Post by: Scvette on November 24, 2022, 02:37:35 PM
Post by: KFhunter on November 24, 2022, 02:50:22 PM
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Post by: Keith494 on November 24, 2022, 03:06:29 PM
Post by: highside74 on November 24, 2022, 03:24:49 PM
I just read they banned spring black bear hunts in Wa. Any truth to that?
There has been a thread with the information for a while now.
https://hunting-washington.com/smf/index.php/topic,275024.105.html
https://hunting-washington.com/smf/index.php/topic,275321.0.html
Post by: Scvette on November 24, 2022, 06:05:29 PM
Post by: highside74 on November 24, 2022, 06:35:54 PM
Post by: HillHound on November 24, 2022, 06:45:07 PM
Pretty much, been a year long battle. A rouge commission and not enough people speaking up. It won’t surprise me if there back for fall bear before next year.Rogue commission yes. But speaking up when they had their minds already set on closing it did nothing. I tried as well as lots of others. We need to speak up to get these anti hunters kicked off the commission. No amount of speaking up during comment periods will help when it falls on deaf ears. These people are managing our wildlife with their emotions and it’s going to have a catastrophic effect on our ungulate populations. They need to be called out on it! No other job lets your emotions trump facts, science, and or years of proven effective measures. Only the lovely Washington game commission falls into this category and they need to be called out and those that can’t do their job properly need to be removed
Post by: KFhunter on November 24, 2022, 06:49:46 PM
How do you remove them?
Post by: hunter399 on November 24, 2022, 07:39:00 PM
Not sure what,where or how , we as hunter can do. :dunno:
Post by: Keith494 on November 24, 2022, 07:44:52 PM
It's freaking stupid.Only thing we can really even hope to do is try and spread information, especially to our non hunting friends, we’re going to need a lot more ally’s if we have any hope of doing anything, it probably won’t do any good, but there’s really nothing else to do. Unless there’s some sort of legal action that can be taken somehow, but that will take someone with a lot more knowledge than I have.
Not sure what,where or how , we as hunter can do. :dunno:
Post by: KFhunter on November 24, 2022, 08:19:53 PM
Post by: HUNTINCOUPLE on November 24, 2022, 09:09:33 PM
I can't believe the WA people voted for this.
The bears are a strong hold now and forever......................not lol.........
Post by: HillHound on November 24, 2022, 09:57:11 PM
Post by: highcountry_hunter on November 24, 2022, 10:00:24 PM
How did I miss thisI mean…the people of Washington didn’t knowingly vote exactly for this. But every vote for Inslee as governor is what lead directly to this.
I can't believe the WA people voted for this.
The bears are a strong hold now and forever......................not lol.........
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Post by: Joyce on November 25, 2022, 06:58:31 AM
How?
How do you remove them?
My suggestion is to put pressure on Kevin van de Wege and the rest of the Natural Resources committee that confirms WDFW Commission appointees.
I’ve emailed him a number of times over the past year but never received any kind of a response. Maybe if more of us do so he might start paying attention.
Post by: HillHound on November 25, 2022, 07:26:13 AM
Post by: hunter399 on November 25, 2022, 08:28:35 AM
Should read this topic.
https://hunting-washington.com/smf/index.php/topic,275147.msg3739488/topicseen.html#new
Post by: pd on November 25, 2022, 08:38:33 AM
I won't post a link (against forum rules), but do your own Google search. November 20th, 2022 article in the Wall Street Journal, describing how the Democratic governor, Phil Murphy, has just restored the statewide bear hunt (six day season), AFTER he had used executive authority to ban bear hunting. (Animal rights groups are howling now, as you would imagine.)
Do you see the point? Even a Democratic governor, who had previously bent under the pressure of animal rights groups and had banned bear hunting, can change his mind, when confronted with the facts of damage caused by bears.
Stop being so negative, and do something, if you really care about this issue.
Post by: hunter399 on November 25, 2022, 08:46:52 AM
I completely disagree with the premise of this post (especially, the title): "Never again" is a silly statement.Are you advocating a new governor,cause inslee is a lost cause. Inslee is not gonna overturn this.
I won't post a link (against forum rules), but do your own Google search. November 20th, 2022 article in the Wall Street Journal, describing how the Democratic governor, Phil Murphy, has just restored the statewide bear hunt (six day season), AFTER he had used executive authority to ban bear hunting. (Animal rights groups are howling now, as you would imagine.)
