Post by: andersonjk4 on January 10, 2022, 04:59:35 PM
Some thoughts regarding the public comment period. Last meeting they limited each speaker to 2 minutes and there were a lot of people who did not get to provide comment due to a lack of time. I believe last meeting and hopefully this upcoming meeting we (hunters) will be flooding the open comment with pro spring bear comments. The substance of the comments do not get recorded in the meeting minutes, but the quantity of comments do get recorded. I think if we kept all comments as short as possible and allow more people to provide input way more people would be able to provide comments and hopefully most of those additional speakers will be pro spring bear.
https://wdfw.wa.gov/about/commission/meetings/2022/13-14jan2022-fwc-agenda (https://wdfw.wa.gov/about/commission/meetings/2022/13-14jan2022-fwc-agenda)
For those hesitant to sign up and speak, don't hesitate. You do not need to prepare a full two minute well articulated essay. Keep it short and sweet and let the next person have a chance. Keep it cordial and polite. Here are a few talking points that may be helpful:
- Voice your support for the continuation of the spring black bear season as recommended by the department biologists.
- Encourage the commission to act on the petitions they will be reviewing on the 21st to restore the spring black bear hunt, or take other actions (re-vote) to re-instate the 2022 spring bear hunt.
- Despite the negative propaganda and preconceived notions about spring bear hunting, it is an ethical hunt and has not been shown to have any negative impact on bear populations.
- Harvesting female bears with cubs during the spring season should not be a concern. In spring 2021, only 1 lactating female was taken out of the more than 100 bears taken during the spring hunt and overall female harvest rate fell within the 35%-39% WDFW harvest objective. Further, the harvest statistics (recent and 10 year average) show that female bear harvest is at or below objective in all bear management units throughout the state.
- The Commission is mandated to maximize opportunity and denying this hunt goes against this mandate. WDFW provided no evidence to indicate bear populations are declining. In fact in their presentation to the commission the biologist stated the black bear population "appears to be robust and stable".
- Spring black bear hunting does not take unfair advantage of weak or lethargic bear just emerging from hibernation. Black bears enter a state of torpor during the winter, which is a modified type of hibernation where the bear is dormant, but does not reduce its body temperature. Therefore, black bears don’t need to wait to bring up their body temperatures – and thus can awaken and arouse quickly.
Hopefully other will chime in with more quick talking points.
Post by: JeepWrangler on January 10, 2022, 06:06:39 PM
I am registered.
Hope others will do the same.
At the end of the last Commission Meeting there was an announcement for all persons who were on the line waiting to speak who did not get a chance to comment to please use the Contact the Commissioners page to let them know you had not been able to speak and to leave your comments in written form and the commissioners were going to get those messages.
Maybe smoke and mirrors, maybe they did effort to read comments from those of us who sat on that call for more than 90 minutes and did not get to speak.
They did extend the comment period that day as the hold line, if I remember correctly, she said at the end of the comment period there was like 135 pre registered to speak people still on the call waiting to speak and did not get to speak.
Thank-you to all who will be registed and on the call.
Thank-you
Post by: dwils233 on January 10, 2022, 06:48:19 PM
There's a lot of vitriol right now from the hunting community towards the WDFW, the commission and certain commissioners. Becareful you don't paint with too broad a brush when you speak. The last thing we need as a community is to damage our allies currently sharing our goal who sit in position of authority.
For example: Kim Thorburn is not a hunter, but isn't anti-hunting.
For example: WDFW bios recommended this hunt be continued, as did the director.
Speak in direct detail and address individual issues or individual decisions and decision makers. Don't load their guns for them especially at the expense of damaging our own goals. Please know that if you think you are speaking for yourself, you will be representing hunting. Do your lifestyle credit please
And thank you
Post by: saylean on January 10, 2022, 07:12:41 PM
Post by: hunter399 on January 10, 2022, 08:21:48 PM
Side note: of you are planning on commenting, please be nuanced and specific in your statement.That's exactly why I'm not speaking.
