jim Unsworth (http://wdfw.wa.gov/about/director/), and an extra if needed. However, if you can’t testify in person, at the very least, please send an email before the deadline.
Specifically, make sure the WDFW is very aware of the significant contributions that hunters and anglers contribute to the WDFW, wildlife management, wildlife conservation, and the economy. For example, 1,005,000 hunters & anglers spent $1.6 billion in Washington in 2011 (http://www.sportsmenslink.org/uploads/page/EIR_Washington_final_low.pdf). They know this, but we should remind them and the public that will be listening. Acknowledgement of these contributions may have been somewhat subdued over the past several years due to the unfortunate political climate and cultural changes in the urban centers that has tended to sway away from supporting and promoting the activities of hunting and fishing.
Push for the management of our wildlife by wildlife management professionals. Put forth the expectation to stop allowing animal-rights and anti-hunting organizations dictate wildlife management policies via emotional diatribe, propaganda, references to flawed and/or biased “science”, and their incessant threats of lawsuits and abuses of the ESA (local, state, and national) and Equal Access to Justice Act (at the national level).
Be sure to mention the evolving state focus on promoting outdoor recreation for the obvious economic reasons and the social benefits of getting people outdoors. Mention the Governor’s Blue Ribbon Task Force on Parks and Outdoor Recreation (http://www.rco.wa.gov/boards/taskforce.shtml) and the Big Tent Outdoor Recreation Coalition (http://bigtentcoalition.info/).
Mention that the proper control and management of all predators (i.e. wolves, cougar, bear, etc.) is critical in order to maintain healthy and sustainable wildlife populations, and to minimize wildlife-human conflicts. Along with this it may be appropriate to mention RCW 77.04.012 Mandate of department and commission (“The commission shall attempt to maximize the public recreational game fishing and hunting opportunities of all citizens, including juvenile, disabled, and senior citizens.”) (http://app.leg.wa.gov/rcw/default.aspx?cite=77.04.012).
Bring up the issues of diminishing access to public lands and waters (i.e. road closures and decommissioning); the current trend is unacceptable. Without access to public lands and waters, hunting, fishing, and outdoor recreation is a moot point.
These are just a few thoughts from which to add other conservation and recreation priorities.
Excerpt from the WDFW News Release:
“People can talk with WDFW managers at six regional forums in September and October. Comments will also be accepted through Oct. 31 on WDFW's website at http://wdfw.wa.gov/wildfuture/ and by email to WildFuture@dfw.wa.gov . People may also participate in the conversation through the WDFW Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/WashingtonFishWildlife.”
Thanks.
:twocents:
----------------------------------------------------------------------
From: WDFW Public Affairs [mailto:do.not.reply@dfw.wa.gov]
Sent: Friday, August 28, 2015 1:08 PM
Subject: WDFW News Release: WDFW invites public to help identify conservation and recreation priorities
WDFW NEWS RELEASE
Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife
600 Capitol Way North, Olympia, WA 98501-1091
http://wdfw.wa.gov/
August 28, 2015
Contact: Joe Stohr, 360-902-2650
Bruce Botka, 360-902-2262
WDFW invites public to help identify
conservation and recreation priorities
OLYMPIA - State fish and wildlife leaders are asking people to share their views on the values and priorities that should drive the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) over the next several years.
The opportunity is part of WDFW's new multi-year initiative, "Washington's Wild Future: A Partnership for Fish and Wildlife," which is an effort to strengthen the department's relationships with communities, increase support for conservation and outdoor recreation, and help ensure WDFW programs and services meet the public's needs.
People can talk with WDFW managers at six regional forums in September and October. Comments will also be accepted through Oct. 31 on WDFW's website at http://wdfw.wa.gov/wildfuture/ and by email to WildFuture@dfw.wa.gov . People may also participate in the conversation through the WDFW Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/WashingtonFishWildlife .
