Assume the position...MS. Waterfowlers recieve the shaft...

[bigwater]

new albany... wtf

[MSDuckmen]

Dan you are as usual correct in your statements. However, the WMA meetings are not common knowledge to the users of the WMA's. There is no notice on the check-in stations, no notice on the WMA pamplets, no notice to everyone who purchased a lisenece, there may have been a notice in the Clarion Ledger, there may have been a notice on the MDWFP web site. I am sure there were very few waterfowlers at the WMA meeting, because most knew nothing about it.

I also agree with you, apathy is a common disease of most sportsmen. I disagree with anyone that would support a rule change without the specifics of the rule spelled out. I do not think, through contact with the MDWFP, the specifics of the Draw system at "our favorite " WMA have been hammered out. The way the draw will be run makes or brakes how palitable the rule change will be. In my opinion the vote was a knee jerk reaction to do something and "draw" sounded good. Correct me if I am wrong, and spell out the specifics of the draw. I'm in the dark.

Ok let me start by saying that I don't have all the answers to how this came about but I do know it was not a Knee Jerk reaction to the problem. This has been addressed over years. These men spend a great deal of time hashing out possibilities and I’m sure this one is no different. On top of that at the committee meetings they would have been presented fully to the committee for review along with hard copies of the proposal.

Water fowlers that don't know of the issues facing areas they frequent are no ones fault but their own. Do you think for a minute that I was selected for these meeting because I'm the voice of all water fowlers? No. Fact is that I see things very different than most. I made it a point to get involved just as I do many other aspects in this heritage. I plant trees, support almost every wildlife organization in the state and make every possible meeting I can that is related to this heritage. I constantly check the MDWFP site for updates and make it a point to visit the Department at least twice a year just to talk to some officers there. You are right in that apathy is the problem and in my opinion at this point the only problem.
Anyone of you that care and want to voice an opinion can and all it takes is being proactive and giving up a small part of your other activities to do so.
I can't tell you the specifics of the Draw because I didn’t even know that it was accepted as I didn't make the May meeting.
The pamphlets have not been printed yet so there is none available for this year at the WMA's but public notice was supplied at stations that I visited. Just as you do not see bills listed on the news or in the paper you will have to go to the MS bills page to stay abreast it is no different with MDWFP issues. The only time a bill makes news is when it is controversial in nature and the news throws it out there to sell or get public reaction.

What I'm getting at here James is that no one can sit on their hind end all year and whine about issues that others care enough to go the extra mile and make happen. Every year I post on this site about the Public meeting and only the first year did we have a few from this site to attend. The year before last I was the only one I knew of from this site to attend at all short of SB which is there every time due to being the waterfowl manager.

Bigwater the committee meets in a different location every month in an attempt to allow the general public to attend without having to drive the length of the state to make a meeting. Sometimes it is north and others south with some in the Jackson area.
These men work hard to try and please the public which is impossible for the most part. I attend these meeting to support them and to stay abreast of the changes which allow me to give some input toward issues and is available to each and everyone on this site and in the state.
These meeting are not all waterfowl related and cover all hunting opportunity in the state on WMA's and associate regulations.
Alligator season, WMA fees, Rules and Regs pertaining to stands on WMA's, coon dog seasons, horse use on WMA's are all a direct result of these meetings.

I’m no different than anyone of you except that maybe I didn't sit around waiting to see what the next season offered I wanted to be a part of it. To me it is no different than many things I see on this site and others. People will do what ever they want regardless as long as it doesn't require any real effort on their part. No different than people who use shortcuts to hunt and abuse the resource by destroying all it comes in contact with under the guise of hunting. I'll not go there but it has always been my hope on these boards to bring a different view to the heritage and have people see it for the great resource it is. Care as much for it as if you love it like your life. I have found that it is not possible to guide people in that direction unless they feel the same way. Instead they will stay on a hunting forum and whine about who said what or brag about how much or what they killed as if that makes them have some kind of great worth. I have taken many a beating on these forums for my views but I still stand for what is right.

People should care about the resource and all it has to offer and devote the time and effort it takes to make a difference unless if is just another hobby to toy with. You will not always get it your way but it is in the best interest of the whole that matters.

Sorry for the rants and I'm sure some cowboy like Duckaholic will have some great wisdom to share on my post but you men know where I stand on issues and I'll be there till I leave this earth. I'll know I made a difference and I can go in any direction in this state and point out my contributions many which I will never benefit from myself.
I have always for the most part liked each and every one of you that I have met. Although my personal beliefs keep me from sharing outing in this resource with some of you I personally hold no grudge. I just choose to separate myself from the activity. If you don't understand I’m very sorry.

