Post by: TriggerMike on May 16, 2025, 02:47:38 PM
First link is the SA statement on their petition.
https://sportsmensalliance.org/news/saf-petitions-washington-governor-for-removal-of-commissioners/
Second link is the actual petition to the Governor with documents and emails from the Commissioners that SA acquired through the Public Records Act.
https://sportsmensalliance.org/news/petition-to-remove-commissioners-barbara-baker-john-lehmkuhl-lorna-smith-and-melanie-rowland-from-the-fish-and-wildlife-commission-under-rcw-43-06-070/
Post by: Jake Dogfish on May 16, 2025, 03:50:38 PM
Post by: ghosthunter on May 16, 2025, 03:59:18 PM
Post by: nwmein199 on May 16, 2025, 04:05:51 PM
Post by: Scruffy on May 16, 2025, 10:29:47 PM
Post by: Special T on May 16, 2025, 11:32:21 PM
Post by: dwils233 on May 17, 2025, 03:20:48 AM
Post by: TriggerMike on May 17, 2025, 09:56:51 AM
Post by: Bushcraft on May 17, 2025, 11:52:18 AM
As Washington's percentage of voters that don't consider themselves Democrats or Republican grows, the more he will depend on moderate voters to achieve his goal. If he's smart, and he most certainly is, then he should recognize the value of the moderates in the hunting and fishing communities (to include tribes) that might help tip the odds of him winning the election firmly in his favor. If he floods the Commission with non-consumptive clowns like Ragan, Smith, Rowland, Lemkuhl, Baker, etc., then he will absolutely alienate a whole bunch of consumptive use voters.
Post by: Twispriver on May 17, 2025, 05:21:35 PM
Post by: Moose Master on May 17, 2025, 07:13:08 PM
Here is another perception from the east side paper. The agency needs rebuilding
Post by: hughjorgan on May 17, 2025, 07:46:47 PM
I'm looking forward to reading the governor's response.
If he responds….
“ There is no time limit on how long Governor Ferguson can consider the petition before taking action. Nor is there a requirement that the governor answer the petition one way or the other. Meanwhile, the SAF lawsuit to compel production of insider communications continues, with more activity expected on that case in coming weeks”
https://sportsmensalliance.org/news/saf-petitions-washington-governor-for-removal-of-commissioners/
Post by: TriggerMike on May 17, 2025, 08:35:17 PM
Post by: jstone on May 17, 2025, 08:53:49 PM
Post by: actionshooter on May 17, 2025, 10:55:35 PM
Post by: Limhangerslayer on May 17, 2025, 11:49:53 PM
Being Governor of Washington state is a notch in his political belt, but let's not forget that Ferguson's goal is to be a U.S. Senator.You nailed it Allen, anti hunting is super low on his political agenda! He’s hoping to win a bunch of moderate votes in the long run.
As Washington's percentage of voters that don't consider themselves Democrats or Republican grows, the more he will depend on moderate voters to achieve his goal. If he's smart, and he most certainly is, then he should recognize the value of the moderates in the hunting and fishing communities (to include tribes) that might help tip the odds of him winning the election firmly in his favor. If he floods the Commission with non-consumptive clowns like Ragan, Smith, Rowland, Lemkuhl, Baker, etc., then he will absolutely alienate a whole bunch of consumptive use voters.
Post by: dreamingbig on May 18, 2025, 06:59:03 AM
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Post by: 10heiau on May 18, 2025, 01:49:59 PM
I like the heat the SA is bringing.
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
I do as well! I don’t have a lot of money to give to conservation organizations. Based completely on their track record of direct involvement with issues surrounding the commission I have funneled all of my annual conservation org donations to The Sportsman’s Alliance. I’m incredibly happy to see them leading the charge on this still. To all hunters with connections to Washington hunting: I recommend you contribute to The Sportsman’s Alliance! When you do, let them know it’s in support of the good work they are doing in Washington state!
Edit: spelling
Post by: Skillet on June 17, 2025, 09:56:18 AM
Post by: dreamingbig on June 17, 2025, 10:44:31 AM
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Post by: TriggerMike on June 28, 2025, 10:02:24 PM
And a good article here from NW Sportsman Mag summing up the meetings this week.
https://nwsportsmanmag.com/a-fiery-morning-with-the-washington-fish-and-wildlife-commission/
Post by: addicted1 on June 28, 2025, 10:11:08 PM
I like the heat the SA is bringing.
