archerycrazy

We can not rely on the 4/12/12 end date. The legislature will not sine die until all budget issues and pending bills are done. With regard to those organizations that are still sitting on the fence, they are doing so in order to remain in the favor of AZSFW/AZSFWC. They know if they do not publicly termintate their affiliation, they will be at the head of the line for possible auction tags that AZSFWC may have full control of in the future. The fence sitters are hoping for money in the future. Any organization that is in it for the money is taboo for me. I have the list of organiztions that heve terminated or never had affiliation with AZSFW. I will be speaking to the membership of YVRGC next Wednesday. I will ask the membership to fully endorse those organizations and seek to determine if there are any costs associated with full affiliation with those organizations. YVRGC has never requested affiliates. We simply rely on members. I think that the best way to become effective as sportsmen/women, is to join at least one organization that represents your goals. I hope that each organization will affiliate with other organizations. Communication between individuals and organizations will be critical in the future. Affiliation by one organization with another should not cost $2,500.00 or more with different color levels as with AZSFW. Does $15,000.00 buy a bigger voice than $2,500.00? Did the huge $$$ that ADA gave AZSFW prevent HB 2072 or even get them a peak at the full bill before it was filed? George

If I recall correctly, it is $25-00 over the cost of regular plate with $17.00 going to WCC. George

Letter to the Editor of the Yuma Sun published last Tuesday March 27th. Possible interview to follow. George

I find it to be very interesting that Mark Nuessle, a member of the Board of Directors of AZSFW would attempt to compare the current trials faced by AZSFW at this time, with those of Christ shortly before the crucifixion. Are wildlife issues now becoming religious issues? Should we all run to our spiritual leaders and confess our sins because we denounced the teachings of the AZSFW. George

Earlier today an e mail was sent to about 23 individuals, inviting them to a stakeholder meeting on “Wildlife Tag and expo”. The meeting was called for by Senator Nelson and scheduled for 3 PM Monday. A short time later a cancelation notice was sent ‘due scheduling and strong feeling issues’. I think that we should all send notes to Senator Nelson, thanking him for this decision. Many, like myself, would have had to scramble to rearrange our schedules in order to travel to Phoenix and attend. The meeting may be rescheduled at a later date. When you send your note, ask to be included. George

I don't know the complete history of the current 30 auction tags provided by the Commission/Department at this time. I do know that there is certain amount of angst among sportsmen regarding them. While the Department definitely needs funding they are wise enough to know that prociding more auction tags would inflame sportsmen and cause some to quit. More auction tags would be counter productive to the efforts to retain and recruit sportsmen. The Department needs funding but they are inclined to put a greater burden on sportsmen unless absolutely necessary.

My response to this thread dealt specifically with the remark about pitting auction hunters against regular joe hunters. Auction tags have benefited every single hunter in AZ period whether you will admit it or not! To go on TV and condemn the evil auction hunter is stupid and ignorant. Again, if they want to oppose legislation as a whole, good on em, but as a hunter myself, to publically condemn a program that has huge benefits in terms of hundreds of water projects, some habitat projects and various studies is counter productive to Arizona hunting overall. Set your blinders down for a second and look outside your boxes for a moment... If 2072 is so dam good for Arizona then why don't you take all of the private groups out of the bill and name AZGFD the only ones that can auction off the tags. At least then we all can see where the money is going. NO PRIVATE HANDS ON THE MONEY I would support that 110%! My main objective is funding for all the different things that build and maintain our game numbers. The reason I supported the original bill was i did not beleive like the rest of you that Hamberlin and the SFW was a bunch of crooks. Was the bill written poorly, YES! Was the fact it was backdoored a stupid idea, YES!! But I feel that it wasn't a ploy to make the rich richer but a ploy to gather the money needed for AZ to better its wildlife situation, which is indeed diminshing.

Two new lobbyists have been hired to push the concepts of HB 2072 this session. George

I've learned over the last few days that most legislators will not bother with any subject identified as HB 2072 because the bill is dead. The following is a paste from another forum. It's time to change our focus. HB 2072 is dead. Most legislators will see that it is dead, and ignore anything that you send them if the subject is HB 2072. Ty hat nearly occured to me this past weekend. Fortunately, I was able to update the Senator that responded Focus the discussion on the Auction or Raffle of Premium Big Game Tags and you will be more likely get their attention. We all know that the proponents of this are well funded and have multiple lobbyists pushing it. Now is the time to write letters to the editor and communicate directly with as many legislators as you can. Try to speak directly to your Representatives and Your Senator. If you have a chance to speak with a reporter do so, but be fully prepared with nothing but facts. The time to speak out is now. Do not wait. George

OMG Ryan, What an awesome post. I will tell you now that I am going copy and paste it to everyoue that I know including my legislators. With that being said, I am going to start a new thread because I beleive that we need to shift our communication focus from HB 2072. You will understand when you see it. It;s in copry right now and ready to paste. George

Speedgoat is absolutely correct and I know why but won't post here. George

Alan Hamberlin has hired John K. Mangum and Gibson McKay. Hamberlin is financing this push and you can bet it will not be the final one. George

Instead of selling premium elk and deer tags to millionaires, Let's sell them all the Premium Coyots and Mountain Lion tags they could ever want. George

you are falling into their trap. We need to sell tags to millionairs or the coyotes and lions will eat all the deer and then they will eat your children. That will be their counter to your statement, in my opinion.

A new group has been established by the Game and Fish Department as directed by the Commission on Jan. 25th. The first meeting will be at the Department Headquarters from 6-9 PM on March 22nd. Commissioner Kurt Davis will chair. The meeting will be webcast. Visit the Department website azgfd.gov for more information. George

There is an important update on the meeting on the Departments website. It looks like they ate working overtime to engage everyone. George

The meeting Thursday evening at the Game and Fish Headquarters could be crucial for the future of our wildlife. Attendance is critical. For those who cannot get to that meeting, it will broadcast on the web and all regional offices. Attendance at the regional offices could be just as crucial. The Department is going to spend a great deal of OUR money to have these offices open. If you can't make it to Phoenix go to your nearest regional office. George

Lark, I feel that you have far exceeded the standards of this site. Amanda and her crew have been more than tolerant with some of your posts. Probably because on rare occasions you may have some valid points. If this site had been mine, you would be gone or closely monitored. As I see it, CWT is much more about solutions than derision. If Jim edited your post so be it. I’m confident that he had good reason considering your recent posts. I was once banned from a site simply because I called the debate chicken droppings and bull droppings in more explicit terms. If you have positive comment post away and you will have my support. Continue to be uncivil and I and probably many others will ignore you. If you continue to be uncivil, you will lose your audience and you will damage the image of this site. George

Lark, No action today, and none indicated so far for next week. I have three legislators that I trust, watching for something. Tony Guiles and Jorge Canaca at the Department and several on this site know how to watch for anything. If anyone of us, in this group see anything of concern, we will make it pubic ASAP. George