Do you see the point? Even a Democratic governor, who had previously bent under the pressure of animal rights groups and had banned bear hunting, can change his mind, when confronted with the facts of damage caused by bears.
Stop being so negative, and do something, if you really care about this issue.
Does new York have a Commission or is DNR in charge of game.
Post by: wheels1 on November 25, 2022, 09:23:01 AM
I agree with the idea but lf I remember right Lorena has never officially confirmedHow?
How do you remove them?
My suggestion is to put pressure on Kevin van de Wege and the rest of the Natural Resources committee that confirms WDFW Commission appointees.
I’ve emailed him a number of times over the past year but never received any kind of a response. Maybe if more of us do so he might start paying attention.
Post by: Smokeploe on November 25, 2022, 09:25:05 AM
Smokeploe
Post by: BigredRusch on November 26, 2022, 04:22:34 PM
If you want spring bear hunt back then, bear hunters have to get together! What you have to do is start a campaign, write your state reps, the governor and fish and game! You need to keep writing till they give in and reopen it! You need to pester everyone who you think and some who you don’t think can do anything. The more noise you make and being a pest up to the point short of harnessing then they will do something! Remember the squeaky wheel gets the grease! Anti-hunters this is their favorite terriost move to get what they want! Use it against them! Individual complaining will not get any of you anywhere, they will just say what a bunch of crybabies! Band together and stand together and make your want known!I agree 100%. Please, as a fellow bear hunter I want to push everyone who reads this to call the governors office and leave a voicemail. Be kind but straightforward. Tell him what you want and how much it means to you. Tell him the 2022 general population survey for Washington came back with a 75% approval rating for legal, regulated hunting in this state. Tell him to focus on creating opportunities rather than taking them away.
Smokeploe
I have been following the WDFW commission for the last 2 years. I sent a few emails here and there but never really wanted to call. Frankly I didn’t think I had anything to say and I was afraid of being put on the spot or putting myself on the spot. Well, I have called Jay Inslee 2 times in the last week. I have a reason that is important enough and I think the rest of us do to.
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Post by: hunter399 on November 26, 2022, 04:31:09 PM
If you want spring bear hunt back then, bear hunters have to get together! What you have to do is start a campaign, write your state reps, the governor and fish and game! You need to keep writing till they give in and reopen it! You need to pester everyone who you think and some who you don’t think can do anything. The more noise you make and being a pest up to the point short of harnessing then they will do something! Remember the squeaky wheel gets the grease! Anti-hunters this is their favorite terriost move to get what they want! Use it against them! Individual complaining will not get any of you anywhere, they will just say what a bunch of crybabies! Band together and stand together and make your want known!I agree 100%. Please, as a fellow bear hunter I want to push everyone who reads this to call the governors office and leave a voicemail. Be kind but straightforward. Tell him what you want and how much it means to you. Tell him the 2022 general population survey for Washington came back with a 75% approval rating for legal, regulated hunting in this state. Tell him to focus on creating opportunities rather than taking them away.
Smokeploe
I have been following the WDFW commission for the last 2 years. I sent a few emails here and there but never really wanted to call. Frankly I didn’t think I had anything to say and I was afraid of being put on the spot or putting myself on the spot. Well, I have called Jay Inslee 2 times in the last week. I have a reason that is important enough and I think the rest of us do to.
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
You called Jay inslee :yike: :chuckle: :yike: :chuckle: :yike:
I'll join this topic later.
I'm blown away right now.
I almost fell out the chair.
Post by: Ridgeratt on November 26, 2022, 04:33:59 PM
Post by: BigredRusch on November 26, 2022, 04:49:27 PM
Jay Inslee is directly responsible for the members on the WDFW commission. He has assigned the recent anti hunting members without first consulting the numerous conservation agencies active in our state. Seems like a pretty good person to start calling…If you want spring bear hunt back then, bear hunters have to get together! What you have to do is start a campaign, write your state reps, the governor and fish and game! You need to keep writing till they give in and reopen it! You need to pester everyone who you think and some who you don’t think can do anything. The more noise you make and being a pest up to the point short of harnessing then they will do something! Remember the squeaky wheel gets the grease! Anti-hunters this is their favorite terriost move to get what they want! Use it against them! Individual complaining will not get any of you anywhere, they will just say what a bunch of crybabies! Band together and stand together and make your want known!I agree 100%. Please, as a fellow bear hunter I want to push everyone who reads this to call the governors office and leave a voicemail. Be kind but straightforward. Tell him what you want and how much it means to you. Tell him the 2022 general population survey for Washington came back with a 75% approval rating for legal, regulated hunting in this state. Tell him to focus on creating opportunities rather than taking them away.
