Hello everyone, this is my first post on this form. I am not familiar with Internet forms very much but I have heard how popular this form is for Washington hunters and wanted to come on here and discuss it. I'll start off with a bit on who I am. My name is Dane C(not gonna share my last name but those who have heard me speak at meetings might know me)
I am 17 years old for a bit longer(18 in about a month) and am a first-generation hunter. I got into hunting about 2 years ago now and it took a while to get the journey started but it's rolling. I got into fishing right around the same time but haven't invested nearly the same amount of time into fishing as I have with hunting. I'm a Westside resident and have lots of opportunities in the sound so I'll definitely start learning more and taking those opportunities. This year, I will learn more about bear hunting from a buddy of my Dad's (still not sure whether to get a tag or not), I'm heading to Wyoming to help my uncle with his hunt. He is going after deer, elk, and antelope for a week and a half, and will help him pack out and learn more from him. Also very much looking forward to upland bird and waterfowl this year, started waterfowl last year and had a very fun time so I am very much looking forward to it again. Next year, is going to be big as it's a goal of mine to get my first Otc deer tag.
Hunting is very bright for my future and I have something that I can give to my future children and teach folks about how its conservation. I've met lots of folks since getting into hunting that I can call friends and it's really made an impact. I wanted to share my story on how I got into advocating for hunting and why more hunters need to. It started in December of 2022 when I met Robbie Kroger of Blood Origins at a Soulseekers event which was about how to convey the truth about hunting. I could not stay for the full event unfortunately but took it upon myself to do more research about hunting "politics" and current events. After talking with folks and learning more about what's going on I spoke for the first time at the January 2023 commission meeting. I heard what several folks had to say and was very surprised about the state of the commission. I chatted with several folks and got to meet some amazing people and got to learn more about their hunting and get knowledge from them.
Fast forward to February 2023 during the Puyallup Sportsmen show. I'm way more versed in the hunting world and what's going on in Washington. I met Randy Newberg and what I had to say about being a first gen hunter really made an impact on him and he gave me very good advice for being involved. He ended up giving me his personal email. Then later that day, I met Washingtonians for Wildlife Conservation and learned more about them and the lawsuit. I walked away with a lot of information learned. Later that month when Lorna's game management plan was published I made a videy alerting folks about it and trying to get folks involved. No matter where you are as a hunter and what you hunt you can still get involved. I have spoken at 3 meetings so far, sent emails and made 2 videos advocating for hunters. I've put together a group of hunters, we're not with any group. We're just hunters who care about our state and won't go quietly into the night. Contact me if anyone is interested. We need all the help we can get in Washinginton so spread the word, send HOWLS and don't be afraid to get involved.
Hunters really showed up at the last meeting to the point where we nearly dominated virtual comments. Commissioners straight up walked out when certain names were called. Lehmkul and Baker walked out when Thorburn spoke and the antis cheered when Smith said "former commissioner" The meeting caused commissioners to snap. Folks need to keep advocating and speaking up. Keep up the good work everyone and remember, anti-hunting is anti-wildlife.
Sincerly, Dane Czarnecki