There's a lot of vitriol right now from the hunting community towards the WDFW, the commission and certain commissioners. Becareful you don't paint with too broad a brush when you speak. The last thing we need as a community is to damage our allies currently sharing our goal who sit in position of authority.
For example: Kim Thorburn is not a hunter, but isn't anti-hunting.
For example: WDFW bios recommended this hunt be continued, as did the director.
Speak in direct detail and address individual issues or individual decisions and decision makers. Don't load their guns for them especially at the expense of damaging our own goals. Please know that if you think you are speaking for yourself, you will be representing hunting. Do your lifestyle credit please
And thank you
I refuse to sign up to read off some canned crap.
Post by: Tbar on January 10, 2022, 08:41:04 PM
That's not at all how I read it. Be yourself, well spoken and direct. Just know who the allies are and be respectful.Side note: of you are planning on commenting, please be nuanced and specific in your statement.That's exactly why I'm not speaking.
There's a lot of vitriol right now from the hunting community towards the WDFW, the commission and certain commissioners. Becareful you don't paint with too broad a brush when you speak. The last thing we need as a community is to damage our allies currently sharing our goal who sit in position of authority.
For example: Kim Thorburn is not a hunter, but isn't anti-hunting.
For example: WDFW bios recommended this hunt be continued, as did the director.
Speak in direct detail and address individual issues or individual decisions and decision makers. Don't load their guns for them especially at the expense of damaging our own goals. Please know that if you think you are speaking for yourself, you will be representing hunting. Do your lifestyle credit please
And thank you
I refuse to sign up to read off some canned crap.
Post by: hunter399 on January 10, 2022, 09:07:53 PM
I'll think about signing up.👍That's not at all how I read it. Be yourself, well spoken and direct. Just know who the allies are and be respectful.Side note: of you are planning on commenting, please be nuanced and specific in your statement.That's exactly why I'm not speaking.
There's a lot of vitriol right now from the hunting community towards the WDFW, the commission and certain commissioners. Becareful you don't paint with too broad a brush when you speak. The last thing we need as a community is to damage our allies currently sharing our goal who sit in position of authority.
For example: Kim Thorburn is not a hunter, but isn't anti-hunting.
For example: WDFW bios recommended this hunt be continued, as did the director.
Speak in direct detail and address individual issues or individual decisions and decision makers. Don't load their guns for them especially at the expense of damaging our own goals. Please know that if you think you are speaking for yourself, you will be representing hunting. Do your lifestyle credit please
And thank you
I refuse to sign up to read off some canned crap.
Post by: Platensek-po on January 10, 2022, 10:02:12 PM
There is a regularly scheduled meeting of the WDFW Fish and Wildlife Commission on Friday 1/14/2022. Open public comment is scheduled to begin at 8:45am (but may begin earlier). To participate you must register before 8am 1/14/22. Below is a link to the meeting agenda where you can find another link to register to provide comment.
Some thoughts regarding the public comment period. Last meeting they limited each speaker to 2 minutes and there were a lot of people who did not get to provide comment due to a lack of time. I believe last meeting and hopefully this upcoming meeting we (hunters) will be flooding the open comment with pro spring bear comments. The substance of the comments do not get recorded in the meeting minutes, but the quantity of comments do get recorded. I think if we kept all comments as short as possible and allow more people to provide input way more people would be able to provide comments and hopefully most of those additional speakers will be pro spring bear.
https://wdfw.wa.gov/about/commission/meetings/2022/13-14jan2022-fwc-agenda (https://wdfw.wa.gov/about/commission/meetings/2022/13-14jan2022-fwc-agenda)
Appreciate the link. I can’t make that one but did sign up for the one on the 21st :tup:
Post by: JeepWrangler on January 11, 2022, 06:28:13 AM
This is a good fact to share with the Commission.