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Same! Considering I am member it makes me especially happy to see they fighting for us.
Post by: ghosthunter on June 29, 2025, 08:00:54 AM
I like the heat the SA is bringing.
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Same! Considering I am member it makes me especially happy to see they fighting for us.
:yeah:
I am a member too. And I hope they take so far that the foul four are gone. Be a good example for the rest and future commissioners.
Sounds like Baker got called to the Governor’s office this coming week. Fingers crossed.
I would really like Smith and Baker gone.
Post by: hunter399 on June 29, 2025, 08:31:47 AM
Just unbelievable 😮
Maybe the text/email wouldn't be out of context,if you didn't try to delete a bunch of stuff.....lol
Good side game , trying to derail the subject with the federal land grab.
Hope they keep digging.
Post by: ASHQUACK on June 29, 2025, 08:57:08 AM
I am a member too. And I hope they take so far that the foul four are gone. Be a good example for the rest and future commissioners.
Sadly enough I figure that SA bringing out the heat is only going to make them (commissioners) hide deeper in the shadows to get what they want done, done. I don't believe for one second that Fergy will act on this or anything else in the consumptive users favor.
Post by: hunter399 on June 29, 2025, 09:35:53 AM
Free lunch for everyone!!!!
Definition of conservation...still makes me laugh.
Let's have a meeting,about the meeting,with another meeting.
Then five closed door meetings and a social dinner meeting....lol
Post by: Humptulips on June 29, 2025, 01:13:50 PM
I don't believe Ferguson will fire them either. It is however a strong argument against reappointment and Smith, Rowland and Lehmkuhl's terms expire next year.
I am a member too. And I hope they take so far that the foul four are gone. Be a good example for the rest and future commissioners.
Sadly enough I figure that SA bringing out the heat is only going to make them (commissioners) hide deeper in the shadows to get what they want done, done. I don't believe for one second that Fergy will act on this or anything else in the consumptive users favor.
Post by: RC on June 29, 2025, 03:11:57 PM
Post by: pickardjw on June 29, 2025, 07:58:31 PM
https://tvw.org/video/washington-fish-and-wildlife-commission-2025061076/?eventID=2025061076
Post by: Tinmaniac on June 30, 2025, 12:55:26 PM
Post by: ghosthunter on June 30, 2025, 01:49:53 PM
Interesting to hear and watch Lorna Smith clutch her pearls and feign terror in the response to public input."These people have guns you know,and the black trucks rolling in front of our house!" "We've had to listen to you people for an hour and a half."
Smoke and mirrors ,they got caught now they are trying to distract from it. The Foul Four need to be gone.
Post by: ghosthunter on June 30, 2025, 02:45:33 PM
Post by: MADMAX on June 30, 2025, 03:37:53 PM
https://blog.eastmans.com/washington-state-game-commission-corruption-uncovered/
If they don’t get booted from their position
You’ll know how much Washington values the hunting community.
Ferguson needs to act.
Post by: Jake Dogfish on June 30, 2025, 03:49:31 PM
Post by: Tbar on June 30, 2025, 03:54:44 PM
If Baker is removed from the commission, who do you expect to take over as commission chair? :dunno:Oh no, they'd be so lost! Enlighten us why she is the only one who can lead the commission. Or better yet why she is leading, I've literally never seen the dysfunction or violations of roberts that the gavel should control.
Post by: Jake Dogfish on June 30, 2025, 03:59:58 PM
If Baker is removed from the commission, who do you expect to take over as commission chair? :dunno:Oh no, they'd be so lost! Enlighten us why she is the only one who can lead the commission. Or better yet why she is leading, I've literally never seen the dysfunction or violations of roberts that the gavel should control.
I would expect Smith to take over.
A much more liberal agenda of “what can we close next”? :bdid:
Post by: fishngamereaper on June 30, 2025, 04:00:24 PM
https://blog.eastmans.com/washington-state-game-commission-corruption-uncovered/
If they don’t get booted from their position
You’ll know how much Washington values the hunting community.
Ferguson needs to act.
I think Ferguson has to act...
If not it makes him and his AG look corrupt.....
There's grounds for criminal charges....
If one of "Troopers" behaved the same way they'd get fired ..
Post by: MADMAX on June 30, 2025, 04:08:23 PM
Post by: Tbar on June 30, 2025, 04:30:15 PM
Do we even need a commission ?Considering the proposed alternative, yes! Ruth at the top would be a nightmare.
