IDFG: Listen up, Legislature

We are FORTUNATE to live in a state with tremendous opportunity for hunting and enjoying the outdoors.

We are FORTUNATE to represent a great number of hunters that share the same ideals to protect our hunting heritage and ensure access to our publicly owned wildlife.

We are FORTUNATE to have a Fish and Game Department that manages our wildlife through science based decision making that is vetted through the public hearing process.

We are FORTUNATE to have a Fish and Game Department that is willing to take their proposals public through various media outlets for all to understand.

We are UNFORTUNATE when our Legislature takes a simple fully vetted proposal for an increase in funding for the Fish and Game Department and holds it hostage behind closed doors.

We are UNFORTUNATE when our Legislature feels the need to “tinker” or micromanage the Fish and Game Department due to lobbying or input from a powerful few, when the ideas they are promoting have not been vetted through the public process that include public hearings and or the Fish and Game Advisory Committee.

We are FORTUNATE to live in a democratic republic where the people can effect change in their legislative representatives when our representatives DO NOT represent the views of the majority of the people they represent, or are unduly influenced by a powerful few.

Our HOPE is that our Legislature will listen to the Fish and Game Department since the decisions and management policy promoted are based in science and have been publicly vetted.

TONY HAFLA

Idaho Falls