Doerr will not seek appointment for another term on Fish and Game Commission

The Press received the following letter a short time ago from Mark Doerr, the former Idaho Fish and Game Commission chairman. Doerr details why he has decided against applying for appointment to another term on the commission.

Despite my desire to avail my time for public service in the representation of the sportsmen and wildlife of Idaho, I will not be applying for a second term to the Idaho Fish and Game Commission due to the politics surrounding my re-appointment. My time spent on the commission since 2013 has been one of the most enjoyable things I have done and I would like to thank the Governor for the opportunity to serve. It has been a privilege to represent the sportsmen of Idaho and to work with the dedicated employees of the Idaho Department of Fish and Game. It is impressive to see the Department's commitment to the public resource they are tasked with managing on behalf of the citizens of this state. They are on the job 24/7 and are truly the leaders in wildlife conservation in the State of Idaho.

The Commission is tasked with evaluating the science the Idaho Department of Fish and Game presents and then to balance that with the social and political requirements of the constituents involved, as it relates to setting wildlife management policy. The 1938 citizens initiative that created the Idaho Fish and Game Commission was done so with the express purpose of limiting the political influence of the legislature from the business of managing the wildlife of the State of Idaho. As is too often the case in today's management of a public resource, long standing political figures have many favors owed and personal financial interest in the outcome of legislation aimed at wildlife management.

The Commission took a strong stand against this influence over the past several years. Sportsmen were polled and public meetings were held statewide on Auction Tags, Bonus Points and LAP tags. Sportsmen spoke loud and clear that they did not want the current policy changed. Members of the Idaho Legislature had other ideas. After several meetings with Legislative Leadership, it became abundantly clear that they wanted the Commission to do their dirty work for them by changing commission policy, despite the fact that none of these 3 issues, if introduced as legislation, would be passed by their fellow legislators. Auction Tag legislation, introduced by Sen. Bair and Rep. Moyle narrowly made it to a print hearing. The commission did not change policy due to the overwhelming input of the sportsmen of Idaho to maintain the current policy. The legislators were not happy and it is unfortunate their influence impacted the governor's decision on commission re-appointments.

Leadership in the Idaho Legislature would do well to take note of the opinion of the 400,000 voting sportsmen in the state of Idaho. When the 2017 legislative session begins, it would be a welcome change, if for the first time in over 10 years, leadership would avoid any legislation involving Auction Tags, Bonus Points and LAP tags, and instead engage in the apparent long forgotten expectation of those elected to public office.....represent your constituents and not yourself. The personal, political and financial gain offered by special interests must be intoxicating for those in leadership in the Idaho Legislature because they continually ignore the will of the majority of their constituents, in this case, the sportsmen of Idaho.

I would also encourage all members of the Idaho Legislature to familiarize themselves with the 1938 Citizens Initiative that created the Idaho Fish and Game Commission. The citizens of Idaho, in 1938, mandated that you give the appropriate deference and respect to Commission deliberations as it relates to any legislation involving Fish and Game issues. Move slowly and solicit input from sportsmen and the organizations that represent them before you make your decision in support of or opposition to legislation regarding Fish and Game issues. This form of commission oversight of the Idaho Department of Fish and Game has stood the test of time for over 76 years.

I have confidence that the current members of the Idaho Fish and Game Commission and the 2 new appointees will stand up to legislative influence, act with integrity and continue to provide sound leadership and thoughtful policy for the wildlife, the Idaho Department of Fish and Game and the sportsmen they represent in the great State of Idaho.

Mark Doerr

Former Chair

Idaho Fish and Game Commission

Region 4