Post by: dwils233 on June 30, 2025, 06:27:13 PM
https://blog.eastmans.com/washington-state-game-commission-corruption-uncovered/
If they don’t get booted from their position
You’ll know how much Washington values the hunting community.
Ferguson needs to act.
I think Ferguson has to act...
If not it makes him and his AG look corrupt.....
There's grounds for criminal charges....
If one of "Troopers" behaved the same way they'd get fired ..
No he doesn't. He could leave it to the lawsuit to sort it out if he thinks the case has merit. He's still getting them removed without inviting the fanatical blowback of animal rights activists
Post by: ghosthunter on June 30, 2025, 07:41:05 PM
If Baker is removed from the commission, who do you expect to take over as commission chair? :dunno:
Baker shouldn’t be chair. Her demeanor in condescending towards Sportsman and Fishermen.
Linville called out the Commission after she left on podcasts. And I respect her for not getting sucked into the foul four dealings.
Post by: ghosthunter on June 30, 2025, 07:44:01 PM
If I were a member of the tribes I would be asking for them to be talking to the governor over these commissioners.
Any news on that front you heard of?
Post by: RC on July 01, 2025, 12:30:10 PM
A national sportsmen’s group says it has found “egregious” violations of Washington’s Public Records Act by the state’s Department of Fish and Wildlife commissioners, and it’s asking Gov. Bob Ferguson to remove them.
The Sportsmen’s Alliance initially requested records after commissioners, who set policy for the state Fish and Wildlife department, voted to cancel spring bear hunting season indefinitely in 2022, which upset some hunters.
A commissioner said during that meeting they received a text from a constituent, prompting the Sportsmen’s Alliance to file a public records request with the agency in September 2023.
That commissioner informed WDFW staff they didn’t have the text after records requests were filed for it. The state Public Records Act requires the commissioners to retain official records, including texts.
The Sportsmen’s Alliance filed a lawsuit against WDFW in Thurston County Superior Court in January seeking the public records related to their request. The organization said the “vast majority” of the records were only delivered after the lawsuit was filed.
On Friday, the U.S. Sportsmen’s Alliance filed supplemental evidence to a petition filed with the governor in May asking Gov. Bob Ferguson to remove the four commissioners after it discovered “undeniable evidence that commissioners have, or intended to, destroyed or deleted substantive public records.”
“The point is, you’re not supposed to be conducting business in the dark,” said Todd Adkins, senior vice president for the Sportsmen’s Alliance.
In response to questions from The Seattle Times, the Fish and Wildlife Department declined to comment due to the pending lawsuit and sent a May news release saying it had released records to the Sportsmen’s Alliance. The agency directed reporters to Ferguson’s office.
Brionna Aho, a spokesperson for Ferguson’s office, said in an email it received the petition and amendment Friday, and was “in the process of reviewing the information.”
The Sportsmen’s Alliance represents members in all 50 states, Adkins said. Some of their Washington members flagged their concerns to the organization after the 2022 vote. Commissioners voted 5-4 against recreational spring bear hunting, citing concerns about killing nursing bear mothers, which may orphan cubs.
The Sportsmen’s Alliance’s petition said the records they received showed “one egregious example after another of violations of open meetings requirements,” along with “open flouting” of state laws, “a patent disregard of the interest of Indian tribes,” and general disdain for the public’s involvement in government processes.
Records posted online by the organization show a commissioner repeatedly asking other commissioners and staff members to delete texts discussing WDFW commission matters, which would be a violation of the Public Records Act.
After the request by the Sportsmen’s Alliance, one commissioner admitted to possibly deleting records before they “knew of the importance of retaining such emails.”
The state’s Public Records Act says anyone who destroys or conceals public records willfully is guilty of a class C felony, punishable by up to five years in jail and/or a fine up to $1,000.
The Sportsmen’s Alliance said in its Friday petition that the evidence is “more than enough evidence of misconduct, malfeasance, and incompetence to justify dismissal” of commissioners.
In total, WDFW has nine governor-appointed commissioners who have six-year terms. All four commissioners at the heart of the petition and lawsuit were appointed by former Gov. Jay Inslee.
