archerycrazy

I currently plan to attend the meeting on Feb 21 at 6:30 PM at Bass Pro. I plan on arriving early so that I can have dinner at the Fish Company. Join me if you wish. I plan on bringing an extra 10 spot for Kent's cause. I'll bring an extra 10 for Amanda to ensure that this site continues keeping us informed. While the 2072 information was posted on several sites, Bowsite, Monster Muleys, Arizona Hunter and Coues Whitetail. Coues Whitetai; is the only site that has carried the real discussion. Those who visit and comment on this site tend to remain engaged from start to finish. Without Coues Whitetail we would not have been able to kill HB 2072. This site has been our line of communication and debate. George

Ryan, I will emphatically state that your assessment is wrong. I have one of the earliest conservation plates WA00006. This is a WCC plate. The WCC mergered with AZSFWC several years ago. If the WCC had not taken this action, there would be no conservation organization that can do the conservation work needed. The WCC was in trouble due to a lack of involvement of the sportsmen in Arizona. This is our fault. The WCC saw an opportunity to rescue the conservation effort. Did the WCC make the right decision? In hindsight, probably not. However,it was really their only option. Only a very small percentage of funds generated by the plates can be used for lobbying purposes. 90% must go to wildlife conservation efforts. If you value wildlife buy a plate. George

If we see a statement from ADA this week, there will probably be several of us from Yuma. Otherwise, I can'r see wasting our time or money on a trip that likely will accomplish nothing. ADA is making it's own bed.

This thread has been running for nearly 10 days. There has been nearly stone cold silence from the leadership of ADA. One post from BPJ. I for one would like to see a clear position statement by ADA before I waste my time on a trip to Phoenix. With a clear position statement well before the meeting it would be much easier to assist ADA in recovering from the damage that has been done to their reputation. Silence can be damning. George

I'm no expert. I don't really see a problem with it. It looks like it will provide increased protection for gun owners against current and future actions by the state and all subdividions that are detrimental. I hope that we have a legal beagle on this site, that can really tell us what it says.

Shortly after Obama took office, multiple democratic legislators sent a letter to him advising that he leave the Second Amendment alone. "Fast and Furious" is just ground work for his next term when all bets are off. He would not be concerned about reelection. We need to start now to ensure that every gun owner/enthusiast gets to the polls next November.

Representative Daid Gowan has proposed the following amendment to the G&F Omnibus Bill. Fiftieth Legislature MAPS Second Regular Session H.B. 2639 PROPOSED HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES AMENDMENTS TO H.B. 2639 (Reference to printed bill) Page 3, between lines 40 and 41, insert: "Sec. 2. Section 17-213, Arizona Revised Statutes, is amended to read: START_STATUTE17-213. Prohibition on political activity A. NEITHER THE COMMISSION, THE DIRECTOR NOR ANY EMPLOYEE OF THE DEPARTMENT SHALL USE GOVERNMENT PROPERTY, INCLUDING ANY COMMUNICATION SYSTEM, TO: 1. SUPPORT OR OPPOSE ANY MEASURE BEFORE THE LEGISLATURE. 2. COMMUNICATE ANY POSITION THE COMMISSION HAS TAKEN ON ANY MEASURE BEFORE THE LEGISLATURE. b. Neither the director nor any employee of the department shall take active part in a political campaign nor use his office to influence in any way an election or the results thereof. c. Failure to abide by the provisions of this section shall constitute grounds for dismissal of the director or any employee." Renumber to conform Amend title to conform DAVID GOWAN 2639-p2-gowan 2/7/12 11:44 AM This a cheap shot by Gowan in retaliation for the Commission's opposition to HB 2072. If he thought JP Weiers got hammered it looks like we will need to drop the Sledge on Gowan. The hearing is tomorrow morning at 9 AM

Steve, I don't see the E news as a problem. It's simple reporting of the facts. Facts that need to be known as quickly as possible. The Commission vote didn't light the fuse of the sportsman's uprising. We did. The deal was done before the Commission even met. George

Red Rabbit, I disagree to a certain extent. The Utah Expo is one of the biggest in the West. It has a huge draw from across the country. It is probably one of the best advertised around the country. Many of the high rollers may not attend in person but they do attend by phone or proxy. The result is huge dollars for tags. All money accrued for the auction of Arizona tags comes back to the Game and Fish Department. To keep all of the Arizona tags here for auction in state would likely result in smaller bids reducing the funds to the Department. Do I want to see all Arizona tags auctioned at events outside of Arizona? Absolutely not. Organizations that have large banquets need premium tags in order get people in the door for the entertainment of watching the bidding go crazy. The organization can then auction or raffle many other items to garner funds for their organiation. Advertising and reputation are the key.

If you would like a bit of an education, check out the client list of Capitol Consulting, LLC, formerly Gilstrap and Associates. There are 24 associations/organizations etc. The list is probably outdated because it does not list AZSFW/AZSFWC as clients.