Smokeploe
I have been following the WDFW commission for the last 2 years. I sent a few emails here and there but never really wanted to call. Frankly I didn’t think I had anything to say and I was afraid of being put on the spot or putting myself on the spot. Well, I have called Jay Inslee 2 times in the last week. I have a reason that is important enough and I think the rest of us do to.
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
You called Jay inslee :yike: :chuckle: :yike: :chuckle: :yike:
I'll join this topic later.
I'm blown away right now.
I almost fell out the chair.
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Post by: HUNTINCOUPLE on November 26, 2022, 08:00:17 PM
How did I miss thisI mean…the people of Washington didn’t knowingly vote exactly for this. But every vote for Inslee as governor is what lead directly to this.
I can't believe the WA people voted for this.
The bears are a strong hold now and forever......................not lol.........
Yes that. :yeah:
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Post by: BigredRusch on November 26, 2022, 08:15:29 PM
With all due respect. That’s a cop out and you are stonewalling this conversation with politics. If you don’t participate, don’t complain.How did I miss thisI mean…the people of Washington didn’t knowingly vote exactly for this. But every vote for Inslee as governor is what lead directly to this.
I can't believe the WA people voted for this.
The bears are a strong hold now and forever......................not lol.........
Yes that. :yeah:
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Post by: Dan-o on November 26, 2022, 08:18:08 PM
With all due respect. That’s a cop out and you are stonewalling this conversation with politics. If you don’t participate, don’t complain.How did I miss thisI mean…the people of Washington didn’t knowingly vote exactly for this. But every vote for Inslee as governor is what lead directly to this.
I can't believe the WA people voted for this.
The bears are a strong hold now and forever......................not lol.........
Yes that. :yeah:
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Curious how you know who participates and who doesn't.
Post by: hunter399 on November 26, 2022, 08:18:53 PM
What did you say to the sob.
Post by: hunter399 on November 26, 2022, 08:20:10 PM
Jay Inslee phone number.. Call 360-902-4111Don't temp me now.
:chuckle: :chuckle: :chuckle: :chuckle:
Post by: KFhunter on November 26, 2022, 08:20:46 PM
Still can't believe you called inslee.
What did you say to the sob.
You'll never talk to Inslee directly with a public number :chuckle:
He's got people, they filter out people like you and I
Post by: hunter399 on November 26, 2022, 08:23:32 PM
Jay Inslee phone number.. Call 360-902-4111Is that really his number or ......
Is the hair club for men that doubles as his number.
Post by: hunter399 on November 26, 2022, 08:29:40 PM
Like the round file number....Still can't believe you called inslee.
What did you say to the sob.
You'll never talk to Inslee directly with a public number :chuckle:
He's got people, they filter out people like you and I
Like calling HR on your day off.
I'm thinking where gonna need Biden's number too. :chuckle: :chuckle: :chuckle: :chuckle: :chuckle: :chuckle: :chuckle: :dunno:
Post by: Smokeploe on November 26, 2022, 09:20:12 PM
Smokeploe
Post by: BUTTER on November 27, 2022, 07:25:45 AM
Post by: buckfvr on November 27, 2022, 08:19:30 AM
This is Inslees fault. You guys that keep saying speak up more and more. Well alot of us already have and did. It did nothing and won't, you want change quit voting BLUE. Those of us that didn't already have tried to fix the real problem.
:yeah: :yeah: :yeah:
Post by: trophyhunt on November 27, 2022, 08:24:02 AM
This is Inslees fault. You guys that keep saying speak up more and more. Well alot of us already have and did. It did nothing and won't, you want change quit voting BLUE. Those of us that didn't already have tried to fix the real problem.:yeah: :yeah: :yeah: our friends here who continue to vote for democrats need to OWN this bs. Yes, it’s a fact, if you voted against the republicans in the past 10 + years, this is a direct result!
Post by: Stein on November 27, 2022, 08:52:39 AM
Post by: hunter399 on November 27, 2022, 08:55:43 AM
:yeah:This is Inslees fault. You guys that keep saying speak up more and more. Well alot of us already have and did. It did nothing and won't, you want change quit voting BLUE. Those of us that didn't already have tried to fix the real problem.:yeah: :yeah: :yeah: are friends here who continue to vote for democrats need to OWN this bs. Yes, it’s a fact, if you voted against the republicans in the past 10 + years, this is a direct result!
