Posted By:
Kenneth-Schubel
WFC Sponsor
08-27-2004 20:38
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Copy of letter wrote to the FWC from UW-F, please take the time to read it and let the FWC know how you feel:
The Officers and Board of Directors of United Waterfowlers – Florida would like to ask you to place the limited Canvasback & Pintail season the last 30 days of our normal waterfowl season. During much discussion we learned several things:
While early seasons are acceptable for the Panhandle region of the state, Canvasbacks are late migrants to the peninsular region of Florida. Early seasons deny the majority of the state the opportunity to harvest one of these magnificent birds.
Last year, Florida placed the limited seasons during the first 30 days, while Georgia placed their seasons the last 30 days. This virtually allowed anyone hunting Lake Seminole to hunt Canvasbacks and Pintails for the full 60 days of season – provided they were in possession of a GA license and hunting the GA section of the lake. We do not believe that this was the intent of the state, nor do we believe that it is beneficial to the resource. Even the hunters of the Lake Seminole region admit that Canvasback populations are much higher later in the season.
Our polling of members and of the general public show that most people would prefer to have both seasons the last 30 days. Here are the raw figures:
Member Data
Both species early 7%
Pintails early/Canvasbacks late 20%
Both species late 73%
Public Data
Both species early 14%
Both species late 86%
Considering the mild and/or late winters that we have been experiencing in the state, Canvasbacks, in particular, have been extremely late in migrating into the majority of the state. Florida is the wintering ground for these species; therefore, our seasons should be as late as possible. This is the primary reason for the request. This request would also align our hunting regulations with our northern neighbors.
Thanks in advance for your support. Please do not hesitate to contact us if you have any questions regarding our position on this issue. If you would like one of our officers to appear before the commission, we would be honored to do so.
Posted By:
Kenneth-Schubel
WFC Sponsor
Help!! Pin/Can Season 08-24-2004 12:41
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If you would like to see a change in the way the Canvasback and Pintail seasons are handled then please take a minute and e-mail the FWC commissioners with your views:
http://myfwc.com/aboutus/commiss.html
Posted By:
Kenneth-Schubel
WFC Sponsor
08-24-2004 12:39
– – –
The Officers and Board of Directors of United Waterfowlers – Florida would like to ask you to place the limited Canvasback & Pintail season the last 30 days of our normal waterfowl season. During much discussion we learned several things:
While early seasons are acceptable for the Panhandle region of the state, Canvasbacks are late migrants to the peninsular region of Florida. Early seasons deny the majority of the state the opportunity to harvest one of these magnificent birds.
Last year, Florida placed the limited seasons during the first 30 days, while Georgia placed their seasons the last 30 days. This virtually allowed anyone hunting Lake Seminole to hunt Canvasbacks and Pintails for the full 60 days of season – provided they were in possession of a GA license and hunting the GA section of the lake. We do not believe that this was the intent of the state, nor do we believe that it is beneficial to the resource. Even the hunters of the Lake Seminole region admit that Canvasback populations are much higher later in the season.
Our polling of members and of the general public show that most people would prefer to have both seasons the last 30 days. Here are the raw figures:
Member Data
Both species early 7%
Pintails early/Canvasbacks late 20%
Both species late 73%
Public Data
Both species early 14%
Both species late 86%
Considering the mild and/or late winters that we have been experiencing in the state, Canvasbacks, in particular, have been extremely late in migrating into the majority of the state. Florida is the wintering ground for these species; therefore, our seasons should be as late as possible. This is the primary reason for the request. This request would also align our hunting regulations with our northern neighbors.
Thanks in advance for your support. Please do not hesitate to contact us if you have any questions regarding our position on this issue. If you would like one of our officers to appear before the commission, we would be honored to do so.
Posted By:
tsiwarski
Guest
08-23-2004 12:36
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BE A PART OF A WATERFOWL STUDY
My name is Tom Siwarski and I am currently a graduate student at LSU working on my masters degree in waterfowl biology. I also live and die for waterfowl hunting. I am looking for some help from hunters on my project. My project is basically looking at determining age by differences in tail molt. I am looking at mallards, pintails, gadwalls, lesser scaup, redheads, and ring-necks. I have been absolutely thrilled with the help that I have received by hunters so far. It is awesome to see how many guys are willing to help out in order to contribute to science that will enable us to keep healthy populations of ducks into the future. I don’t know how many guys told me “anything to help the ducks.” Last year hunters saved me approximately 1000 carcasses!!! This kind of willingness to contribute made me proud to say I was a waterfowl hunter. I basically need to look at a lot of duck carcasses that are killed through out the hunting season. I would need intact birds except for the breast meat, they can still be breasted. I just need the internal organs and feathers still intact. I would need the ducks frozen until I have them shipped to me (my budget covers this) or until I can stop by and pick them up. If you are interested in being a part of this project or just want to talk about details of the project or duck hunting drop me an email. It is best if you email me instead of placing a post due to the fact that it takes a considerable amount of time to check the post for each state.