[mudsucker]

new albany... wtf

Anybody seeing ducks around there? Thanks in advance!

[MSDawg870]

Thats where I killed my first duck.

[RLJames]

Thanks for the reply. I have read your post for several years and you are right anyone taking a stand will get whacked on here as a lot of posters are anonymous. I don't want to hash out the finer points of the rule making process on this forum either. My point is even if it might be nessecery in some situations a DRAW SMELLS BAD.

Dan wrote;
"On top of that at the committee meetings they would have been presented fully to the committee for review along with hard copies of the proposal"

I still do not believe the draw process has been finalize and in my opinion the commissoners or anyone eles should support or pass a rule to draw without the specifics know.

I support the MDWFP and several of the wardens personally and they are top quaility people.

I have planted some trees.

I like almost everybody.[/i][/u][/b]

[Drakeshead]

We talk about it all we want on this forum and nothing will get done. After speaking with someone with the MDWFP, a letter with your solution/ideas is what will assist them in their decision making. Maybe a draw just on weekends? Maybe opening weekend and the first two weeks of the season?

You get the idea. So, break out the pens or keyboard and drop the MDWFP a note with your solution to the problem.

[MSDuckmen]

I still do not believe the draw process has been finalize and in my opinion the commissoners or anyone eles should support or pass a rule to draw without the specifics know.

Well from this link I think it is final and is listed with dates and deadlines for submitting for the draw. This is straight from the MDWFP WMA web page under new proposals. The Proposal is final and excepted. Next comes the regulations.

http://www.mdwfp.com/Level2/Wildlife/pdf/Final/2007/3348.pdf

At this time those of you that are not for it need to be calling and writing the commission.

[booger]

Dan, Msduckmen I always enjoy your post but take issue with a couple of points of logic. If there is apathy, no involvement and one lonely meeting after another, then whince therefore did these changes come from? Certainly not from the rallying cry there at the meetings?

Apparently not any WMA hunters appeared either for or against it. One must conclude that the proposed changes came from within. Either from perceived problems or could it be.............internet hubbub and video?

The MDWFP has a database of individuals who purchased a WMA permit. If they'd like to employ some data entry efforts, they could further produce a name of everyone who used the specific WMA, by year, by species hunted, by zip code, by using the information on the permit cards. Leave all non WMA permit holders out of the decision process. The database is there, they should use it with no excuses.

Notifying the affected users is not an absurd request. Why don't they consistently do this is a valid question I'll ask 'em.

Everyone on this board is concerned about all wildlife issues, but mortgages, sick grandmas, soccer practice, t-ball, funerals, weddings, chemotherapy etc. can get in the way of following the MDWFP every bubbling fart.

The rule change will turn to chit because to properly run and monitor the draw will requires a man with a badge to be present from 4:00 am until the last straggler leaves. The department will immediately claim they can't afford to do that, and they're right, they can't. That's why they should fuggetaboutit.

[greenheadgrimreaper]

That is a very good point booger...

[MSDuckmen]

If there is apathy, no involvement and one lonely meeting after another, then whince therefore did these changes come from? Certainly not from the rallying cry there at the meetings?

Apparently not any WMA hunters appeared either for or against it. One must conclude that the proposed changes came from within. Either from perceived problems or could it be.............internet hubbub and video?

The MDWFP has a database of individuals who purchased a WMA permit. If they'd like to employ some data entry efforts, they could further produce a name of everyone who used the specific WMA, by year, by species hunted, by zip code, by using the information on the permit cards. Leave all non WMA permit holders out of the decision process. The database is there, they should use it with no excuses.

Notifying the affected users is not an absurd request. Why don't they consistently do this is a valid question I'll ask 'em.

Everyone on this board is concerned about all wildlife issues, but mortgages, sick grandmas, soccer practice, t-ball, funerals, weddings, chemotherapy etc. can get in the way of following the MDWFP every bubbling fart.

The rule change will turn to chit because to properly run and monitor the draw will requires a man with a badge to be present from 4:00 am until the last straggler leaves. The department will immediately claim they can't afford to do that, and they're right, they can't. That's why they should fuggetaboutit.

First booger it was not one meeting but multiple meetings covering a three year period. The changes come from a constant request year after year from those that chose to be proactive and ask for a change to the commission.

Why do you think NO WMA hunters appeared either for it or against it. They did and I was there to witness it. Why would anyone that was not a WMA user attend a meeting on WMA’s? What I said was that none from this forum with the exception of a couple ever came.