Please contact the Commission and leave written comments.
https://wdfw.wa.gov/about/commission/contact (https://wdfw.wa.gov/about/commission/contact)
This is a good fact to discuss during the Friday January 14th Commission Meeting during the Open Public Testimony. Register here:
https://wdfw.wa.gov/about/commission/meetings/public-testimony (https://wdfw.wa.gov/about/commission/meetings/public-testimony)
Post by: andersonjk4 on January 11, 2022, 08:38:34 AM
I'll think about signing up.👍That's not at all how I read it. Be yourself, well spoken and direct. Just know who the allies are and be respectful.Side note: of you are planning on commenting, please be nuanced and specific in your statement.That's exactly why I'm not speaking.
There's a lot of vitriol right now from the hunting community towards the WDFW, the commission and certain commissioners. Becareful you don't paint with too broad a brush when you speak. The last thing we need as a community is to damage our allies currently sharing our goal who sit in position of authority.
For example: Kim Thorburn is not a hunter, but isn't anti-hunting.
For example: WDFW bios recommended this hunt be continued, as did the director.
Speak in direct detail and address individual issues or individual decisions and decision makers. Don't load their guns for them especially at the expense of damaging our own goals. Please know that if you think you are speaking for yourself, you will be representing hunting. Do your lifestyle credit please
And thank you
I refuse to sign up to read off some canned crap.
For anyone hesitant to speak, I have added some talking points to the first post in this thread and hopefully others will chime in with more.
Post by: fireweed on January 13, 2022, 08:19:51 AM
Post by: KNOPHISH on January 13, 2022, 09:22:36 AM
Post by: saylean on January 13, 2022, 10:03:19 PM
By the way, there is no public comment on the 21st, that’s a closed (to public comment) session.
Post by: dwils233 on January 13, 2022, 10:06:03 PM
Post by: Special T on January 13, 2022, 10:24:43 PM
I’m signed up to speak so hopefully they’ll let me.😂
By the way, there is no public comment on the 21st, that’s a closed (to public comment) session.
Maybe you will get called out by Lorna again!
Post by: hunter399 on January 13, 2022, 10:34:09 PM
Maybe addressing the two big elephant in the room.
Are you willing to make hunting of sows with cubs illegal?
Are you willing to drop your 2nd fall bear tag.
Those are the main talking points that the anti-hunters used against us. It's just a suggestion.
Didn't they already drop everybodys points to zero,basically like it's never coming back. I don't know cause I drawed last year ,so I'm at zero.
Post by: Special T on January 13, 2022, 10:44:30 PM
This is just a suggestion......and a lot of you may get a little angry about it.
Maybe addressing the two big elephant in the room.
Are you willing to make hunting of sows with cubs illegal?
Are you willing to drop your 2nd fall bear tag.
Those are the main talking points that the anti-hunters used against us. It's just a suggestion.
Didn't they already drop everybodys points to zero,basically like it's never coming back. I don't know cause I drawed last year ,so I'm at zero.
Appeasement doesnt work. Just ask the Europeans.
Post by: hunter399 on January 14, 2022, 04:24:39 AM
This is just a suggestion......and a lot of you may get a little angry about it.
Maybe addressing the two big elephant in the room.
Are you willing to make hunting of sows with cubs illegal?
Are you willing to drop your 2nd fall bear tag.
Those are the main talking points that the anti-hunters used against us. It's just a suggestion.
Didn't they already drop everybodys points to zero,basically like it's never coming back. I don't know cause I drawed last year ,so I'm at zero.
Appeasement doesnt work. Just ask the Europeans.
Hopefully it works out.
If it does I'll go buy my licences and permit, if it doesn't then I'll wait till April to buy my licences.
Post by: JeepWrangler on January 14, 2022, 05:01:16 AM
And Churchill was not real concerned with what Adolf had to say.
Some y'all been taking water from the anti hunting people for decades.