Also any democrat,look at murray/smiley race.
Does anybody believe Murray is gonna stand up for there 2nd amendment rights or gives two @$!# about hunting.
Ya right .
From Olympia to Seattle to Bellingham own this state.
If you live there you need to seriously have a civil talk with your family ,co-worker,friends and such.
Cause there vote is killing this state.
Post by: Bob33 on November 27, 2022, 09:08:13 AM
https://www.lehighvalleylive.com/opinion/2022/11/pas-experiment-of-moving-opening-day-for-firearm-deer-season-has-been-a-failure-opinion.html
Initially, changing the Monday deer opener was opposed by a strong majority of hunters. This included an overwhelming 89% of opposition contacts directly to the PGC during the public comment period and an earlier hunter survey revealing 65% opposed. A myriad of other metrics was brought forth that historically guided PGC decisions, but five of the eight commissioners ignored them all.
Post by: hughjorgan on November 27, 2022, 09:19:45 AM
:yeah:This is Inslees fault. You guys that keep saying speak up more and more. Well alot of us already have and did. It did nothing and won't, you want change quit voting BLUE. Those of us that didn't already have tried to fix the real problem.:yeah: :yeah: :yeah: are friends here who continue to vote for democrats need to OWN this bs. Yes, it’s a fact, if you voted against the republicans in the past 10 + years, this is a direct result!
Also any democrat,look at murray/smiley race.
Does anybody believe Murray is gonna stand up for there 2nd amendment rights or gives two @$!# about hunting.
Ya right .
From Olympia to Seattle to Bellingham own this state.
If you live there you need to seriously have a civil talk with your family ,co-worker,friends and such.
Cause there vote is killing this state.
You realize there are more conservatives on the west side than there are in all of eastern wa right? And Smiley lost because her campaign strategy was poor, wasting time campaigning in little conservative towns like Davenport and trashing people in western wa and Seattle where you most definitely need the votes to win.
Post by: hunter399 on November 27, 2022, 09:29:14 AM
Google a election map.:yeah:This is Inslees fault. You guys that keep saying speak up more and more. Well alot of us already have and did. It did nothing and won't, you want change quit voting BLUE. Those of us that didn't already have tried to fix the real problem.:yeah: :yeah: :yeah: are friends here who continue to vote for democrats need to OWN this bs. Yes, it’s a fact, if you voted against the republicans in the past 10 + years, this is a direct result!
Also any democrat,look at murray/smiley race.
Does anybody believe Murray is gonna stand up for there 2nd amendment rights or gives two @$!# about hunting.
Ya right .
From Olympia to Seattle to Bellingham own this state.
If you live there you need to seriously have a civil talk with your family ,co-worker,friends and such.
Cause there vote is killing this state.
You realize there are more conservatives on the west side than there are in all of eastern wa right? And Smiley lost because her campaign strategy was poor, wasting time campaigning in little conservative towns like Davenport and trashing people in western wa and Seattle where you most definitely need the votes to win.
You seemed very informative ,I'm sure you don't need too.
To realize which county's control this state.
I do agree her campaign should of been more focused in the West.
At the end of the day ,they just voted my 2nd amendment rights away.
Murray and bidden are working on assault weapons ban as we speak.
Background checks on ammo.
Post by: hunter399 on November 27, 2022, 09:30:59 AM
Post by: hughjorgan on November 27, 2022, 09:56:10 AM
https://results.vote.wa.gov/results/20221108/us-senator_bycounty.html
As far as gun rights go Biden doesn’t control the house, how’s he going to pass gun control? Did you forget as well that the supreme Court is conservative as well?
Post by: lewy on November 27, 2022, 09:57:18 AM
Post by: Stein on November 27, 2022, 10:05:11 AM
Post by: hunter399 on November 27, 2022, 10:06:03 AM
Between King, pierce and Snohomish she got 511000 votes that’s nearly half of all her votes from western Washington. That’s a lot of conservative minded people. Where she lost the election was King County. She lost the vote 3 to 1.
https://results.vote.wa.gov/results/20221108/us-senator_bycounty.html
As far as gun rights go Biden doesn’t control the house, how’s he going to pass gun control? Did you forget as well that the supreme Court is conservative as well?
He'll do it with bi- partisan support.