Public comments and proposals will help determine priorities for conserving and managing Washington's fish and wildlife in the coming years, said WDFW Director Jim Unsworth, who was hired to lead the agency in January.
"Since I joined WDFW, I have been asking people, 'If you could tell the director of Fish and Wildlife one thing, what would you say?'" Unsworth said. "This is a great opportunity for people across the state to do just that. I want to hear about what we are doing right, where we need to improve, and where we should focus our efforts and our funding over the next five to 10 to 20 years."
Unsworth, senior WDFW managers, and regional staff are scheduled to attend the meetings, where people can discuss fishing and hunting and other outdoor recreation opportunities, as well as habitat protection and restoration, licensing, enforcement, and other fish and wildlife management issues.
The meetings are scheduled for 6 to 8 p.m. at the following dates and locations:
• Sept. 10 - Selah Civic Center, 216 1st St., Selah.
• Sept. 30 - Center Place, 2426 N. Discovery Place, Spokane Valley.
• Oct. 6 - WDFW Mill Creek Office, 16018 Mill Creek Blvd, Mill Creek.
• Oct. 8 - Saint Martin's University, Norman Worthington Conference Center, 5300 Pacific Ave. SE, Lacey.
• Oct. 14 - Water Resources Education Center, 4600 SE Columbia Way, Vancouver.
• Oct. 20 - Port of Chelan County Confluence Technology Center, 285 Technology Center Way, Wenatchee.
Each meeting will include a brief presentation from a WDFW regional director about the importance of fish and wildlife management to Washington's quality of life and the economies of local communities throughout the state. Participants will then be invited to talk in small groups with representatives of the department's Fish, Wildlife, Enforcement, Licensing, and Habitat programs, as well as Unsworth and his staff.
Later this year, WDFW will summarize the comments and suggestions from the public, as well as input from outdoor organizations, advisory groups, tribes, and state and local elected officials. The information will be used to help identify potential changes in WDFW's operations and services, and to develop future policy, budget and fee proposals.
"We face major management challenges over the next several years, and for us to be successful we need the public's support and assistance," Unsworth said. "That can only happen if the department has strong relationships with anglers, hunters, outdoor recreation groups, and others interested in fish and wildlife in Washington."
More information about WDFW is available at http://wdfw.wa.gov/
# # #
Editors: A high-resolution photo of Jim Unsworth is available at http://wdfw.wa.gov/about/director/
Persons with disabilities who need reasonable accommodations to participate in the public meetings are invited to contact Dolores Noyes by phone at 360-902-2349, TTY at 360-902-2207, or email at dolores.noyes@dfw.wa.gov . Reasonable accommodation requests should be made at least three business days before the meeting to ensure availability. Please provide two weeks' notice for requests for ASL/ESL interpretation services. For more information, see http://wdfw.wa.gov/accessibility/reasonable_request.html
________________________________________
This message has been sent to the WDFW News Releases & Weekender mailing list.
Visit the WDFW News Release Archive at: http://wdfw.wa.gov/news/
Post by: KFhunter on August 28, 2015, 03:47:57 PM
Post by: CAMPMEAT on September 05, 2015, 08:11:40 AM
I guess we'll see what a jewel Unsworth is......the Idahoans that I know despise him, because he's a wolf lover.
Post by: Elkaholic daWg on September 05, 2015, 08:56:53 AM
next 5 years should be about habitat recovery (fires) and predator reduction
How many of these phony meetings will the WDFW have, before they actually listen and do something for the management of OUR game ? It's dog and pony show from them, always.I agree with both of you .
I guess we'll see what a jewel Unsworth is......the Idahoans that I know despise him, because he's a wolf lover.
Post by: bobcat on September 05, 2015, 11:56:46 AM
Post by: Curly on September 05, 2015, 12:28:22 PM
Post by: Elkaholic daWg on September 06, 2015, 08:24:47 AM
Because they really don't want hunter input. They like to say they gave us our chance.