Post by: Nmesub on July 01, 2025, 12:33:21 PM
Post by: EnglishSetter on July 01, 2025, 12:39:54 PM
Post by: timberfaller on July 01, 2025, 12:45:33 PM
leftist don't understand the words, "public servant"!! Nor "criminals"
Post by: HntnFsh on July 02, 2025, 05:46:30 AM
Post by: pickardjw on July 02, 2025, 09:58:04 AM
Post by: lewy on July 02, 2025, 10:30:15 AM
Post by: shorthair15 on July 28, 2025, 04:37:42 PM
Post by: MADMAX on July 28, 2025, 06:42:26 PM
Post by: HntnFsh on July 28, 2025, 08:15:09 PM
Post by: ghosthunter on July 28, 2025, 08:19:18 PM
Apparently Lornas visit with Bob was no big deal huh?
I think that was Barbara Baker the Chair.
She announced after the meeting with Gov. that she was not running for chair again.
Good
But the foul four need to go.
Post by: HntnFsh on July 29, 2025, 05:36:01 AM
Apparently Lornas visit with Bob was no big deal huh?
I think that was Barbara Baker the Chair.
She announced after the meeting with Gov. that she was not running for chair again.
Good
But the foul four need to go.
Thank you for straightening me out. I need that now and again! :chuckle:
Post by: ghosthunter on July 29, 2025, 09:10:35 AM
Apparently Lornas visit with Bob was no big deal huh?
I think that was Barbara Baker the Chair.
She announced after the meeting with Gov. that she was not running for chair again.
Good
But the foul four need to go.
Thank you for straightening me out. I need that now and again! :chuckle:
No problem it’s a hard issue to keep track of. I only knew because I watched a video.
I heard they would elect new chair and vice chair in Bellingham in August.
Anderson is running for chair.
Linville and one of the foul four for vice chair.
Most Sportsmen and women are hoping for Anderson - Linville.
I hope Sportsman Alliance keeps the pressure on. Never forget Spring Bear. It should be brought up at every Commission meeting until they go back and re-instate it.
:tup:
Post by: Humptulips on July 29, 2025, 09:14:16 AM
Post by: ghosthunter on July 29, 2025, 01:15:10 PM
Can anyone clue me in on who and when they choose someone new to chair the Wildlife committee?
It’s my understanding the chairs are picked by the other commissioners. I don’t believe public input is a factor.
But I could be wrong.
The money is on Anderson as chair and Lehmkuhl as vice chair (0ne of foul four).
The best situation would be Anderson and Linville but who knows?
https://wdfw.wa.gov/about/commission/members
Post by: TriggerMike on July 29, 2025, 02:21:31 PM
Post by: ghosthunter on July 29, 2025, 03:37:43 PM
Hopefully Linville. She's been vice chair before. If it ends up being Anderson and Linville then we're in pretty good shape and is telling that the tide has changed in our favor a bit.
Linville called out the Commission after her first tour on several podcasts. She did not like the way decisions were being made by the foul four.
Anderson spoke up at his first meeting of second tour, saying the Commission needed to own its mistakes. Something the foul four didn’t like.
But the foul four are still there and voting. I expect the process to improve with new chair.
Not sure we can get better results though.
The sleepers are Meyers and Parker , they seem to keep their heads down and just go with the bullies.
Post by: ghosthunter on July 29, 2025, 03:48:31 PM
I hope she doesn’t. We don’t need team players ,we need commissioners that think for themselves and not worried on fitting in with rogue commissioners who do not follow the mission and the North American Model of wildlife management.
It’s sad, I know hunters who never seen a buck,or spike bull. That’s sad. We need better management all around.
Post by: Jake Dogfish on July 29, 2025, 04:24:34 PM
With consequences… :twocents:
I hope I’m wrong.
Post by: ghosthunter on July 29, 2025, 06:29:43 PM
If Baker is no longer the chair, expect other members of the “foul four” to take over.
With consequences… :twocents:
I hope I’m wrong.
I have no doubt the foul four have discussed their options. I can only hope that the governors office let Baker know they wanted no more bad press or lawsuits or messing around with tribes. She may think she can serve their foul purpose better by not being chair.
Sportsmen and women plus Sportsman’s Alliance taking them to task has burden them I think quit a bit. Baker stated she wasn’t up to chairing over meeting with vocal sportsmen any longer. They don’t like anyone bringing up Spring Bear, they just want to move on.
That’s why I think anyone who has a chance should be vocal about the phony Spring Bear decision.