We needed house and Senate.
The mass shooting,blah,blah,blah.
https://www.cnbc.com/amp/2022/11/24/biden-says-hell-renew-push-for-assault-weapons-ban.html
Post by: deerlick on November 27, 2022, 10:08:25 AM
Post by: Stein on November 27, 2022, 10:10:55 AM
Between King, pierce and Snohomish she got 511000 votes that’s nearly half of all her votes from western Washington. That’s a lot of conservative minded people. Where she lost the election was King County. She lost the vote 3 to 1.
https://results.vote.wa.gov/results/20221108/us-senator_bycounty.html
As far as gun rights go Biden doesn’t control the house, how’s he going to pass gun control? Did you forget as well that the supreme Court is conservative as well?
He'll do it with bi- partisan support.
We needed house and Senate.
The mass shooting,blah,blah,blah.
https://www.cnbc.com/amp/2022/11/24/biden-says-hell-renew-push-for-assault-weapons-ban.html
In that argument you shouldn't vote for Republicans either. If it's bi-partisan, he could do it no matter who controls either chamber. Gun control (his version anyway) isn't a bi-partisan issue.
Post by: hunter399 on November 27, 2022, 10:22:12 AM
Doesn't democrats control the Senate.Between King, pierce and Snohomish she got 511000 votes that’s nearly half of all her votes from western Washington. That’s a lot of conservative minded people. Where she lost the election was King County. She lost the vote 3 to 1.
https://results.vote.wa.gov/results/20221108/us-senator_bycounty.html
As far as gun rights go Biden doesn’t control the house, how’s he going to pass gun control? Did you forget as well that the supreme Court is conservative as well?
He'll do it with bi- partisan support.
We needed house and Senate.
The mass shooting,blah,blah,blah.
https://www.cnbc.com/amp/2022/11/24/biden-says-hell-renew-push-for-assault-weapons-ban.html
In that argument you shouldn't vote for Republicans either. If it's bi-partisan, he could do it no matter who controls either chamber. Gun control (his version anyway) isn't a bi-partisan issue.
That's the same argument you just gave me about the house.
Better Republican control both.
Washington droped the ball.
Just admit it ,you know which county's.
Post by: JimmyHoffa on November 27, 2022, 10:24:37 AM
Post by: Special T on November 27, 2022, 10:28:08 AM
Here are 2 options outside of the Govenor.
1 legislation
The process of nominations and conversations can be changed. This could be
Taken away from the Govenor, or reduce the strangle hold it has on the process. This would likely have broad support from fishermen, tribes and sportsmen.
2 change the leadership of the State Senate.
The Natural Resource Committee is Run by Kevin Van Sewage a Democrat from the N oly pen and won his last race 65 to 35%. He isn't going anywhere. We missed our chance this election but we have another chance in 2 years..
How many of you donated time or money to state Senate seats near you? Simon Sefzik in Whatcom County lost by less than 1% about 800 votes! Did anyone do anything beyond looking at the Hunters Heritage Council recomendations? If you didn't that should change next election.
Post by: Humptulips on November 27, 2022, 10:43:01 AM
We have the HHC PAC. If every hunter was to contribute, we would have a formidable war chest and politicians would not only fear crossing us but would be courting us.
How many hunters pay $300+ for access fees to hunt or gas to drive out of State. If everyone kicked into the PAC as much as they spend to secure their hunting for one year, we could save the future of hunting. Do yourself a favor and budget some money for hunting. https://huntersheritagecouncil.org/hhc-pac.html
Post by: hughjorgan on November 27, 2022, 11:15:19 AM
Doesn't democrats control the Senate.Between King, pierce and Snohomish she got 511000 votes that’s nearly half of all her votes from western Washington. That’s a lot of conservative minded people. Where she lost the election was King County. She lost the vote 3 to 1.
https://results.vote.wa.gov/results/20221108/us-senator_bycounty.html
As far as gun rights go Biden doesn’t control the house, how’s he going to pass gun control? Did you forget as well that the supreme Court is conservative as well?
He'll do it with bi- partisan support.
We needed house and Senate.
The mass shooting,blah,blah,blah.
https://www.cnbc.com/amp/2022/11/24/biden-says-hell-renew-push-for-assault-weapons-ban.html
In that argument you shouldn't vote for Republicans either. If it's bi-partisan, he could do it no matter who controls either chamber. Gun control (his version anyway) isn't a bi-partisan issue.