Thanks in advance for the help.
Tom Siwarski
tsiwarski@hotmail.com
Posted By:
IAtaxidermist
Guest
Hurricane Country 08-13-2004 23:44
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Good luck and God Bless!
Posted By:
Chris Vogel
Guest
Bonnie and Charley 08-13-2004 11:02
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Good luck down there folks! Hope yall make it through OK!!
Posted By:
Kenneth-Schubel
WFC Sponsor
08-12-2004 07:35
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Job Application …
NAME: John Kerry
RESIDENCE: 7 mansions, including Washington DC, worth multi-millions.
EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE: Law Enforcement. I voted to cut every law enforcement, CIA and defense bill in my career as a US Senator. I ordered Boston to remove a fire hydrant in front of my mansion, thereby endangering my neighbors in the event of fire.
MILITARY: I used three minor injuries to get an early discharge from the military and service in Vietnam (as documented by the attending doctor). I then returned to the US, joined Jane Fonda in protesting the war, and insulted returning Vietnam vets, claiming they committed atrocities and were baby killers. I threw my medals, ribbons, or something away in protest. Or did I? My book, “Vietnam Veterans Against the War: The New Soldier” shows how I truly feel about the military.
COLLEGE: I graduated from Yale University with a low C average. Unlike my counterpart George Bush, I have no higher education and did not get admitted to Harvard nor graduate with an M.B.A
PAST WORK EXPERIENCE: I ran for U.S. Congress and have been there ever since. I have no real world experience except marrying rich women and running HJ Heinz vicariously through my wife Teresa.
ACCOMPLISHMENTS: As a US Senator I set the record for the most liberal voting record, exceeding even Ted Kennedy and Hillary Clinton. I have consistently failed to support our military and CIA by voting against budgets, thus gutting our country’s ability to defend itself. Although I voted for the Iraq War, now I am against it and refuse to admit that I voted for it. I voted for every liberal piece of legislation. I have no plan to help this country but I intend to raise taxes significantly if I am elected.
My wealth so far exceeds that of my counterpart, George Bush, that he will never catch up. I make no or little charitable contributions and have never agreed to pay any voluntary excess taxes in MA, despite family wealth in excess of $700 million.
I (we) own 28 manufacturing plants (Heinz) outside of the U.S., in places like Asia, Mexico and Europe. We can make more profit from the cheaper cost of labor in those Countries, although I blame George Bush for sending all of the jobs out of country.
Although I claim to be in favor of alternative energy sources, Ted Kennedy and I oppose windmills off Nantucket and Martha’s Vineyard as it might spoil our view of the ocean as we cruise on our yachts.
RECORDS AND REFERENCES: None.
PERSONAL: I ride a Serotta Bike. My Gulfstream V Jet I call The Flying Squirrel. I call my $850,000 42-foot Hinckleytwin diesel yacht the “Scarmouche”. I am fascinated by rap and hip-hop and feel it reflects our real culture. I own several “Large” SUVs including one parked at my Nantucket summer mansion, though I am against large polluting inefficient vehicles and blame George Bush for the energy problems.
PLEASE CONSIDER MY EXPERIENCE WHEN VOTING IN 2004. THEN VOMIT AND VOTE FOR A REAL PRESIDENT!!
Posted By:
tsiwarski
Guest
08-03-2004 14:43
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BE A PART OF A WATERFOWL STUDY
My name is Tom Siwarski and I am currently a graduate student at LSU working on my masters degree in waterfowl biology. I also live and die for waterfowl hunting. I am looking for some help from hunters on my project. My project is basically looking at determining age by differences in tail molt. I am looking at mallards, pintails, gadwalls, lesser scaup, redheads, and ring-necks. I have been absolutely thrilled with the help that I have received by hunters so far. It is awesome to see how many guys are willing to help out in order to contribute to science that will enable us to keep healthy populations of ducks into the future. I don’t know how many guys told me “anything to help the ducks.” Last year hunters saved me approximately 1000 carcasses!!! This kind of willingness to contribute made me proud to say I was a waterfowl hunter. I basically need to look at a lot of duck carcasses that are killed through out the hunting season. I would need intact birds except for the breast meat, they can still be breasted. I just need the internal organs and feathers still intact. I would need the ducks frozen until I have them shipped to me (my budget covers this) or until I can stop by and pick them up. If you are interested in being a part of this project or just want to talk about details of the project or duck hunting drop me an email. It is best if you email me instead of placing a post due to the fact that it takes a considerable amount of time to check the post for each state.
Thanks in advance for the help.
Tom Siwarski
tsiwarski@hotmail.com
Posted By:
Kenneth-Schubel
WFC Sponsor
07-27-2004 08:51
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From time to time you all receive notices which ask you to write or e-mail a public official. I know these come from many organizations you may be affiliated with. It’s easy to put it off, or be “too busy”. What’s one more e-mail going to do anyway?