Taking them to task makes them think twice about their process. Keep the pressure on them.
Post by: ghosthunter on August 14, 2025, 08:04:41 PM
Governor ordered a Human Resource investigation of the foul four commissioners.
Post by: MADMAX on August 14, 2025, 08:10:12 PM
https://columbiainsight.org/leaked-letters-support-rebut-a-call-for-investigation-of-wdfw-commissioners/
Post by: jstone on August 14, 2025, 08:18:09 PM
Post by: idahohuntr on August 14, 2025, 08:31:10 PM
Post by: MADMAX on August 14, 2025, 08:42:23 PM
Kudos to the Director for recommending investigations...I sort of think Susewind would not have sent his letter without coordinating with the Governors office first. Maybe wishful thinking...but we may be on the brink of one or more of those 4 commissioners getting axed...couldn't happen to better people :chuckle:
I’m hoping for the skids to be already greased
Post by: ghosthunter on August 14, 2025, 09:50:34 PM
The stink isn’t going away till the Four are gone.
Keep bringing up spring bear. Never let them forget.
Post by: Caseyd on August 15, 2025, 09:08:52 AM
Post by: ghosthunter on August 15, 2025, 11:42:57 AM
Anderson it is
Did he get chair?
Who got vice chair?
Post by: ghosthunter on August 15, 2025, 11:45:55 AM
Kudos to the Director for recommending investigations...I sort of think Susewind would not have sent his letter without coordinating with the Governors office first. Maybe wishful thinking...but we may be on the brink of one or more of those 4 commissioners getting axed...couldn't happen to better people :chuckle:
I hoping this isn’t the end for the director. Could be he is fed up enough to retire, so sending the letter to governor on his way out?
Things could get a lot worse with a different director. Hope he sticks it out.
Post by: Tbar on August 15, 2025, 02:31:49 PM
Kudos to the Director for recommending investigations...I sort of think Susewind would not have sent his letter without coordinating with the Governors office first. Maybe wishful thinking...but we may be on the brink of one or more of those 4 commissioners getting axed...couldn't happen to better people :chuckle::yeah:
The group was designed to be agenda driven not accountable, maybe even targeted failure with the intent of restructuring.
Someone should look into Meyers as well, I'd be real curious to see his communications and subsequent discussion and decisions. The group is a mess.
Post by: Caseyd on August 15, 2025, 03:12:04 PM
Post by: ghosthunter on August 15, 2025, 03:14:44 PM
Kudos to the Director for recommending investigations...I sort of think Susewind would not have sent his letter without coordinating with the Governors office first. Maybe wishful thinking...but we may be on the brink of one or more of those 4 commissioners getting axed...couldn't happen to better people :chuckle::yeah:
The group was designed to be agenda driven not accountable, maybe even targeted failure with the intent of restructuring.
Someone should look into Meyers as well, I'd be real curious to see his communications and subsequent discussion and decisions. The group is a mess.
I agree, their motive could be to get the governor so fed up that the Commission goes away.
I-would hate to see that happen because it plays into the no consumption folks hand.
They would like to re write the whole mission for the Dept. No way that bodes good for North American Model.
A lot more folks need to get upset over this. I hope Anderson can rein them in, but I don’t know. Baker, Smith,Rawlings and Lemukle#&* are arrogant.
Post by: ghosthunter on August 15, 2025, 07:27:53 PM
https://www.facebook.com/groups/HuntingWashingtonState/permalink/24543439575268709/?
Washington Wildlife Firsts wants State Wildlife Director gone.
Post by: HntnFsh on August 15, 2025, 07:31:51 PM
Post by: MADMAX on August 15, 2025, 07:34:04 PM
Here we go
https://www.facebook.com/groups/HuntingWashingtonState/permalink/24543439575268709/?
No bueno
Post by: ghosthunter on August 15, 2025, 07:42:31 PM
Nothing to look at?
Post by: HntnFsh on August 15, 2025, 07:44:07 PM
Post by: ghosthunter on August 15, 2025, 07:49:52 PM
WoW! Pathetic!
https://wawildlifefirst.org/washington-wildlife-first-calls-for-removal-of-state-wildlife-department-director/
Post by: pickardjw on August 16, 2025, 12:26:47 PM
WoW! Pathetic!
https://wawildlifefirst.org/washington-wildlife-first-calls-for-removal-of-state-wildlife-department-director/
Difficult to read that garbage without getting aggravated.