Look what you have left for your children and grandchildrens generations.
Too many so called "men" have been unwilling to take on the anti hunting movement and now here we are.
Post by: hunter399 on January 14, 2022, 05:15:27 AM
Patton was not real concerned with his enemies talking points.Some of us watched the Commission meeting.
And Churchill was not real concerned with what Adolf had to say.
Some y'all been taking water from the anti hunting people for decades.
Look what you have left for your children and grandchildrens generations.
Too many so called "men" have been unwilling to take on the anti hunting movement and now here we are.
You ever heard this one.....
Keep your friends close...and keep your enemy's closer.
Post by: pickardjw on January 14, 2022, 08:55:44 AM
Post by: Bullkllr on January 14, 2022, 09:07:44 AM
Post by: dreamingbig on January 14, 2022, 09:08:27 AM
And yes I am signed up to speak.
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Post by: pickardjw on January 14, 2022, 09:13:31 AM
Post by: dreamingbig on January 14, 2022, 09:23:25 AM
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Post by: Bullkllr on January 14, 2022, 09:34:57 AM
Are they ever going to let a HUNTER speak on this comment period? It has been nothing but antihunters….
And yes I am signed up to speak.
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Interesting how all of the antis were stacked at the beginning. Planned?
Post by: pickardjw on January 14, 2022, 09:40:23 AM
Spencer as well, 4 hunters in a row.
Now Brad, 5 in a row. Gabriel, 6. James, 7. Jon, 8.
I was worried at the start but the pendulum seems to have swung. Doesn't look like they're going to get to me. They've done a good job packing in as many people as possible though. What did they say, over 130 people signed up?
Post by: dreamingbig on January 14, 2022, 09:42:20 AM
Hard to not feel that way.Are they ever going to let a HUNTER speak on this comment period? It has been nothing but antihunters….
And yes I am signed up to speak.
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Interesting how all of the antis were stacked at the beginning. Planned?
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Post by: dreamingbig on January 14, 2022, 09:43:06 AM
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Post by: dreamingbig on January 14, 2022, 09:43:50 AM
Excellent statement from Bryce.Agreed. Exactly why I think they moved the antihunter groups to the front.
Spencer as well, 4 hunters in a row.
Now Brad, 5 in a row. Gabriel, 6. James, 7. Jon, 8.
I was worried at the start but the pendulum seems to have swung. Doesn't look like they're going to get to me. They've done a good job packing in as many people as possible though. What did they say, over 130 people signed up?
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Post by: downtownbrown0610 on January 14, 2022, 09:46:57 AM
It really is getting old dealing with and listening to all this crap. I do not know how, but it needs to get better. As soon as someone hears something that goes against their way of thinking it immediately turns into insults and hate and at the end of the day that will not solve anything.
To everyone that has taken the time in working towards getting this hunt back, I really appreciate everything you do. Doug and a few others have really stepped up and spoke out to support the hunters of WA. I really hope the commission makes the right decision on the 21st.
Post by: Bullkllr on January 14, 2022, 09:51:52 AM
Post by: Shawn Ryan on January 14, 2022, 09:52:55 AM
Post by: Weatherby92 on January 14, 2022, 10:00:58 AM
The last lady mentioned "hysterical testimony" from hunters. She was the only one even approaching hysterics, imo.
Agreed.
Thanks to hunters who spoke for having a well thought out statement to share. You represented us well at this meeting.
