Thursday, Feb. 7 | 6-7:30 p.m. | CPW Hunter Education Building at 6060 Broadway, Denver, CO 80216
The Feb. 5 meeting in Fort Collins will also double as a Northeast Region Sportsmen’s Caucus where hunters, anglers, outdoor enthusiasts and anyone who wants a voice in wildlife issues can address any questions or concerns with CPW staff.
The Feb. 7 Big Game Season Structure meeting in Denver will be streamed live on CPW’s Facebook page.
Hope to see my Fort Collins and Denver buddies there!
Lou - can you let the FCAA guys know?
Lots of great discussion, and some really valid points brought up. The polling questions and the CPW survey questions are so vague, you don't know how to answer. For example season timing and length - you might be perfect with length, not so much with timing. The survey scientist may have a PHd, but general feedback I heard is the questions miss the mark, and aren't specific. No mention of Sept 1 start date for elk, and no context whatsoever as to why early deer would be helpful.
The good news is CPW staff, and the commission have seen, and read our survey. I intend to conclude it on the 9th, so if you haven't participated - get'er done.
We did get first hand info on the lion attack, wow, that guy did it right, and will have stories to tell his grandkids.
CPW and the current commission is clearly gutless and politically adverse to addressing any of the real issues facing the future of hunting in this state. The same staff that promised preference points and nonresident/resident allocations would be addressed in 5 years has taken those discussions off the table, since they are hotly contented topics and are hard to address. Again they kick the can down the road because the situation is “complicated” and will only find it to be that much more complex in 5 years.
Additionally, I have to address the bow hunters here. We have become our own worst enemy in this process. Due to complaints around crowding across the past 5 years, the biggest issue that will be addressed is that of limiting archers in the field. It was clearly an issue of crowding as the biologists danced around the question of the overall biological impact that bow hunters have on elk herds in the state. I find this ironic as the biological impact and crowding issue is worse during 2nd and 3rd rifle seasons and license sales across species would tell you that more hunters are in the field during those hunts than any other time in the fall. The only difference is that the rifle hunters of the state have not made a big deal out of crowding and those seasons will continue forward over the next 5 years status quo. CPW will not entertain some common sense solutions that CBA has brought forward, such as an early archery deer start. Since it is the easy way out, expect OTC licenses to be capped going forward with blatant disregard for resident/nonresident allocations. My point is, be careful what you ask for during surveys as you might just get it and all the unintended consequences that come with it.
Quite frankly I am tired of being misled and lied to during these public comment meetings in which I am told input is appreciated and makes a difference. It is clear to me now that the decisions are made by insiders and the politics within this organization are no different than they are in DC. Bottom line, I fear for the future of wildlife in our state and cannot be more frustrated with the current state of CPW and the wildlife commission than I am right now.
During the slideshow, there were 2-3 examples of 'Citizen Petitions' that are being heard this year. i.e. - Bobcats
Its time take the stance - 'If you're not at the table, you're on the menu'.
Let's get some Citizen Petitions on the table
cnelk, I spoke to Steve about your proposal. I hope he will expand on that here. My understanding is there are MANY citizens proposals submitted each year that never make the list. Bringing issues forward collectively as a group (CBA) is the most effective method to affect change. That said, I am not holding my breath.
I've got a blank copy in word, I can email to anyone. If the topic is season structure related, I suspect they would say they are in it right now, just send a letter to the commission. The chapter is currently open for reg review.
Early deer was put on the list of "in scope" by CBA written and in person testimony, not citizens petition.
Ultimately, you have to get commissioner votes, once our survey is done on Feb 9th I intend to send it and start making phone calls. So far I have 461 responses to really specific questions. It remains to be seen how it will be received, typically email from the public does help but they will be reviewing all input shortly. I was told some of the past town halls get ~12,000 folks, so a dozen emails from bowsite might not even be a blip.
Heading to Denver now for the next meeting.
cnelk's Link
cnelk's Link
It’s more of a process oriented venue. That is to say if you have questions on the internal workings of the CDOW/Commission.
I still don’t even understand why they offer it as your comments are not carried forward to the Commission.
If you have the time, the commission meetings may have some validity to attend. This? Other than the petition process, I would say no real need to attend.
Its been my experience that public entities hold their cards close to the vest when it comes to releasing data, unless asked or requested. And even then it has to be very specific.