Chef Report post Posted May 8, 2014 I've been meaning to post this. It's an invitation from Jim deVoss of the department. I know not everyone can make it as it's during the week and may be far from some people. It takes me a good hour+ to get there but will do my best to attend. I like to be able to give my two cents when applicable and stay in touch whenever I can. -Chef "...This is the first notice for the next Sportsmen Open Forum which will be held on May 21, 2014 at 6 – 8 PM in the Eagle Room of the Arizona Game and Fish Department Headquarters. We will have an interactive session to discuss issues that the Department sees as important to our constituencies. There will be time for open dialogue with those who would like to discuss issues that are of concern and/or importance to sportsmen. The Department is committed to a bi-monthly program of Sportsmen’s Forums. To ensure a more effective forum, members of the Department’s Executive Team will facilitate the meeting. If you are aware of other sportsmen and women who should attend, please pass this invitation on to them…it is an open forum. We really look forward to seeing you there. As always, we will be informal and depend on the audience to open discussions, but if there is any particular issue you would like more information on, please give me a call or an email so we can be prepared to provide the most current information possible." Jim deVos Assistant Director Wildlife Management Division Arizona Game and Fish Department Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
coueshunter Report post Posted May 8, 2014 This is really something I applaud AZGFD for doing. They are reaching out and letting all of us hear what they are doing and also for us to bring up complaints about anything as well as suggestions of improving stuff. This is a great time for all of us to ask questions about the wolf situation, tag numbers for elk/deer etc.... its an open forum. Last forum there was only about 6 people showed up not from a wildlife org. So hopefully this one, lots of people will be there. Allen Taylor. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Chef Report post Posted May 21, 2014 This is tonight. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
stanley Report post Posted May 21, 2014 I've been kind of hiding and out of the loop lately, and hence am not as up to speed on many of the current hot topics. Due to that, I'm not sure if I have much of an opinion to share but I'm definitely going to attend to listen with an open ear! Folks, if you are passionate about ANYTHING related to game in AZ, this is your chance! Try not to miss it. See you there, Hector! S. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
AZLance Report post Posted May 21, 2014 Anything ever come of the last meeting? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Chef Report post Posted May 22, 2014 Was a good meeting. I applaud the department (AZGFD) for continuing to put forth efforts into two way communication between the public and themselves. The next open forum is July 9th and will be broadcast online, as the AZ big game super raffle (AZBGSR) drawing is conducted that night. They plan on streaming the open forum on rare occasions but prefer to address the public in person. From here on out, the department will implement a running status report of sorts, that will give updates on things they are working on, that the public has brought up at these meetings. They hope to begin their meetings with this topic, giving updates on things. Topics talked about included: -Amendments requested to the snare reintroduction lingo for trappers -No wake zone proposals in certain areas of Az lakes to assist with fisherman safety -Proposal for a limited otter season -Hunter orange for Southern units -Mexican Gray wolf management -Wildlife Initiatives -Heritage acquired property operation & maintenance -Eagles -Bonus point policy -Hug a Hunter In attendance were six AZGFD employees including director Voyles and assistant director DeVos. Also in attendance were two AZGFD commissioners, Jim Ammons and Pat Madden. So eight people representing the department were present to answer questions regarding everything wildlife in Az. From the public were eight individuals, and only two were not affiliated with a wildlife conservation group. I hope to see more and more people show up. We have some hard battles ahead of us in regards to battling the environmentalists and their agendas. 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Chef Report post Posted May 22, 2014 It was nice catching up with you Stan! We'll catch up soon. Trattoria Bianco is calling! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
stanley Report post Posted May 22, 2014 Good seeing you to, Hector. Been too long...... I went to Bianco a just a couple of weeks ago (it is in my hood.....). Absolutely, we should go! Regarding the meeting last night, I thought it was good and informative! It had been quite a while since I had taken the time to participate in that kind of a thing, and I was glad that I went. I as well applaud the G&F team for making the time to show-up and hold a completely open forum. It reminded me of some of the high-level challanges that they deal with as a department and the fact that 'managing game' here in our state is not at all as easy as it sounds. The lack of attendance by 'average joes' was striking. I would really encourage anyone to try to attend going forward, as it really was a great opportunity to ask very direct questions of the highest level of leadership within the department and get strait answers in return. Good stuff! S. 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