Recently the Army Corp of Engineers asked for public comment on the regulations that govern how water is managed in Lake Okeechobee. How long have you heard citizens from all over south and central Florida complaining about how the Lake is managed. Hundreds of people that fish the estuaries were ready storm the SFWMD offices to stop the discharges. Thousands were concerned all over the state. 800 people showed up at a rally at the Lake.
Do you know how many public comments the Corp received? The Stuart News got the comments through a freedom of information act request. There were 16!
Your 1 e-mail or letter does make a difference!
If you care about these issues, please join in and be part of the VOICE.
David J. Lithgow
United Waterfowlers – Florida Inc
PS Oh by the way, UW-F was one of the 16!
Posted By:
Kenneth-Schubel
WFC Sponsor
07-27-2004 08:46
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THE FUTURE OF HUNTING IN FLORIDA
UW-F VIEWPOINT
Newton E. Cook
President UW-F
Hunting in Florida faces multiple challenges. A rapidly growing population that demographically does not have hunting experience and requiring infrastructure that reduces natural habitat is potentially the threat that could end public hunting in all but the most remote parts of the state. If hunting is to be available to the public hunter in future years, provisions must be made now to protect enough natural habitat, especially in the south and along the coastal regions, to allow thousands of participants access to the sport near home with a minimum of expense and red tape. The state, federal, water district and other public land now owned and acquired in the future by the taxpayers must be open to hunting unless there are compelling safety reasons. Hunting must not be limited to the wealthy and elite or general support will dwindle and bring restrictions and/or bans.
Waterfowling is impacted by coastal and shoreline development. Loss of hunting on waters near shoreline development due to “noise” is a particular problem. Protection of hunting rights on navigable waters is needed, even inside city limits, unless there is physical danger to citizens. The lack of a reasonable number of access points, boat ramps, to water bodies restricts public use. Habitat is sometimes destroyed by water management district, Corps of Engineers or other governmental construction projects. Wetlands are protected in Florida, but alterations in habitat and development to the very edge of the habitat often reduces hunting opportunities.
WHAT CAN BE DONE?
WATERFOWL
UNITED WATERFLOWERS-FL is specifically involved with the improvement of hunting opportunities and success for Florida duck hunters. Some suggestions follow:
1. Open ALL public wetlands to waterfowling during the season. Only exception for closing an area would be safety.
2. Open All WMAs to waterfowling during the season. Only exception for closing a WMA would be the days of SPECIAL QUOTA or QUOTA hunts. Waterfowling would be open during season even when all other hunting activity was closed on the WMA.
3. Pass a state law preventing the closing of hunting on navigable waterways for “nuisance” reasons. Require a compelling safety reason, with challenge protection for the public.
4. Pass a state law requiring the state EPA to access each herbicide spraying project on public waters for (negative) impacts on resident and migrating waterfowl. Require spraying to be scheduled at times that are not detrimental to waterfowl nutrition and health.
WHAT CAN BE DONE?
GENERAL HUNTING
UW-F has a general philosophy of increasing access and reducing “management” or red tape for the public hunter. The following suggestions are for public land, including the WMAs. Generally, the KISSIMMEE PUBLIC USE AREA is an excellent example of public hunting opportunity. The suggestions are restricted to public land as the current hunting practices on private land rarely impact the public hunter. There is a need to greatly expand opportunity for a larger number of public hunters to access public land for hunting. If a larger number of hunters are to be allowed on the land, seasons and limits must be adjusted to both protect the resource populations and allow a reasonable success rate for as many hunters as possible.
1. Statewide (or FWC REGION) PUBLIC LAND HUNTING SEASONS are suggested for all game. These dates would be set based on sustainable resources. They may or may not be the same as for private lands. Deer and spring turkey would probably be split seasons of two weeks each, with a two week fall season for turkeys.
2. Statewide (or FWC REGION) PUBLIC LAND HARVEST LIMITS are suggested for all game. Small game limits would probably be the same as for private land. Deer and turkey would probably be limited to two each per hunter per year on all public lands. These limits would be managed by a tag system. Two turkey and two deer tags would be attached (or printed on) the PUBLIC LAND HUNTING PERMIT ( the current WMA permit). The hunter’s license number would be recorded on the tags. The appropriate tag would be applied to the animal at the harvest site. Anyone caught moving or transporting an untagged animal would be fined a minimum of $500 and lose public land hunting rights for 5 years.
3. SPECIALITY QUOTA HUNTS are to be ended.
4. REGULAR QUOTA HUNTS on WMAs are to be limited to the first 5 days of the Statewide (or FWC REGION) PUBLIC LAND HUNTNG SEASON for the species. After the 5 days, the WMA would be open for the duration of the statewide season. All WMAs would be open during all the same days as per the PUBLIC LAND HUNTING SEASON dates. No quota hunt staggered dates
