Could Washington Wildlife Commission conflicts be the new normal for other states in the future?

[EastTNHunter]

First off, I don’t know how accurate this article is, but I’d really appreciate some input from some Washingtonians about what is really going on.

But secondly, game and fish departments are becoming more politicized and/or targeted across the nation, both from within and outside. I think about CO and its wolf initiatives where the wildlife commission was overruled based upon the feels of some special interest groups, the governor, and the outsiders who are moving into the state and turning its political leanings and the very fabric of its culture.

We are definitely starting to feel some of that culture shift in TN, but probably in different ways. Our commission is under a lot of scrutiny for other reasons, and has started to receive a lot of pressure for change from the sportsmen who fully fund it, but have little voice in some decisions that are pushed down from the top.

What concerns me in all of this is do you trust the devil you know or the devil you don’t?

Is this struggle coming to a state near you?

With Increasing Influence from Anti-Hunters, Washington's Wildlife Commission Is Now 'Dysfunctional,' According to a University Report

After prolonged conflict, a new report recommends either eliminating or overhauling the traditional Washington Fish and Wildlife Commission.

www.outdoorlife.com

 

[bayoublaster7527]

First off, I don’t know how accurate this article is, but I’d really appreciate some input from some Washingtonians about what is really going on.

But secondly, game and fish departments are becoming more politicized and/or targeted across the nation, both from within and outside. I think about CO and its wolf initiatives where the wildlife commission was overruled based upon the feels of some special interest groups, the governor, and the outsiders who are moving into the state and turning its political leanings and the very fabric of its culture.

We are definitely starting to feel some of that culture shift in TN, but probably in different ways. Our commission is under a lot of scrutiny for other reasons, and has started to receive a lot of pressure for change from the sportsmen who fully fund it, but have little voice in some decisions that are pushed down from the top.

What concerns me in all of this is do you trust the devil you know or the devil you don’t?

Is this struggle coming to a state near you?

With Increasing Influence from Anti-Hunters, Washington's Wildlife Commission Is Now 'Dysfunctional,' According to a University Report

After prolonged conflict, a new report recommends either eliminating or overhauling the traditional Washington Fish and Wildlife Commission.

www.outdoorlife.com

Absolutely. Anti-hunting activist groups have targeted wildlife commissions in certain states as ground zero for their campaign to eliminate hunting state by state, one species/method of take at a time. Expect much more in the future. Hunters will have to organize and get involved to protect our hunting legacy. Animal Wellness Action and Wildlife For All are the national orgs with state-level franchises executing the ground game. In Colorado, Coloradans for Responsible Wildlife Management has been on the front lines fighting against this, great org. Every state is gonna need something similar in time.

 

[Hydrophilic]

If hunters want to be the primary stakeholders in wildlife management a good place to start would be having a well organized approach with baseline environmental standards, comprehensive conservation interests, and putting reasonable people forward who believe in the scientific method.