Post by: HereDuckyDucky on January 14, 2022, 10:13:30 AM
RW
Post by: dwils233 on January 14, 2022, 10:14:34 AM
Post by: Tbar on January 14, 2022, 10:18:13 AM
Thanks to all who spoke up! Good job! For people who didn't get a chance to watch / listen, is there a recording available?:yeah:
RW
Another thing not to lose sight of is they accept written testimony. The time it takes to post on this forum can have a positive impact. :twocents:
Post by: dreamingbig on January 14, 2022, 10:33:49 AM
I have written them 3x on this issue alone. They never reply so it feels like it goes straight to the trash. Not even to say it was received.Thanks to all who spoke up! Good job! For people who didn't get a chance to watch / listen, is there a recording available?:yeah:
RW
Another thing not to lose sight of is they accept written testimony. The time it takes to post on this forum can have a positive impact. :twocents:
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Post by: Bullkllr on January 14, 2022, 11:27:35 AM
The message I'm getting from the commission and the voices they seem to be giving creedance to is we all better buckle in.
Post by: dreamingbig on January 14, 2022, 12:04:54 PM
It may have been myopic and naive, but I never thought I'd see the day where I had to be an activist just to be able to continue hunting. I was blind-sided by this whole spring bear situation, but seeing it evolve it's clear that day is now.We got there with an anti hunting governor appointing anti hunters to the commission that could care less if hunting continues. They value predators over ungulates so here we are… a need to be activists. That and these DARN zoom meetings makes it WAY to easy for them to show up and rant even if they aren’t citizens of Washington State.
The message I'm getting from the commission and the voices they seem to be giving creedance to is we all better buckle in.
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Post by: pickardjw on January 14, 2022, 12:08:19 PM
The people claiming that current cougar kill rates are unsustainable...idk what data they're looking at to suggest that. Probably just their feelings, no data.
And the bird watcher, photography guy saying we should use cameras instead of guns for Spring Bear? One of the hunters later on said, "I can't eat a picture" and I just about spat my coffee out. Well done.
The Commission owes NOTHING to non-hunters, bird watchers, etc. according to the RCW's from what I can tell. They do owe hunters and anglers maximized opportunity.
Post by: hunter399 on January 14, 2022, 12:13:45 PM
I'm gonna try to look it up and listen to the Commission later.
I didn't have any time so far today.
Inslee has left the Commission this way on purpose,and you can bet your last dollar ,next person appointed won't be any friend for hunters.
Post by: dwils233 on January 14, 2022, 12:40:49 PM
The Commission owes NOTHING to non-hunters, bird watchers, etc. according to the RCW's from what I can tell. They do owe hunters and anglers maximized opportunity.
I agree, but obviously some of the commissioners and commenters think every stakeholder, regardless of revenue contribution has a say. The really dangerous ones are those who think non-paying stakeholders are more important just because they have the numbers.
Post by: KFhunter on January 14, 2022, 12:47:14 PM
Post by: Wunderlich33 on January 14, 2022, 12:59:34 PM
She obtained her Masters of Public Policy, American Government and Politics from Pepperdine University in 2011. She's a smart person and knows how to get traction to push agendas. This is why we need to stay as a united front more than ever.
Great speaking points to everyone who was able to voice our concerns during the meeting today. Great Job!
Post by: hunter399 on January 14, 2022, 01:50:00 PM
But it sounds like a 💩 show anyway.
I wouldn't expect anything different.
So this meeting on the 21 or the next one are they gonna make a decision to revote on spring bear,or what exactly is the agenda .
I'll go try to look it up myself,I know there will be no public input. But a lot of times you can look at the agenda now,and blow there email up till the meeting. Just saying.
Well I looked at the agenda, all there doing is considering the petition. Well you can hope the petition leads to a revote.
Post by: pickardjw on January 14, 2022, 01:56:33 PM
https://wdfw.wa.gov/about/commission/meetings/2022/21january2022-fwc-agenda
Post by: hunter399 on January 14, 2022, 01:57:36 PM
Here is a link to the 1/21 meeting agenda. The only item is reviewing the formal Spring Bear petitions.Ya I see that now.....🤔
https://wdfw.wa.gov/about/commission/meetings/2022/21january2022-fwc-agenda
Post by: Platensek-po on January 14, 2022, 02:02:49 PM
Ya yesterday's meetings are posted ,but I'll have to wait till tomorrow or Monday probably till today's meeting is posted on WDFW website.
