Here are a few interesting pages on the Legislature

Okay, I am on a roll I might as well keep going. Fetch, you seem to have rather strong anti game and fish sentiments. You have said in the past that you don't, but you continually make comments that really can't be taken in a nice way. That is fine, we are humans and make mistakes also and need to hear about them. Does the G&F make mistakes? Damn right we do, we had the authority to restrict nonresidents along time ago. If we would have did it even 5 years ago, we wouldn't have had a problem. Now that the commercial aspect has been firmly entrenched, we were stopped from being able to do this on our own. What does no good, is when the game and fish department gets slammed and the person who is doing it doesn't have the proper knowledge, is using second hand information or makes an assumption without asking first. You are not the only one, so don't think I am singling you out. But, you just asked about legislation regarding guiding on public land. Commercial activity has been banned on Game and Fish property for years. Last legislative session there was a bill introduced that would have allowed guiding on any land leased by the department. Luckily we got our PLOTS lands excluded from this. However, what really saved us are rules that were already in place by other agencies. For example, we lease the Lonetree Wildlife Management area from the Garrison Conservancy district. Luckily they also disallow any commercial activity, so their rule (being Federal) outweighs the state rule. Most agencies have something like this. For Example the US Fish and Wildlife Agency does not allow any commercial activity on their land either with the exception of some grazing/haying.

Someone asked before why isn't the game and fish department smart enough to lease land instead of buying it all, I then explained what PLOTS meant, Private Lands Open to Sportsmen. We have been accused of catering to non residents by greeting them at the airport. There have been other things on this site also. A guy tries to be polite on this site, but eventually you want to tell someone their full of **** or ask for the information before passing judgement. I don't know what people know or don't know so it is hard to get people the information if they don't ask for it. There are a lot of things in this world I don't know or understand, but I seek information before condemning them.

If we want to make a change, we better learn the process and do it quick as the session kicks off in January and I can guarantee you the other side is locked and loaded. If we don't get something accomplished this session I fear the fate of the ND sportsmen will be doomed. Also, I attended advisory board meetings in 3 different towns this year. Attendance was extremely poor, and I thought those problems were solved. I know there are some criticisms of the locations of the advisory meeting locations, but they try to circulate them around the area and they are picked by the advisory board members. I know Pekin for example is a little town and out of the way, but people have no problems driving across the state to hunt. You would think they would be able to drive across a county or two. Pekin only had 16 people show up. Leeds had 45 or so, but 75 % of them were commercial interests and legislators from commercial hunting areas and chamber of commerce people. Jon Nelson, Mike Every, Gene Nicholas, (all legislators) Randy Frost from the Devils Lake chamber of commerce. I can assure you none of these people are friends of the average ND sportsman. Steele was a little more of a mix, about half sportsmen and half commercial people (guides, captive wildlife growers, hotel owners). What side of the story do you think was being portrayed. Jamestown had an exceptional turnout from sportsmen (I wasn't there, but that was what was reported). Makes you wonder how important issues are to people when they can't even take a night off to give input. If you have been to an advisory board meeting in the past, I think you will find that they have made a remarkable improvement and there is always time for open discussion at the end.

One thing I am proud to report is that I heard Dean Hildebrand state at each of the three advisory board meetings I attended "I strongly believe that we need to be able to restrict nonresidents who hunt in our state" He needs our help though, as the politicians are not going to listen to him or the game and fish department. They need to hear it from YOU!

Just had to get that off my chest.

I never knew state lands were off limits to guides (???) & I was one who thought plots were being bought (???) & I am more interested & up on alot of these things than most hunters in our state (???) I make mistakes (But the hopes & balance of the future of hunting does not fall on my shoulders)

I ask lots of Questions & have lots of Opinions - Mainly in Hopes someone, or others will answer, or join in the debate. I like debate & I admidt to being cynical. But I'm reasonable & know what is real & what is political & BS.

But as far as my criticisim of the G&FD (don't take it personal) most if not all has been towards the Director. Who I honestly think needs to retire. He is a good administrator I'm sure - But we need someone stronger - someone who really knows politics & is pro-active (at least behind the scenes) IS HE ???

I see him as being way to close to the commercial side (He was once very much apart of profiting off of, at least the Fish side) Plus he knows the commercial interests much better, than he knows the average Freelance Hunter of the State (& Freelance Non-Residents) So I have no idea what he really is thinking, or cares about. I do know he seems to be a yes Man to the Govenor (???) & his military style is way to slow & he has way to much respect for rank. (& you know those kind basically think rank has it's privledges)

I just think & know that if he does not pro-activly do the right things. The odds are slim that there will be any significant support, or changes to benefit our concerns.