Post by: ghosthunter on August 16, 2025, 01:04:17 PM
WoW! Pathetic!
https://wawildlifefirst.org/washington-wildlife-first-calls-for-removal-of-state-wildlife-department-director/
Difficult to read that garbage without getting aggravated.
Perfect example of the lies they are willing to tell to get their way.
We all need to be sharing this information with everyone we know . Fishing will be next.
And talking about it every chance we get.
I also think we should show support for the director.
Post by: CarbonHunter on August 19, 2025, 09:54:36 AM
At the end of the day I think liberals are happy to take hunting rights when nobody is watching but if they are exposed for using corruption to take those rights it could cause the public to take notice to what has been going on. And I personally believe that neither the state or the tribes want the truth being discussed in the open where people are paying attention.
Post by: timberfaller on August 19, 2025, 10:05:59 AM
Post by: pianoman9701 on August 19, 2025, 10:14:56 AM
Just saw on the news that the governor ordered a human resource investigation into the 4 commissioners. If what the Sportsman's Alliance says is correct I believe the governor will sacrifice these 4 to make it look like he is doing what is right and to hopefully keep the media from looking deeper. Sideshow Bob is actually much more savvy than Inslee was and is a master of hiding stuff and distancing himself from controversy.
At the end of the day I think liberals are happy to take hunting rights when nobody is watching but if they are exposed for using corruption to take those rights it could cause the public to take notice to what has been going on. And I personally believe that neither the state or the tribes want the truth being discussed in the open where people are paying attention.
The tribes are often in our corner, especially with regard to the makeup of the commission and activism. For example, were it not for the Colville and Yaks, we'd likely have twice as many wolves in eastern and NE WA than we do already.
Post by: CarbonHunter on August 19, 2025, 11:55:03 AM
Just saw on the news that the governor ordered a human resource investigation into the 4 commissioners. If what the Sportsman's Alliance says is correct I believe the governor will sacrifice these 4 to make it look like he is doing what is right and to hopefully keep the media from looking deeper. Sideshow Bob is actually much more savvy than Inslee was and is a master of hiding stuff and distancing himself from controversy.
At the end of the day I think liberals are happy to take hunting rights when nobody is watching but if they are exposed for using corruption to take those rights it could cause the public to take notice to what has been going on. And I personally believe that neither the state or the tribes want the truth being discussed in the open where people are paying attention.
The tribes are often in our corner, especially with regard to the makeup of the commission and activism. For example, were it not for the Colville and Yaks, we'd likely have twice as many wolves in eastern and NE WA than we do already.
Exactly. The tribes don’t want some of the truth out in the open about who’s killing wolves and seals. And the state doesn’t want it out there that they know who’s doing this while they stay quiet about it. The public would be up in arms in no time if it was known that tribes are killing bears and cougars year around with hounds. It’s bad PR for their casinos and that is why their hunting and fishing is kept so tight lipped.
Post by: ghosthunter on August 19, 2025, 12:18:30 PM
I would like to think Ferguson will dump them but I will wait to see. I think he might just admonish them and have them finish their term and then not reinstate them.
But if the deletion of emails proves out I hope he bits the bullet and dumps them.
I think we will really be in Trouble if they drive the Director out. He has stood up to some of their crazy stuff where he could, takes bid Gomas to stand up to your boss.
I also think the tribes have acted behind the scenes to bring this to a head. And Ferguson doesn’t need the tribes sueing.
The other point is it is a good move highlighting the folks who fund organizations like WA Wildlife First. Most donors do not want to be outed for ending hunting and fishing. And drying up their funding is most likely the best way to dissolve them.
I read a comment some where that WA Wildlife First had funding problems and may go away, I hope that’s true. Their entire mission is to remodel the WDFW.
If Ferguson dumps these foul four. WA Wildlife First is going to have a hard time I would guess.
The investigation could show that the fowl four were feeding intel to WA Wildlife First and they use that information to sue the state repeatedly over wolves. Ferguson dose t strike me as a governor who cares to much for getting sued at every turn as that eats up a lot of budget.
Fingers crossed.
My wish list is
Dump the foul four
Re-visit Spring Bear
And lay down some ground rules for future commissioners .