And the pugetropolan public want's them to make it about gophers, tweetie birds, frogs, and their precious pets the wolves............. :bash:
Post by: brush hunter on September 06, 2015, 09:21:49 AM
If they want hunter's opinions, why are the meetings held during hunting season? The meeting closest to me is October 8th. Sorry, but I'm not going to skip one day of elk season when I only get 7 days to hunt as it is.Because they know the hunters won't take one day off from hunting to attend, what they do know is they can do what they want if nobody speaks up. There's a little give and take here, if you don't give a little time they will take more away from you. Who knows they may decide to cut your season to 5 days. I understand not wanting to give up a day. In the past if I couldn't make I made sure I sent someone in my place.
Post by: 2labs on September 06, 2015, 09:37:32 AM
Only takes a few minutes. And it's from the new director.
Bombard these clowns! And I agree the timing of these forums is a little fishy.
My favorite thing to do is chase mule deer in the sage and you get 8 whole days to do it. Yippee
Post by: huntrights on September 06, 2015, 09:26:23 PM
Excerpt from the WDFW News Release:
“People can talk with WDFW managers at six regional forums in September and October. Comments will also be accepted through Oct. 31 on WDFW's website at http://wdfw.wa.gov/wildfuture/ and by email to WildFuture@dfw.wa.gov . People may also participate in the conversation through the WDFW Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/WashingtonFishWildlife.”
The WDFW is reaching out for input. If you can't make it to a meeting, you can give your input via the website, email, or Facebook using the links provided. Take advantage of this opportunity. Hunters must be involved in the process in order for improvements to happen.
This is important, please don't minimize the impact a single voice can have. When many hunters participate, our united voice can have considerable influence.
Remember: Words not spoken or written are words not heard or read.
Post by: brush hunter on September 07, 2015, 09:38:52 AM
Very well put.
Excerpt from the WDFW News Release:
“People can talk with WDFW managers at six regional forums in September and October. Comments will also be accepted through Oct. 31 on WDFW's website at http://wdfw.wa.gov/wildfuture/ and by email to WildFuture@dfw.wa.gov . People may also participate in the conversation through the WDFW Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/WashingtonFishWildlife.”
The WDFW is reaching out for input. If you can't make it to a meeting, you can give your input via the website, email, or Facebook using the links provided. Take advantage of this opportunity. Hunters must be involved in the process in order for improvements to happen.
This is important, please don't minimize the impact a single voice can have. When many hunters participate, our united voice can have considerable influence.
Remember: Words not spoken or written are words not heard or read.
Post by: timberfaller on September 08, 2015, 07:35:29 AM
The "agency's" are just following procedures, so as to get their "agenda's" moving forward!!!
Public "input", is a oxymoron when it comes to doing the right thing!!
Post by: huntrights on September 10, 2015, 11:06:00 AM
This is important, please don't minimize the impact a single voice can have. When many hunters participate, our united voice can have considerable influence.
Remember: Words not spoken or written are words not heard or read.
It is a personal choice to participate in an opportunity such as this or not. However, to not participate is to accept the outcomes by default. It's very much like not voting; people that don't vote have little right to complain about who is elected. All hunters should take advantage of this opportunity to have their voices heard. Per 2011 numbers, there are about 275,000 hunters in this state; that can be a pretty loud and powerful united voice if we use it.
Not all hunters participate in this forum so they may not know this opportunity exists. Please pass the information along to your hunting family, friends, and colleagues.
Thank you.
Post by: 2labs on September 10, 2015, 11:20:33 AM
As stated earlier:
This is important, please don't minimize the impact a single voice can have. When many hunters participate, our united voice can have considerable influence.
Remember: Words not spoken or written are words not heard or read.
It is a personal choice to participate in an opportunity such as this or not. However, to not participate is to accept the outcomes by default. It's very much like not voting; people that don't vote have little right to complain about who is elected. All hunters should take advantage of this opportunity to have their voices heard. Per 2011 numbers, there are about 275,000 hunters in this state; that can be a pretty loud and powerful united voice if we use it.
