Update on Wa hunting reserve fund initiative

[Dmanmastertracker]

I have been speaking with commission on the possible implementation of this initiative. There is some interest on their end, but much more discussion is needed. At this juncture, the most likely scenario would be a fund that could be used in conjuntion with the existing land purchasing funds that WDFW has to help by much larger tracts of land, one being researched right now for purchase is nearly 20,000 acres of prime big game range and upland game habitat adjacent to existing State lands, but some additional funding is needed. Hunters could potentially make a difference in the acquisition of this land...

 

[Bob D.]

Do you know if the new wildlife license plate money will be going into that fund? If so, all hunters could help support the program by buying a new license plate, and I believe they go on sale January 3rd.

 

[Dmanmastertracker]

No, haven't heard of that one. I know of the leased lands program which still needs to go through the legislature. This one is a brand new one that we need to get as many hunters behind as possible. Washington Wildlife and Recreation Coalition has pledged to support it if we can get enough people to sign on. I opened a dialogue with WDFW on it just last week and there is interest. Hopefully by the end of next week we will also have the Wild Turkey Federation, Washington Muzzleloader and Washington Bowhunters' groups behind it too. with that kind of support we should be able to get something done to start this fund for all State hunters. I've been asking people too send me a "yeah" e-mail to [email protected] with either a phone #, or e-mail address, so I can start keeping numbers of people to give to WDFW. Anyone who is interested in being involved with this and is willing to post a flyer somewhere it will get noticed, it would really help.

 

[Bob D.]

From the WDFW website regarding the wildlife license plates:

Where will the proceeds go?

Revenue generated from the sale of ?Washington?s Wildlife? license plates will be spent to improve management of Washington?s game animals. Activities include, but are not limited to:

Habitat improvements
Improved population monitoring
Population restoration and expansion
Improved public access opportunities
Improved educational materials


http://wdfw.wa.gov/license_plates/management_plates.htm

 

[Bob D.]

Dmanmastertracker, I emailed you but it didn't go through. Maybe your mailbox is full?

 

[Bullcanyon]

I'm considering the new plate to help out, but I'm not convinced that the fish and game will get all the money. Our governor seems to find ways to put a little fine print on everything.

 

[Dmanmastertracker]

Bob, not sure why, but my e-mail address was changed on here by someone? It's [email protected]. This fund will not be part of the general fund and will not be able to be used by any other group, for any other purpose. It is written in detail in the "general" section.