Post by: Torrent50 on April 08, 2025, 06:10:23 PM
However, a buddy was in a budget meeting today where they said that there is no funding for the program after July 1st. Some sites will not be open this year and the few that are will be done after 2025. Sucks.
Post by: MADMAX on April 08, 2025, 06:21:25 PM
State deficit my arse
More than $4 million is available for instant rebates of either $300 or $1,200 per person.
Let’s screw the hunters some more
Maybe we raise fees and reduce opportunity
https://wsdot.wa.gov/travel/bicycling-walking/bicycling-washington/e-bike-rebate-program
Post by: bigdub257 on April 08, 2025, 06:45:41 PM
If you haven't heard, due to the State's current budget problems (aka stupid spending habits), the pheasant release program is likely going away. I asked Director Sussewind in an email a couple weeks ago and was told that it may be eliminated or reduced.
However, a buddy was in a budget meeting today where they said that there is no funding for the program after July 1st. Some sites will not be open this year and the few that are will be done after 2025. Sucks.
Another nail in the coffin for hunting in Washington State. The budget is just an excuse. I'm pretty sure most that participate would have paid extra for the licenses if that was presented or considered. I wonder what's next? :bash:
Post by: Stein on April 08, 2025, 07:57:12 PM
Post by: metlhead on April 08, 2025, 08:44:57 PM
Post by: Humptulips on April 08, 2025, 09:21:49 PM
Post by: Torrent50 on April 08, 2025, 09:47:29 PM
Any idea what may happen to the release sites? The area near us is used by many for hiking.
I would imagine they will leave them available for other uses and saving the butterflies and stuff.
Post by: Torrent50 on April 08, 2025, 09:48:41 PM
Is there any advocacy group specific to upland bird hunters?
I am not aware of any. I don't know that pheasants forever gets involved much in release programs.
Post by: MADMAX on April 08, 2025, 10:00:22 PM
Low income housing or homeless campsAny idea what may happen to the release sites? The area near us is used by many for hiking.
I would imagine they will leave them available for other uses and saving the butterflies and stuff.
Post by: millerwheeler on April 09, 2025, 06:26:22 AM
Post by: Torrent50 on April 09, 2025, 07:50:41 AM
Buddy said it was a depressing meeting as agency heads from all the major state agencies were listing the programs they were cutting and the number of people they are going to be laying off.
Post by: Lalo on April 09, 2025, 01:38:33 PM
Post by: Blacktail Sniper on April 09, 2025, 01:56:41 PM
I hope that they somehow do some last minute shuffling and save the program, but I know the game farm in Centralia has been operating in the red, so if that goes, then there's no birds.
Buddy said it was a depressing meeting as agency heads from all the major state agencies were listing the programs they were cutting and the number of people they are going to be laying off.
Seems that the Lewis Co., one has some bigger problems:
https://www.chronline.com/stories/lawmakers-centralia-mayor-decry-wdfws-inaction-on-unsafe-water-linked-to-pheasant-farm,377602
Post by: steeleywhopper on April 09, 2025, 01:58:47 PM
Post by: metlhead on April 09, 2025, 04:04:55 PM
Post by: Stein on April 09, 2025, 07:03:10 PM
At what point do we as hunters just say enough is enough and give WDFW a BLM style protest??
I'm not buying a hunting license this year. With the reduction in available waterfowl hunting opportunity and the amount of gas I burned in a season driving around and messing with the reservation system I'll just go on a guided trip in another state for a couple days and call it good.
I used to buy hunting licenses for my kids but now they are too old to put in for the dwindling youth tags, we're just hunting MT.
Fishing is still very much worthwhile, more due to mother nature than the head scratching salmon management program but either way it's a good year.
Post by: Wingin it on April 09, 2025, 07:05:10 PM
Post by: Torrent50 on April 10, 2025, 01:31:32 PM
Maybe there is hope after all.
Post by: millerwheeler on April 10, 2025, 03:58:50 PM
Someone just posted one of the Facebook pages that they spoke with the manager of the program today. He said that there will be a release program in 2025 but that 2026 is up in the air.
Maybe there is hope after all.
Be nice if fish and game gave clear messages instead of the he said she said stuff all the time. Thanks for the info hope it’s true
Post by: EnglishSetter on April 10, 2025, 05:06:24 PM
Someone just posted one of the Facebook pages that they spoke with the manager of the program today. He said that there will be a release program in 2025 but that 2026 is up in the air.
Maybe there is hope after all.
Western WA pheasant permits are currently available for sale. That could well have been a factor in not nixing as yet.
Post by: bearpaw on April 10, 2025, 05:15:28 PM
Is there any advocacy group specific to upland bird hunters?
Pheasants Forever