Not all hunters participate in this forum so they may not know this opportunity exists. Please pass the information along to your hunting family, friends, and colleagues.
Thank you.
Oh your so welcome, I participate every year in these feel good warm and fuzzy circle jerks.
Post by: huntrights on September 10, 2015, 02:20:04 PM
Professional and respectful communications to government agencies, elected representatives, and their staff is more likely to be given positive attention; that is how the hunting community should be represented. We may not get our way all of the time, but we do succeed some of the time – particularly when we come together with a unified voice. There will always be opposing views and naysayers on any topic; we just need to be able to make a better case than those on the other side. Facts and productive dialog along with fostering strong alliances are key elements to success.
Post by: CAMPMEAT on September 10, 2015, 07:56:05 PM
As an added note:
Professional and respectful communications to government agencies, elected representatives, and their staff is more likely to be given positive attention; that is how the hunting community should be represented. We may not get our way all of the time, but we do succeed some of the time – particularly when we come together with a unified voice. There will always be opposing views and naysayers on any topic; we just need to be able to make a better case than those on the other side. Facts and productive dialog along with fostering strong alliances are key elements to success.
huntrights,
You always post great topics but, the problem is, is that the cards are always stacked against the outdoorsman/women. We can be nice as pie, or complain like crazy but, the person with the money, power and backing by anti-hunting groups, chooses the end results. They either let you speak at a public forum, which they control 100%, or not. They work for us, not the other way around. We have the so-called purse strings, but that does absolutely nothing, the WDFW will do whatever the hell they want, period. Always, always a dog and pony show to subsidize their agenda, not ours, the sportsman/women.
Post by: RG on September 10, 2015, 08:40:45 PM
Post by: huntrights on September 11, 2015, 01:52:22 PM
Good things are happening because we stay on course:
Good News!
"Hunting Works For America Expands Presence in Pacific Northwest with Washington Chapter"
http://www.nssfblog.com/hunting-works-for-america-expands-presence-in-pacific-northwest-with-washington-chapter/
Here is a link to the new webpage:
http://huntingworksforwa.com/
Check it out!
Post by: 2labs on September 11, 2015, 02:05:37 PM
Post by: huntrights on September 14, 2015, 08:49:49 AM
Examples please.
All hunters need to understand the contributions they are making to the economy, wildlife management, and wildlife conservation. The following links should provide many examples.
For examples of why Hunting Works for Washington, please do the following:
Read the Press Release (http://www.nssfblog.com/hunting-works-for-america-expands-presence-in-pacific-northwest-with-washington-chapter/)
Go to the website and explore:
http://huntingworksforwa.com/
Pay particular attention to the economic data:
http://huntingworksforwa.com/economic-data/
Other sources of relevant information:
WDFW funding supports a strong and diverse outdoor economy
http://wdfw.wa.gov/publications/01560/wdfw01560.pdf
Washington’s fish & wildlife mean business and jobs – 2011 WDFW
http://wdfw.wa.gov/publications/01160/wdfw01160.pdf
The Economics Associated with Outdoor Recreation, Natural Resources Conservation and Historic Preservation in the United States – 2011 NFWF
http://www.trcp.org/assets/pdf/The_Economic_Value_of_Outdoor_Recreation.pdf
Fish, wildlife and Washington’s economy – 2010 WDFW
http://wdfw.wa.gov/publications/01145/wdfw_01145.pdf
What do hunters do for conservation? – USFWS website
http://www.fws.gov/hunting/whatdo.html
The North American Wildlife Conservation Model – RMEF website
http://www.rmef.org/Conservation/HuntingIsConservation/NorthAmericanWildlifeConservationModel.aspx
25 Reasons Why Hunting Is Conservation – RMEF website
http://www.rmef.org/Conservation/HuntingIsConservation/25ReasonsWhyHuntingIsConservation.aspx
Hunting Is Conservation – RMEF video
http://www.rmef.org/Conservation/HuntingIsConservation.aspx
https://www.youtube.com/watch?x-yt-ts=1422579428&v=OwkVxFSrS04&x-yt-cl=85114404
The Ethical Hunter – 2014 NSSF
http://www.nssf.org/safety/lit/EthicalHunter.pdf
The Hunter and Conservation – 2014 NSSF
http://www.nssf.org/safety/lit/HunterConservation10.pdf
Hunting is mentioned throughout this document. Do a search on the word "hunting".
