WDFW did not request funding for a 2027 Skagit-Sauk season

[Mossback]

I am not disputing their conclusions about the decline of anglers, hunters, and the rise of voters who want to remove opportunities like a Skagit Sauk season.

I didn't see any conclusions about the Skagit or Sauk, or voters for that matter, just some data points that easily found in a number of places.

 

[Brian]

I didn't see any conclusions about the Skagit or Sauk, or voters for that matter, just some data points that easily found in a number of places.

Again, I don't dispute their data. The organization's mission is to "reform state wildlife management in the U.S. to be more democratic, just, compassionate and focused on protecting wild species and ecosystems". I admit I am making an assumption that their primary demographic is wildlife viewing participants who believe "wild animals as sentient beings worthy of our empathy and respect" (admittedly they truly are). And that demographic, unlike recreational anglers, would probably like to limit opportunities for anglers to disturb the natural behavior of fish, pierce their mouths with sharp metal hooks, and yank them out of their environment.

The Rise of Wildlife Watching | Wildlife for All

The Rise of Wildlife Watching. The number of hunters & anglers has declined but public interest in wildlife watching has grown dramatically.

wildlifeforall.us