That's the same argument you just gave me about the house.
Better Republican control both.
Washington droped the ball.
Just admit it ,you know which county's.
Both the democrats and republicans are crap, they don’t give a crap about the middle class. They’re all looking out for THEMSELVES!
As far as this state and elections KING county is where you win or lose. Don’t disparage the population centers if you need their votes to win. Like I pointed out to you earlier there are more conservatives in the population centers of the state than in all the eastside counties. Not everyone is liberal west of the mountains. Republicans need to find away to win the moderates in King County.
This country will be far better off with a do nothing divided congress as well, less of a chance of any of us getting screwed by DC.
Post by: Blacktail Sniper on November 27, 2022, 11:27:04 AM
You can even do one for Inslee and any information emails, memos, etc regarding spring bear, cougar hunting or any other hunting related topics.
This will get their attention, I assure you.
But what would be best is if multiple people submitted requests for the same information. Legally they cannot ignore any request without danger of having to pay out money to the requester for not complying with the law.
If several dozen different people start asking for the same stuff, it is going to raise someone's blood pressure...a lot!
If you want to make a wheel squeak and not have it brushed aside, this is the way to go!
Yes, it will cost a little bit, but the fees for copying stuff and mailing (or pick it up in person if you like) is small, usually a few cents per page for photocopies and postage.
Just to let you know I am speaking from experience, I just went through this with a department of Thurston Co.
Started a Junk Vehicle inspection request in July, their website says up to a couple months to complete the process. Called in Sept just to simply see where I was in the process, first voicemail was ignored, second call was a bit more serious sounding and that one was returned and got the inspector to actually come out and look at the vehicles, then nothing further.
Another voicemail message in Oct was ignored, so Early Nov, I submitted a Public Information Request for the status of my Junk Vehicle Inspection request. In about 3 days I had a call from the inspector and about a week later my paperwork arrived in the mail.
Had I not used the Public Information Request Law, I would most likely still not have my paperwork.
So, in short, one person making one request was able to force them to do their job, imagine the attention it will generate amongst WDFW and the Commission if 2 or 3 dozen requests come in asking for the same information...
Also by making requests for the same information, they must send the exact same information to each requester or they will be in violation of the law.
SQUEAK....SQUEAK....SQUEAK....
Post by: hunter399 on November 27, 2022, 12:05:07 PM
If you really want to get the attention of those concerned, start making public information requests for copies of reports, notes from meeting, emails, text messages, memos, policy directives, etc. from each Commission member, and whomever the WDFW contact person is they report to or get reported from.I just wanna see Commission members emails for the past two years.
You can even do one for Inslee and any information emails, memos, etc regarding spring bear, cougar hunting or any other hunting related topics.
This will get their attention, I assure you.
But what would be best is if multiple people submitted requests for the same information. Legally they cannot ignore any request without danger of having to pay out money to the requester for not complying with the law.
If several dozen different people start asking for the same stuff, it is going to raise someone's blood pressure...a lot!
If you want to make a wheel squeak and not have it brushed aside, this is the way to go!
Yes, it will cost a little bit, but the fees for copying stuff and mailing (or pick it up in person if you like) is small, usually a few cents per page for photocopies and postage.
Just to let you know I am speaking from experience, I just went through this with a department of Thurston Co.
Started a Junk Vehicle inspection request in July, their website says up to a couple months to complete the process. Called in Sept just to simply see where I was in the process, first voicemail was ignored, second call was a bit more serious sounding and that one was returned and got the inspector to actually come out and look at the vehicles, then nothing further.
Another voicemail message in Oct was ignored, so Early Nov, I submitted a Public Information Request for the status of my Junk Vehicle Inspection request. In about 3 days I had a call from the inspector and about a week later my paperwork arrived in the mail.
Had I not used the Public Information Request Law, I would most likely still not have my paperwork.
So, in short, one person making one request was able to force them to do their job, imagine the attention it will generate amongst WDFW and the Commission if 2 or 3 dozen requests come in asking for the same information...
Also by making requests for the same information, they must send the exact same information to each requester or they will be in violation of the law.
SQUEAK....SQUEAK....SQUEAK....
You know there is some dirt in there.
Post by: Blacktail Sniper on November 27, 2022, 12:17:56 PM
https://wdfw.wa.gov/about/administration/public-records
If folks really want to try and make an impact, lets take a minute and do a little organizing.
We can write up a request that each person can copy and submit to each Commissioner so we can be sure we are getting the proper response.