As far as education & meetings - You guys are OK at best. The Outdoors Magazine is slow & limited & mostly PR (excellant at doing PR) But they need to do so much more. It's so typical of so much of Government. Only tell em what they think we should know & emphasize the positives). & like this site avoid controversy :roll: Sorry but in my little cynical way - I am a squeeky wheel. - Not perfect by a long shot. But not afraid to ask the tough questions (or dumb ones too) & brain-storm for new ideas (both positive & negative) Do we know- that in the end ??? Hopefully ??? they will do the right things. But I have a feeling that they wish there were no controversey, or complaints, or folks asking why, or why not ??? & things will just slowly evolve & work out. I Don't Think So - not now - things are happening much too fast & the apathy factor is real - so it's time to try new ideas - ways of getting a very unorganized & diverse & special interest bunch of regular Joes, to see & agree on what, or how to come together & be heard (???) - Plus live your normal life & deal with normal problems (that can be much more significant than Hunting & Fishing) Plus were so spread out & don't all see the same issues as being important (???) :eyeroll:

So there are three main groups - Right ??? -That support our Freelance ideals ??? All looking for dollars & supporters - But I know very little about any of them (until pheasantgate) ??? Yeah it's sad & before we really get involved. It will be, desparately trying to change back, what we once had. :eyeroll: One minute I feel like there is hope - the next I feel like were screwed & the enevitable is going to happen - Can't beat em join em, or adjust to what is the next best option.

Have you really seen or heard of a bandwagon you can enthusiasticaly jump on ???

Plus if you have been reading, or understand what I feel - I know I support the ND G&FDepartment & I am proud of the people there. So lets not go there - My beef is against the administration & Govenor & Bone head Legislators that don't have a clue, or really care about this stuff.

& Yes I have on many occasions tried to talk to many Legislators about outdoor issues & they do not know, or care about them. They also think the G&FD is doing OK & will take care of & solve all these problems. Why is that ??? & without problems & controversy, I bet you guys like it that way too ??? That to me is a major part of the apathy & problem we all have with residents not getting to involved.

But you want to know whats really SAD ??? If the Director did retire - We would most likely get a even BIGGER YES MAN. & someone who just about totally supports the commercial side of things :******:

Fetch, I went to that link you provided and the 3 bills on their dealing with game and fish were all related to guiding and outfitting. Some of these are good and some of them are bad. As far as the one dealing with the powers of the game and fish director, it is not giving him more power as you suggested it is actually taking it away from him. As we speak, the game and fish department has the right to inspect guides and outfitters and their records. Guides and outfitters are required to keep records of clients they have had in the fall. This bill is dealing with keeping their records confidential and not public record. This is a very good link you posted and a good way to inform sportsmen of what is being proposed. This list will grow rapidly in the next several weeks. When you read the bill, they have the century code dealing with that listed on the page as it was in the past. Then they make the changes on it so you can see how it was and how it will be. Anything deleted from the original law will have a line through it and anything added will be underlined. This way you can see how it was in the past and how it will read with the proposed changes. The only exception to this is a brand new law where there is nothing to ammend.

I realize the Director works for the Govenor (at least appointed) But I feel he really works for the Hunters & fishing people of the state ( & mainly as a Recreation) not for commercial interests.

I still think the Director should be his own man. It's not just a job at this level. & I would think he could be loved & admired, (both now & after his Adim. is over) if he took a stance & said & did the right things - and at the same time explain & educate the commercial sides & political & legislative & land rights, in how what many believe is true (from the guides Assn. perspective) is not what is really good for ND. He could be a future Roughrider Award winner in & under a Adimistration that understands all this.

You know I'm right about the trust & political side of the G&FD - as it relates to Apathy & Trust of being where the faith of the people of ND see all this - when it comes to these problems - & when(like I said before) it's mostly positive stuff they (G&FD) Citizens & Legislature really like it that way. How can it be both ways ??? & now is when we need him & the Department the most (on this level) you guys have always been great on the day to day parts of your jobs. I completely understand how the rank & file workers are restrained.

My opinion still stands - I admire the fact you have even stepped forward as much as you have.

Most of my posts have subliminal messages, or meanings (It's just my style) Am I wrong ??? Or have not some of my thoughts (& I'm sure many others) helped him (Director) think, or see that many of us see options (& how the past & how things really are, or have been) as part of the problem ???