But it sounds like a 💩 show anyway.
I wouldn't expect anything different.
So this meeting on the 21 or the next one are they gonna make a decision to revote on spring bear,or what exactly is the agenda .
I'll go try to look it up myself,I know there will be no public input. But a lot of times you can look at the agenda now,and blow there email up till the meeting. Just saying.
Well I looked at the agenda, all there doing is considering the petition. Well you can hope the petition leads to a revote.
Huh I signed up to provide public input for the meeting on the 21st :dunno:
Post by: saylean on January 14, 2022, 02:26:17 PM
Sign up, speak up, get active. If you couldn’t speak today, send emails. We have until next Thursday night to send them regarding spring bear.
Fight.
Post by: hunter399 on January 14, 2022, 02:28:35 PM
Didn't know that ,thanks.Ya yesterday's meetings are posted ,but I'll have to wait till tomorrow or Monday probably till today's meeting is posted on WDFW website.
But it sounds like a 💩 show anyway.
I wouldn't expect anything different.
So this meeting on the 21 or the next one are they gonna make a decision to revote on spring bear,or what exactly is the agenda .
I'll go try to look it up myself,I know there will be no public input. But a lot of times you can look at the agenda now,and blow there email up till the meeting. Just saying.
Well I looked at the agenda, all there doing is considering the petition. Well you can hope the petition leads to a revote.
Huh I signed up to provide public input for the meeting on the 21st :dunno:
Post by: Platensek-po on January 14, 2022, 02:40:25 PM
:tup: :tup: :tup:Didn't know that ,thanks.Ya yesterday's meetings are posted ,but I'll have to wait till tomorrow or Monday probably till today's meeting is posted on WDFW website.
But it sounds like a 💩 show anyway.
I wouldn't expect anything different.
So this meeting on the 21 or the next one are they gonna make a decision to revote on spring bear,or what exactly is the agenda .
I'll go try to look it up myself,I know there will be no public input. But a lot of times you can look at the agenda now,and blow there email up till the meeting. Just saying.
Well I looked at the agenda, all there doing is considering the petition. Well you can hope the petition leads to a revote.
Huh I signed up to provide public input for the meeting on the 21st :dunno:
Post by: Bullkllr on January 14, 2022, 02:45:56 PM
I looked up Samantha Bruegger, the executive director of Washington Wildlife First who was mentioned in the Spokesman Review. She isn't from Washington nor lives here. She resides out of Salem Oregon...Interesting group we should all familiarize ourselves with:
She obtained her Masters of Public Policy, American Government and Politics from Pepperdine University in 2011. She's a smart person and knows how to get traction to push agendas. This is why we need to stay as a united front more than ever.
Great speaking points to everyone who was able to voice our concerns during the meeting today. Great Job!
https://wawildlifefirst.org/about-us/ (https://wawildlifefirst.org/about-us/)
Post by: pickardjw on January 14, 2022, 02:46:45 PM
Post by: Platensek-po on January 14, 2022, 02:56:41 PM
Platensek, where did you sign up to provide public input at the 1/21 meeting? Pretty sure they explicitly said today no public input at that meeting and there's no sign up link or item on the agenda for it.
https://wdfw.wa.gov/about/commission/meetings/public-testimony
I had signed up here previously when it was requested to sign up for the today’s meeting. At that time there was an option to provide testimony on the meeting for the 21st. Checking now there is no longer that option. Not sure if that means I can testify or not. I just checked the confirmation email and it states it’s for the 21st. I will contact them on Monday and see what’s up
Post by: pickardjw on January 15, 2022, 08:36:13 AM
https://nwsportsmanmag.com/wdfw-commission-hears-from-public-before-bear-petitions-vote/
https://www.instagram.com/tv/CYuIO2kDBys/?utm_medium=copy_link