By unifying the request and asking for exactly the same, it forces each Commissioner to fully disclose all the requested info and not hold back something, because if someone else provides it, it puts that Commissioner that doesn't in violation of the law for withholding the information.
This is great, low cost tool available to us that cannot be ignored.
We can put together a comprehensive, same worded series of requests covering the topics that we want answers to for each person to submit, it cannot just be ignored.
Folks always say, take a page out of the anti's playbook, well here go, here is a chance to do just that without the cost of attorneys or lawsuits...
Post by: Blacktail Sniper on November 27, 2022, 12:36:04 PM
Lets do some tweaking on this list and put together a solid list of things before making our requests.
The more specific the request better.
In the body of the request, at a minimum, each one of us needs to ask for the following:
In regards to Spring Bear hunting season all of the following:
Emails
Meeting notes,
Meeting minutes,
Phone messages,
Text messages,
Memos
Directives,
Policies,
Number of damage control permits issued to individuals and timber companies outside of the previous established and now cancelled Spring Damage hunts,
Number of reported kills by above listed individuals and timber companies from hunts outside the previous and now cancelled Spring Damage hunts,
And anything else related to Spring Bear hunting that we can come up with.
Post by: highcountry_hunter on November 27, 2022, 12:49:29 PM
To help start off, a request should be made to each individual Commission member, the Governor or whoever else that would be part of the process (I am sure someone here knows the proper "food chain" of how the Commission operates and who in the Department is connected.I think you are really onto something here…this is something every single sportsman can do. Yes, our votes in elections absolutely matter, and yes as a group we need to do a better job, but at the end of the day there are more voters in King county that blindly vote for whichever candidate has a (D) next to their name than there are hunters in this state.
Lets do some tweaking on this list and put together a solid list of things before making our requests.
The more specific the request better.
In the body of the request, at a minimum, each one of us needs to ask for the following:
In regards to Spring Bear hunting season all of the following:
Emails
Meeting notes,
Meeting minutes,
Phone messages,
Text messages,
Memos
Directives,
Policies,
Number of damage control permits issued to individuals and timber companies outside of the previous established and now cancelled Spring Damage hunts,
Number of reported kills by above listed individuals and timber companies from hunts outside the previous and now cancelled Spring Damage hunts,
And anything else related to Spring Bear hunting that we can come up with.
Even if you don’t have the time to read through all of the emails, meeting minutes and text messages, for a few bucks you can let them know that we are serious about these issues.
I would imagine that if a couple hundred public information requests on the topic showed up within a weeks time, they would know that we are not taking their anti-hunting decisions lightly.
Thank you for bringing this to our attention, hopefully some other members can help us get the chain of command figured out and we can get the ball rolling on exactly whom we need to be requesting information from.
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Post by: Blacktail Sniper on November 27, 2022, 01:27:22 PM
Post by: harveymarv on November 27, 2022, 02:21:03 PM
If you really want to get the attention of those concerned, start making public information requests for copies of reports, notes from meeting, emails, text messages, memos, policy directives, etc. from each Commission member, and whomever the WDFW contact person is they report to or get reported from.I just wanna see Commission members emails for the past two years.
You can even do one for Inslee and any information emails, memos, etc regarding spring bear, cougar hunting or any other hunting related topics.
This will get their attention, I assure you.
But what would be best is if multiple people submitted requests for the same information. Legally they cannot ignore any request without danger of having to pay out money to the requester for not complying with the law.
If several dozen different people start asking for the same stuff, it is going to raise someone's blood pressure...a lot!
If you want to make a wheel squeak and not have it brushed aside, this is the way to go!
Yes, it will cost a little bit, but the fees for copying stuff and mailing (or pick it up in person if you like) is small, usually a few cents per page for photocopies and postage.
Just to let you know I am speaking from experience, I just went through this with a department of Thurston Co.
Started a Junk Vehicle inspection request in July, their website says up to a couple months to complete the process. Called in Sept just to simply see where I was in the process, first voicemail was ignored, second call was a bit more serious sounding and that one was returned and got the inspector to actually come out and look at the vehicles, then nothing further.
Another voicemail message in Oct was ignored, so Early Nov, I submitted a Public Information Request for the status of my Junk Vehicle Inspection request. In about 3 days I had a call from the inspector and about a week later my paperwork arrived in the mail.
Had I not used the Public Information Request Law, I would most likely still not have my paperwork.