Post by: duckmen1 on August 19, 2025, 12:21:25 PM
https://wdfw.wa.gov/newsroom/wdfw-statement/wdfw-statement-regarding-thurston-county-superior-court-ruling-sportsmens-alliance-v-wdfw
Post by: MADMAX on August 19, 2025, 01:15:38 PM
I don’t believe you guys have seen the latest from WDFW.
https://wdfw.wa.gov/newsroom/wdfw-statement/wdfw-statement-regarding-thurston-county-superior-court-ruling-sportsmens-alliance-v-wdfw
Not surprised
Post by: CarbonHunter on August 19, 2025, 01:20:10 PM
I don’t believe you guys have seen the latest from WDFW.
https://wdfw.wa.gov/newsroom/wdfw-statement/wdfw-statement-regarding-thurston-county-superior-court-ruling-sportsmens-alliance-v-wdfw
This just says the WDFW didn’t do anything wrong. The fingers are now solely on the 4 commission members and I believe it was after this ruling by the judge that the director sent the letter to the governor requesting the investigation into the foul 4. Not sure about the exact timeframe or motives behind the moves though.
Even if these 4 are booted for wrong doing I don’t have a lot of confidence in the governor adding members that would do what us as hunters would like to see.
Post by: HntnFsh on August 19, 2025, 01:31:21 PM
I hope it happens, I don’t know how the Commission can move forward with any credibility with the foul four sitting there. All they have to do is recruit one vote and they get their way every time.
I would like to think Ferguson will dump them but I will wait to see. I think he might just admonish them and have them finish their term and then not reinstate them.
But if the deletion of emails proves out I hope he bits the bullet and dumps them.
I think we will really be in Trouble if they drive the Director out. He has stood up to some of their crazy stuff where he could, takes bid Gomas to stand up to your boss.
I also think the tribes have acted behind the scenes to bring this to a head. And Ferguson doesn’t need the tribes sueing.
The other point is it is a good move highlighting the folks who fund organizations like WA Wildlife First. Most donors do not want to be outed for ending hunting and fishing. And drying up their funding is most likely the best way to dissolve them.
I read a comment some where that WA Wildlife First had funding problems and may go away, I hope that’s true. Their entire mission is to remodel the WDFW.
If Ferguson dumps these foul four. WA Wildlife First is going to have a hard time I would guess.
The investigation could show that the fowl four were feeding intel to WA Wildlife First and they use that information to sue the state repeatedly over wolves. Ferguson dose t strike me as a governor who cares to much for getting sued at every turn as that eats up a lot of budget.
Fingers crossed.
My wish list is
Dump the foul four
Re-visit Spring Bear
And lay down some ground rules for future commissioners .
He may not care to much for getting sued, but he was very Sue happy as A.G.. cost the state a ton of money because of some of his frivolous lawsuits while trying to make a name for himself. Don't trust him at all!
Post by: ghosthunter on August 19, 2025, 02:50:11 PM
I hope it happens, I don’t know how the Commission can move forward with any credibility with the foul four sitting there. All they have to do is recruit one vote and they get their way every time.
I would like to think Ferguson will dump them but I will wait to see. I think he might just admonish them and have them finish their term and then not reinstate them.
But if the deletion of emails proves out I hope he bits the bullet and dumps them.
I think we will really be in Trouble if they drive the Director out. He has stood up to some of their crazy stuff where he could, takes bid Gomas to stand up to your boss.
I also think the tribes have acted behind the scenes to bring this to a head. And Ferguson doesn’t need the tribes sueing.
The other point is it is a good move highlighting the folks who fund organizations like WA Wildlife First. Most donors do not want to be outed for ending hunting and fishing. And drying up their funding is most likely the best way to dissolve them.
I read a comment some where that WA Wildlife First had funding problems and may go away, I hope that’s true. Their entire mission is to remodel the WDFW.
If Ferguson dumps these foul four. WA Wildlife First is going to have a hard time I would guess.
The investigation could show that the fowl four were feeding intel to WA Wildlife First and they use that information to sue the state repeatedly over wolves. Ferguson dose t strike me as a governor who cares to much for getting sued at every turn as that eats up a lot of budget.
Fingers crossed.
My wish list is
Dump the foul four
Re-visit Spring Bear
And lay down some ground rules for future commissioners .
He may not care to much for getting sued, but he was very Sue happy as A.G.. cost the state a ton of money because of some of his frivolous lawsuits while trying to make a name for himself. Don't trust him at all!
You may be 100% , I don’t trust any of them. Just a little wishful thinking.