Utah 400elk,
some of the projects we complete can use the Conservation permit funds, some can't.
The Utah deer project i tried to be brief with, couldn't be.
I looked through an email from Sunday night, Oct 11, 9:30 pm between Doug Messerly S. region DWR supervisor, Sam Carpenter, local sportsmen, and myself, lots of reasons why the normal money couldn't be used.
But even with teh Conservation Permit money and Expo money, there are still a lot of projects we get asked to do, not enough money.
But a lot has been done. And two gb22, here is some hard data. Go back as someone suggested to 1985, there were about 1,000 limited draw/once in a lifetime permits. IN 2009, there are closer to 4,500. that is 3,500 MORE opportunities each year, that in my mind is substantial.
And, as pointed out briefly, the conservation groups working with the feds and DWR have been a big part of teh reason for the increase in permits, and even more future hunts.
Here is another question i want answered, how much more wildlfie would there be in Utah today, had the first deer expo back in teh 80s survied, and the money for 20 years was well invested ? We do know 100,000 deer hunting opportunities have been lost, each year, forever.
Conch, the reason i come on here and do projects - a few of them, is that is my part of the job. Take the money and get good projects done. so, it is easy for me to talk about, i now them.
As i have explained, the Expo is a pretty complicated event - Exhibitors, advertising, auctions, sponsorships, application fees.
From the best i understand, about 10% of the application fees cover the direct costs of the application portion of the Expo.
So, 90% of the application fees are gross profits.
YOu can then ask teh question, what percent of the gross profits go to otehr expo costs, like advertising, expo hall rental costs, security, etc.
Of that, SFW, MDF, and WSF split the "profits".
I have explained what SFW had done with some of their "profits" you can ask the other groups have done with theirs.
In the end, the Wildlife Board and DWR asks for information, the Expo partners give it to them in public meetings.
the DWR then makes recommendations and the Board votes yes or NO, after public input.
I spend some time on MM to provide information.
I don't have all the data, don't have all the answers.
Obviously some sportsmen like the Expo and participate, others choose not to.
for 20 years i have spent a lot of time and effort working for betterment of wildlfie in Utah and the west. some like it, some don't.