If there was not any opposition to him - would he just go with the political flow - ???

As far as the regional meetings, it is a failure - As far as in normal years & times (So is the regional Reps) to the G&FD & needs to be done differently.

The meetings this last year, on all this other stuff (that were so well attended) - I hope are not forgotten.

But to now use this last round of regional meetings, as a example of any of our concerns - THAT DOES MORE HARM IN MY OPINION, than anything at this time & needs to be said.

Here is something I wrote on another site that I somehow thinks fits here ???

Maybe not ??? But I see lots of things different than the average hunter.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

I tell the truth about Nature & conservation & support farm legislation, that truely helps ducks.

I obey all game laws & try to teach others what they are.

I support the enforcement people & lobby for them to recieve more funds, to keep all the law breakers from taking advantage of things. Shooting all they can, or anything they can & then dump them or leave them & keep shooting.

I shoot less birds every year -cause I don't need the meat for food.

I practice good landowner relations

I speak out about the commercialization of hunting - thats turning a great lifetime passion into a for profit - greed filled competition by way too many.

I support real hunting & respect for the land & resource - so they will never be over harvested & condem those that are just shooters & slobs.

I hate litter & pickup all I can

I support States Rights to regulate hunters & base their decisions on science, or professional managers from our G&FD - to not allow too much Hunter pressure & stop over harvest of birds for profit.

I pray for timely rains (adequate moisture) in the Prairie Pot hole region.

I support management of waterfowl based on month to month decisions, year round, as they are happening. (using stastics from past years, will no longer be the best way to manage ducks)

I think unlimited mobile traveling shooters & internet reports, hurt the resources.

I believe Spinning wing decoys are unnessary & will prove to be a negative to the resource.

I believe buying lands & putting up a sign & calling them the answer to conservation, is ridiculous - those same lands will produce ducks, depending on Nature (or god). The ones that are already purchased, should be maintained better, with the right vegetation & weed control & predator control. & improve them during dry times (when it is cheaper to do) - so when moisture returns, they are as condusive to the success of reproducing waterfowl & other game birds as possible. (NOT HAPPENING)

I believe predator control is vital & works. & it's time to change some of the laws that have hurt waterfowl & game birds by protecting some predator birds.

I believe if all the money currantly spent - was spent more wisely - there would be alot more waterfowl. By taking care of what is already there. (not happening)

I lobby for ways to fund private owners of habitat, to do things to raise ducks & all game birds - (in the right places) They own over 90 % of the habitat - but most think what is happening to promote waterfowl, is doing more to hurt than help (Why ???) - Find a way for private landowners to profit from rasing ducks & there will never be a shortage of ducks.

I believe (& have written to anyone who will listen) That letting hunters - hunt SOB's (Snows Or Blues) without restrictions, would do even more to prevent their over population. & that in too many areas, the commercial hunting of SOB's is preventing hunters from reducing the size of the flock. & someday when nature decides to control them - it will dramatically affect all waterfowl. (the problem is still there).

I'm for anything that can promote & improve public / freelance hunting is good - & should be supported by tax payers & real non-profit & corporate donations, or increased license fees. Instead of for the wealthy, or special interests & not used for profit / commercial hunting, or shooting. Spending any of this money to help or promote commercial hunting is wrong. No matter how it is disguised, or politically obtained.

I can go on & on but I doubt many (majority) will care, or support things to make this a reality ??? ??? ???

Just one more thing on the regional Meetings

Most people don't have alot of problems with the G&FD

- I think most think they are the ones who decide most of these things (or should)

But now we learn they are not political ??? Not going to lead in all this ???

Then why would anyone attend their meetings ??? - (even if they have changed)

Especially when held in Pekin :roll: Sorry Pekin - But pekin is not even a hot bed of hunting. People are not going to drive that far, unless there are issues & accurate reporting of the issues. & most Feel that the issues have been put on the table recently (by duplication of meetings - in terrible, or too spread out - of locations) It amazing after last years fiasco of meetings, that anyone showed up.

Why can't the G&FD at least have someone report on these Bills & issues & tell us what they mean & will do for, or against both sides ??? Or have on-line meetings & discuss things more often (monthly maybe ?) or even weekly ? I'd say alot more than 16 would show up - you could even have it so someone could spend the entire next month, or week answering questions.

There are also lots of people that because of health, or family & other responsibilities, or work, cannot not make it to this one quarterly (or six month) :roll: meeting. & they should not be shamed over & over - the system & process does not work - admidt it & move on - re-group & try another idea.