So, in short, one person making one request was able to force them to do their job, imagine the attention it will generate amongst WDFW and the Commission if 2 or 3 dozen requests come in asking for the same information...
Also by making requests for the same information, they must send the exact same information to each requester or they will be in violation of the law.
SQUEAK....SQUEAK....SQUEAK....
You know there is some dirt in there.
I put in a PRR in Feb of 2021 for "all of Lorna Smith's work and personal emails containing the keywords (hunt, hunter, and hunting) from her first year on the Commission.
I've just received the first installment, after 3 "delays". The content thus far is useless - it's just forwarded emails from the public to her wdfw email address commenting on pro/anti spring bear positions - zero emails from or to her personal account so far.
I'm not sure PRR's change anybody's blood pressure - my experience is that they put you in a queue and hide anything good behind the privacy protections in the RCW. Unless you have the funds and motivation to employ an attorney I'm not sure how useful it is.
Not to discourage others - I will be submitting a PRR for all of Smith and Rowland's correspondence with Samantha Bruegger with Washington Wildlife First.
Post by: saylean on December 11, 2022, 06:57:49 PM
Things are being worked on. Keep up the fight.
Post by: GASoline71 on December 15, 2022, 04:57:17 PM
Don’t say “ever again”…
Things are being worked on. Keep up the fight.
"Never give an inch." ~ Henry Stamper
Gotta keep fighting.
Gary
Post by: snake on December 15, 2022, 07:25:12 PM
Post by: Stein on December 15, 2022, 08:07:32 PM
Post by: dwils233 on December 15, 2022, 08:14:21 PM
It's important to fight the battles in front of you with the wisdom gained from previous losses. If we hyperfocus on spring bear for another 2 years, I doubt we'd win it back- and simultaneously they'd probably do more damage in plenty of other areas. Look no further than the current commission talks on the GMP, beaver trapping or the proposed conservation policy. It's a blitzkrieg now, we're going to need to be proactive, strategic and observant.
The spring bear is moving into a longer, and more complex stage where individual action might be less impactful and could be better served watching and acting in new fights. We also need to be smart and tactful in how we engage. It's important to be passionate but never rude or hostile- it'll get used against us.
The best thing any one individual can do is join one of these groups: https://nwsportsmanmag.com/new-wa-fish-and-wildlife-conservation-partnership-launched/
It's going to be a long uphill battle and spring bear was the first confrontation. Suit up and prepare for a long trip.
They're organizing, communicating and planning- and executing strategies utilizing unique strengths to each org.
Post by: Special T on December 15, 2022, 08:53:06 PM
Sportsmen NEED to join Advocacy groups. Groups that have a history for fighting for sportsmen, and aren't afraid to mix it up with the Department or the State. If you are a member of a sportsmen club you NEED to make sure you have some one that will advocate for sportsmen. If you dont have one... YOU need to be that person.
Post by: Ghost Hunter on December 22, 2022, 11:08:37 AM
Post by: hunter399 on December 22, 2022, 11:21:59 AM
Just went thru the 2021 spring bear harvest reports. 117 permits were not reported. 258 of the spring permits reported apparently didn't hunt. Lost opportunity for someone else, incorrect reporting, or did non-hunters apply? Drawing and not hunting doesn't reflect well on the interest in spring bear. Hunter success % calculated off number reported as hunting. Just observations while killing time. :dunno:I don't know if those are correct numbers.
But YES that was one big reason why this hunt has always been sustainable.
Very low success rate.
No reason to take it away,when very few bears get harvested.
Post by: KFhunter on December 22, 2022, 11:22:16 AM
The answer is OTC spring bear but ya, Washington sux.
Post by: hunter399 on December 22, 2022, 11:43:32 AM
Ya, there was a lot of contention with folks buying spring draws and not hunting when successful vs folks who take it seriously...a tag that's easier to draw became harder to draw and even less hunted. I think I got 6 pts, but I did waste my 1st spring tag during a big home moving I didn't know was going to happen when I applied. I vowed to take my next tag far more serious but wasn't even drawn again.
The answer is OTC spring bear but ya, Washington sux.
YA I was drawn 1 time ,
I hunted a lot,every chance I got.
Did see a few bears ,just couldn't make it happen.
It helped I lived in the unit I was drawn for.
It definitely wasn't a slam dunk hunt,but had fun,seen some bear,enjoyed the spring weather,spotting up other game in the spring from a distance is always fun too.
Does suck.