Waterfowl advisory group

[Jake Dogfish]

Applications open for membership on WDFW Waterfowl Advisory Group

OLYMPIA – The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) is accepting nominations to a community advisory group that advises the Department on waterfowl management issues.

"We're looking for new roster members with diverse backgrounds and ties to waterfowl who can effectively present their views on waterfowl management to WDFW and the public," said Kyle Spragens, WDFW waterfowl section manager. "This group provides important input on waterfowl hunting regulations, public lands access, and wetland enhancement projects funded by the state duck stamp."

WDFW Director Kelly Susewind will appoint members to the WDFW Waterfowl Advisory Group (WWAG) for three-year terms beginning Aug.1, 2023. The application deadline is June 30 at 5 p.m. To apply, fill out the application available on the WWAG website (wdfw.wa.gov/about/advisory/wwag).

"We carefully consider recommendations from our advisory groups," said Anis Aoude, WDFW game division manager. "We value the experience that members bring to the table, and we want advisory groups to represent the diversity of interests that Washingtonians have about wildlife management statewide."

Completed applications can be submitted to Spragens via electronic or postal mail:

Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife

ATTN: Kyle Spragens
P.O. Box 43141
Olympia, WA 98504
kyle.spragens@dfw.wa.gov

The WDFW Waterfowl Advisory Group holds at least one single-day meeting each year. Members are eligible to be reimbursed by WDFW for travel expenses to attend meetings. Interested candidates may email Spragens or call 360-791-1933 for more information about WWAG Advisory Group members' responsibilities.

All members of the public are invited to share their diverse perspectives and participate in WDFW public feedback opportunities regardless of race, color, sex, age, national origin, language proficiency, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, status as a veteran, or basis of disability.

The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife works to preserve, protect, and perpetuate fish, wildlife, and ecosystems while providing sustainable fish and wildlife recreational and commercial opportunities.

 

[hdshot]

Who or what is the advisory group?

[cem3434]

Maybe WWA can chime in on his take about these positions. For what it's worth, I have not heard good things about Kyle Spragens.

[WWA]

For the 3 year 2020 term WWA members from different parts of the state have sat on this group. I have not sat on the WAG, but what I have heard is that it does not meet often enough to be a useful advisory tool. Unlike other advisory groups the WAG's input has to be measured with /against all the other states in the flyway. Most have different concerns and issues than our state.

Some member don't think highly of Kyle for a variety of reasons. I think department employees often get a bad rap because they don't maximize their educational reach to the hunters. Kyle has given some great presentations to WWA chapters and explained the season setting process and such. Often times our frustrations are from the process, of which section managers like Kyle do not control. To his credit he made sure that this video was posted up after he presented it to several chapters and it was suggested to him to make sure it got posted on the WDFW you tube channel. If you care about the resource, as sportsmen it our duty to learn how the system works. We must learn how to speak the same language as the WDFW department staff. This cuts down on our frustration with them because we better understand how the sausage is made, and it makes it easier for the staff to have a meaningful and in depth conversation about an issue of concern. This video and the others in his series are a good use of WDFW time and money.  Sportsmen have often asked various WDFW employees questions and have been unsatisfied with answers. Waterfowlers still may not like some of Kyles answers, but he is in the position to answer questions better than anyone else. The best thing we can do is view and share these videos because they help elevate the conversation.

[WWA]

Here is another presentation by Kyle that may be of interest.

 

[WWA]

Here is an older presentation on Goose populations agriculture depredation in Long Beach about 4 years ago.

[hdshot]

Videos are pretty much common knowledge but unfortunately not many understand by the way I or others get treated from other waterfowl friends. Now I have no reasons to buy duck stamps, waterfowl ammo, or shotguns again because I’m not going to start over again only in my mid 40’s. I did my best to keep others around me educated and involved but other decisions made that didn’t give me a chance to keep me in the hunt.  Alone waterfowl hunting is not fun or safe.  Safety is another issue why I don’t use people because I am concerned about about their safety. I would feel guilt if I blind sided a long hunting friend causing them to get hurt or killed because I forced them to hunt alone.

[Special T]

Videos are pretty much common knowledge but unfortunately not many understand by the way I or others get treated from other waterfowl friends. Now I have no reasons to buy duck stamps, waterfowl ammo, or shotguns again because I’m not going to start over again only in my mid 40’s. I did my best to keep others around me educated and involved but other decisions made that didn’t give me a chance to keep me in the hunt.  Alone waterfowl hunting is not fun or safe.  Safety is another issue why I don’t use people because I am concerned about about their safety. I would feel guilt if I blind sided a long hunting friend causing them to get hurt or killed because I forced them to hunt alone.

Perhaps you need to expand or clarify what you mean in the red highlight. Im not sure what the WAG has to do with what you are talking about.

[hdshot]

We are basically a team as hunters and if we kick people off your team only bad can happen as in all the gun control that just got signed into law. The videos are good knowledge that every hunter should know but many don’t or even care but instead only take our freedoms for granted.  Very little or no individual responsibility.

[Special T]

 

Thank you for clarifying.

[hdshot]

Thank you for clarifying.

Thank you as well. My dad said hunting is an interesting sport because the hunter can be the teammate, or the coach, or the referee, and sometimes all 3.