With funds at an all time low already can you not see and understand the cost that it would take to send out such a poll to all WMA users. Have you put any thought in to the cost associated with something of that magnitude every time they choose to make a change to a WMA rule. That is almost like saying we will not create a new law in congress without sending out letters for a poll for every law or bill that hits the floor. Notifying the affected users is not an absurd request to you and they do for those that choose to stay informed. They post the minutes, they post public notices, They give you 30+ days to respond. But somehow it is their fault that people don't know. I just don't get it...

I do not believe that everyone on this site is concerned about all wildlife issues I think many only care what they can get out of it and that has been proved time and time again with actions posted on this board. If it is important to the user it should be followed up on and you don’t have to be at every meeting to stay abreast. I know because I’m not at every meeting, However if you have time to read these post on these forums you have time to read the commission minutes and new proposals. Instead it is easier to complain about it on a forum and read post about all the bubbling farts left by dozens of people who feel they have been wronged when they didn’t do anything to help themselves because after paying their mortgages, visiting their sick grandmas, watching soccer practice, t-ball, and attending funerals, weddings, chemotherapy etc they choose to sit on their rear and watch TV because their favorite team is playing and Billy Bob is bringing beer and pizza over and after the game they will go out and shoot Black Birds and Parrots for fun. After which they will sign on to the forum to talk about anything and everything besides the real issues that the forum was designed to cover.

You think it can’t be managed?
You are required to wait till 5:00 am to enter and required to be out by noon.
You will be required to have your permit and daily draw on hand. I think it is easily managed in that they don’t have to run all over the place to chase people down, they know who and where you are suppose to be. If your not then the user will pay the price. They have for the first time in years filled all the jobs that have been vacant for some time so they have the personal to do it.


This is and has been going on in Noxubee for years and is successful so much that it is still working today 30 years later after I left MSU and I hunted it regular then.

Thanks for the comments and it is good to hear from you again Booger. Hope you have a successful and safe season this next year.

[booger]

I find it hard to believe a constant three year quest for a draw has occurred. Perhaps complaints to "do something", yeah that I can believe. "Something" has turned into a draw instead of all the other options and suggestions made, there's the rub. A draw is exclusionary in nature, I'm out all season but some lucky SOB is in, for one day anyway.

If the department can't afford to print and get a bulk rate postcard mailed for about 20 cents to WMA permit holders. Then they sure as hell can't afford Johnny Wayne standing there every a.m., explaining rules, listening to the bellyaching, explaining what a Merganser is, telling the late comers too bad so sad, where to park, how to get there, sign your duck stamp etc. etc. etc. The only reason location NX runs at all is because Johnny Wayne is standing there. If the the whole place were on the honor system bwahahahahahahahhaah.

No entry until 5:00? Dan, are you suggesting that has been a model of effective management?

Do I have to draw to scout? Can I squirrel/possum/frog hunt? Can I birdwatch? The ripple effect of this draw is larger than some think.

Dan - I hope your season is good too, let's put in for the draw.

[mudsucker]

BUT, Johnny Wayne IS there every morning I do believe!

[MSDuckmen]

Ok guys you win, It is a bad idea, TheDepartment should have let the problem people solve the problem they created to start with by spending 10 of thousands of dollars sending out publications and Polls.

Really this is my last post on this issue as you can't make people understand something that they refuse to except. Yes for three years worth of meetings I attended I heard Draw on multiple occations including other issues I have already posted.

You guys can and likely will continue to do as you always have done and fuss about the outcome without making an effort to make a change for what ever reason you decide is valid. I on the otherhand with many others will continue to make these meetings and at the very least voice our concerns and suggestions.

Thanks for the well wishes Booger I have already applied for the draw.

[RLJames]

I don't think its about winning and loosing. For me personally the draw at "Our Favorite" WMA will be a plus, but I ain't for it. I don't go to this WMA very much and I'll put in for the draw and if drawn I'll invite Boog and Dan. I think for the young guys getting into the sport, yea the sky busters, coot killers will not have an opportunity to apply their trade because they aren't thinking about duck hunting till the season opens. They will be the loosers and like it or not there the future of waterfowling. I on the other hand will have my name in every draw the MDWFP can come up with as soon as they allow me to put in. I think Boog has the right idea and I'll pay an extra dollar or two to help with the mailing expense.

I think the draw on a limited basis is necessary for safty, but a draw to be passed and approved without specifics on how it will be run is carless and foolish and I'll stand by that till the maker sends me home.

bubbly farts and Draws stink.

[DUCKAHOLIC]

WooHoo the great MSDUCKMAN thinks I am a Cowboy......I feel so darn lucky that when he is typing that I am on his mind.......