Important!!! FWC workshops on Wildlife Conservation Strategy

[N. Cook]

These workshops are being held across the state. I attended the one in DAnia last nite. Thanks to Capt. Chris and Bryan Mahaney and Bruce who were there with me, as we were the only hunting advocates in the room as far as I could tell.

The tree huggers were out in full force as well as the many other user groups, hikers, campers, birders, etc.

The way the workshop works is that each of several table lists improtant objectives and actions on two sheets of paper. These are posted on a wall after the "work" period and each participant is given six stars to stick to the issues they consider important.....Those issues and actions most voted for will go in the report.

Obviously, if no hunters are there to vote...........!!!!!!

One "action" recommended was to "ban comsumptive recreation on public lands".........that means "hunting", to translate for most of you ignorant right wing animal killers!

The reason these sessions are important is that millions of Federal dollars will be sent to the FWC to work on the projects for FLORIDAS COMPREHENSIVE WILDLIFE CONSERVATION STRATEGY: THE FOUNDATION FOR WILDLIFE CONSERVATION IN FLORIDA.

The FWC is already drifting toward "conservation" and away from the "fishing and hunting" basic reason for existence. With only 150,000 hunting license sold in Florida last year, it is easy to understand their "job saving" concerns.

There will be future meetings and workshops across the state. We will try to keep all advised. Be sure to attend when you can!!!!

Incidentally, ACCESS was the winner for the major need for improvement.....NO ARGUEMENT THERE!

[uncle D]

Newton,

I hate to keep harping on it, but promotion, promotion, promotion.

Three times in your statement there was a reflection for the need of promotion. I'm not saying that UW hasn't done enough, but I'm laying it on the laps of the FWC.

1) being out numbered by others.
2) W/ only150,000 liscense sold last year.
3) banning consumptive use.

It seems to me that w/out promotion our ranks dwindle and the others/anti get stronger.

Yes, we are outnumbered compared to the whole population and I'm sure we (hunters) rank low when it comes to day in and day out use due to season restraints and access regs(read limited days to hunt), but we must take it upon ourselves to pass the torch. We must pressure the FWC to start aggressively promoting hunting as a positive sport the builds morals, builds responsibility, builds friendships and stewardship.

IT IS A MUST, IF NOT OUR SPORT ALONG WITH THE PASSION WILL DIE.

Duke

[N. Cook]

The FWC has made an effort to address the lost of hunters with the FUTURE OF HUNTING IN FLORIDA plans for a meeting next year.....but you have to remember, the FWC and other state wildlife commissions in the US see the handwriting on the wall and are gearing up to be conservation and "passive use" agencies to protect their jobs......Nickle and diming growth through programs that add a few hunters here and there, though nice and worthwhile, will not stop the trend in Florida. The need is to add 100.000 hunters in a short few years, the only way to do that is to get the current thousands of hunters in Florida who "go back home" to hunt or make the trip to GA or AL where access and red tape such as "special quota hunts" and "quota hunts" do not exist to also hunt in Florida. The land is here......make it easily accessable and they will take advantage of the opportunity.

[uncle D]

Agreed, access is key as well as an enjoyable experience.

The FWC bills Florida, "the sport fishing capitol of the world". Alot of money is spent on that promotion, via TV, print and radio. If a fraction of that was spent on advertising, coupled w/ opportunity is a win for sure.

Duke