As I understand it, there is a slight difference between the Commission and the Department's political activities. The Department can not engage in any lobbying activity as a Department. They can not allow lobbying on any Department property or use Department equipment for lobbying purposes. The Commission as a whole or quorum can not engage in lobbying. With Proposition 109 only two Commissioners were involved. No law was broken by their activities and they did not engage in any lobbying on Department Property or with any Department equipment. The Department can report positions taken by the Commission on any matter,but they can not endorse those positions. G

Audsley, your post is not quite correct. Several years ago a former Commissioner demanded that the Department to contact constituents regarding proposed legislation and to encourage constituants to contact their legislators in opposition. Director Voyles ended the practice after only one or two incidents. As I understand it, in the meeting today the Director only assured Reps. Gowan and Weiers that he would continue his policy. I know of no communication from the Department to constiuents encourageing political activity by anyone since the Director put his policy in place. If I am incorrect on any of this, I'm sure that the Director will correct me. George

I indicated opposition to bill only due to the second Gowan amendment. You didn't see the comments that I submitted explaining the reason for my opposition and the fact that YVRGC fully supports the bill with out that amendment. As I understand it Gowan or Weiers will attempt a floor amendment that would do the samething. George

Why did archery crazy vote against the Omnibus bill?...All the other groups voted for it...just curious...BPJ

I will tell both of you to knock it off. Personal confrontations will get us nowhere. It's pretty obvious to me that Smack came on this site for one purpose. To cause trouble. He has provided no civil recommendations in order to resolve the issues ahead of us. Lark, take a break and dont let this joker bait you. George

No address is nessasry. I'll be at Sportsman's Warehouse, at I-17 & the 101,parked at the southeast side of the building at 9am sharp. I've been getting these terrible vibrations in my tires so I'll be checking them out. If you don't come help me check my tires your the punk. I call now it's your bet.

The following is a copy of the email that I sent to all members of the committee. I suggest that you all do the same tonight. I will also use the ALIS to post a comment on behalf of YVRGC. Representatives, This is to inform you that Yuma Valley Rod and Gun Club (YVRGC) is absolutely opposed to the amendment proposed by Representative Gowan at 11:44 AM. This appears to be a vindictive action by several legislators and a few constituents due to the Game and Fish Commission's opposition to HB 2072 Sale of Big Game Tags. The Commission opposed the bill because every member was inundated with phone calls and emails from irate sportsmen. The Game and Fish Commission and Department are our primary lifeline to the legislature. Few of us have the ability to go to the Capitol to represent ourselves and few know how to use the ALIS in order to comment on legislation. We do go to Commission meetings or provide comment at Regional Offices. We call Commissioners and Department personnel to discuss issues. That is why the Department worked with the legislature to craft HB 2639. The Commission and Department listened to the concerns of sportsmen and took action our behalf. We support the Game and Fish Omnibus bill as originally crafted. The Gowan Amendment must not go forward. Sportsmen spoke is united opposition to HB 2072. we will speak even louder against the Gowan amendment Respectfully George Reiners Legislative Liaison Yuma Valley Rod and Gun Club

The Commission is aware of it. We need to flood the emails of all Committee members and burn up the phone lines. Get this out to every blog and sportsman that you know. The fingerprints of a couple other people we know are all over this. George

Smack, I see that you are a newbie. Today was your first post but you indicated that you've been lurking for years. While I try to remain positive and civil on this site as do most of us. I take exception to your initial cheap shot. When you said that you have been lurking for years, I envisioned criminals, villians, the fishy star of jaws and the creature form the black lagoon. Suggestion. Go back to your lagoon and don't comeback. You instantly lost all credibility with your post. I will ask the moderator of this site to block all future posts by your sorry. I'm sure that you understand what I mean. Amanda, please take the appropriate action.

What a great site C.W is. I've been a lurker here for many years. I've learned a lot from some positive people just so happens your not one of them. All I ever read out of your walking fingers is cry, cry, piss, piss, moan, then moan some more. You must have some pretty strong fingers, let me guess its not your fault it's your wife's. What a life you must have to sit on the side of the road, eating a roadside sandwich and have nothing better to do other than find Internet service just so you can talk your crap. Get out of the closet already, wipe off your bacon drapes and get a life. Computer tough guy is all you are, must be an exciting thing to look forward to in the morning. BTW most of the people you put down have done way more for wildlife than sitting behind a computer like you. Your just a pot stirring trouble maker like poison in the blood. Sorry just tired of reading your SMACK!!! Hint Your the inspiration for my username.

After several days of digging, it is now time for me to raise the BS flag on the comments made by Showmethemoney. I spoke with 2 current Commissions, 1 former Commissioner and Brian Wakeling himself regarding the 5% premium for the MDF on the auction tags. The MDF has never been allowed to keep any money. The claims made by Showmethemoney are absolutely false. All monies garnered from the auction or raffle of all tags go to the department. It is illegal for any funds to go to an organization other than the Game and Fish Department. The Commission and Department consulted with the Attorney General's representative on this scenario several years ago and received wise counsel. For anyone on this or any other forum to post completely false and disparaging comments about the Commission, the Department or any other organziation is lower than dirt. If Showmethemoney has facts that will back up his claims then he should take them to the Attorney General for investigation. I wonder if there is an ulterior motive in play here. George