Economic Analysis of Outdoor Recreation in Washington State – 2015_Earth Economics for WA RCO
http://www.rco.wa.gov/documents/ORTF/EconomicAnalysisOutdoorRec.pdf
2013 Sportsmen's Economic Impact Report – Washington – 2011 data_CSF
http://www.sportsmenslink.org/uploads/page/Washington-Factsheet.pdf
America’s Sporting Heritage: Fueling the American Economy – 2013_CSF
http://www.sportsmenslink.org/uploads/page/Economic_Impact_Report_E-version.pdf
Hunting and Fishing: Bright Stars of the American Economy – 2006_CSF
http://www.nssf.org/PDF/research/bright%20stars%20of%20the%20economy.pdf
The Benefits to Business from Hunting and Fishing Excise Taxes – 2011_AFWA
http://www.nssf.org/PDF/research/AFWA%20TaxReport%202-23-11.pdf
Hunting in the 50 States: Regulations, License Fees, Species and Methods of Take – 2014_NSSF
http://www.nssf.org/PDF/research/IIR_HuntingRegs50States2014.pdf
Hunter’s Pocket Fact Card – NSSF
http://www.nssf.org/PDF/HunterFactCard.pdf
Hunting in America – An Economic Force for Conservation – Report produced for NSSF in 2012 by Southwick Associates
http://www.nssf.org/PDF/research/HuntingInAmerica_EconomicForceForConservation.pdf
Economic Impact of Hunting and Target Shooting in America – 2011 Data – Rev 3/14
http://www.nssf.org/PDF/research/Comb-Huntg-TS-EconImp-brochure.pdf
2011 National Survey of Fishing, Hunting, and Wildlife-Associated Recreation
https://www.census.gov/prod/2013pubs/fhw11-wa.pdf
2011 National Survey of Fishing, Hunting, and Wildlife-Associated Recreation
https://www.census.gov/prod/2012pubs/fhw11-nat.pdf
National Survey of Fishing, Hunting, & Wildlife-Associated Recreation (FHWAR)
https://www.census.gov/prod/www/fishing.html
Target Shooting in America – Report produced for NSSF in 2013 by Southwick Associates
http://www.nssf.org/PDF/research/TargetShootingInAmericaReport.pdf
Post by: huntrights on October 06, 2015, 09:53:40 AM
REMINDER!
This input to the WDFW is very important. Please participate. (See the original post)
Post by: Wacenturion on November 06, 2015, 09:07:02 AM
Pretty much right on....with very few exceptions to that over the years. You just have to understand that wildlife professionals in general think that their education entitles them to not have to get their hands dirty, so to speak. They believe they're paid to think, meet, plan, research, blow smoke, whatever. If you understand this, then it's a lot like thinking your yard to mow itself....get it? :o
Post by: CAMPMEAT on November 08, 2015, 07:32:56 AM
"How many of these phony meetings will the WDFW have, before they actually listen and do something for the management of OUR game ? It's dog and pony show from them, always."
Pretty much right on....with very few exceptions to that over the years. You just have to understand that wildlife professionals in general think that their education entitles them to not have to get their hands dirty, so to speak. They believe they're paid to think, meet, plan, research, blow smoke, whatever. If you understand this, then it's a lot like thinking your yard to mow itself....get it? :o
I get it. Educated people aren't always the brightest bulb in the pack. Street smarts tend to be better at everything because of experiences and not a book taught idiot..