Pete Zimowsky, of the Idaho Statesman, speaks out against the anti-bighorn sheep bills.
“In my 40 or so years of hunting and fishing in the West and covering wildlife issues, I have never seen such anti-wildlife bills. I think hunters, wildlife photographers, jet-boat and rafting outfitters and conservationists should be outraged by these bills and contact Idaho legislators.”
He’s not alone in feeling this way.
Call Idaho legislators about anti-bighorn sheep bills
Pete Zimowsky, Idaho Statesman.
Ken Cole
Ken Cole is a 5th generation Idahoan, an avid fly fisherman, wildlife enthusiast, and photographer. He is the interim Idaho Director for Western Watersheds Project. We do not accept unsolicited “guest” authors or advertising.
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This is ridiculous that we should have to call legislators regarding this. Can you say disenfranchisment?
If you really look at what is happening in all areas of wildlife management in Idaho it is very apparent that Idaho legislators don’t really care about conservationists, sportsmen, or wildlife. Everything that is coming out of the IDFG and the legislature benefits agricultural interests, primarily livestock.
I would disagree with that broad sweeping brush in painting the IDF&G. Lately that has been the case in the legislature.
smalltownID –
i think Ken means the commissioners – the politicos…
Yes, I should have been more specific. Sorry.
No worries, I have discussed this on other threads and have a bottom-up view of the F&G rather than a top-down view for various reasons. It seems most folks on here think of the directors when it comes to F&G where I think of the biologists and CO’s who seem to do the real management.
But all the “on-the-ground” personnel are afraid for their very jobs if they don’t kiss the commissioners’ butts, so what’s the difference?
I think of Idaho Fish and Game and similar agencies in other states from top to bottom.
Too many of them have ideological and/or conflict-of-interest overseers (the commissioners). COs have the most political freedom, unless they arrest someone with “connections.” Being a truthful biologist in many states can be dangerous to your career.
I didn’t surprise me that a number of F & G personnel took my political science classes (as well as people of land management agencies). Sometimes I think there is more politics in wildlife management than in day-to-day activity of the political parties.