Good Discussion
Always good to see a lively discussion.
Although some valid points are being made, to make the blanket statement that the ODNR is basicly a money hungry monster are unjustified.
The fees from hunting and fishing licenses, special hunting permits(deer & turkey), fur taker permits, along with any fines that are accrued do to violations of laws that are related to the issuance of such permits and licenses, are paid into the state treasury to the credit of the wildlife fund, which shall be exclusively for the use of the department of natural resources in the education of hunters and trappers, for the purchase, management, preservation, propagation, protection, and stocking of wild birds and wild quadrupeds, for establishing and purchasing or otherwise acquiring title to lands for game preservation, propagation, and protection, and for public hunting grounds under rules to be adopted by the chief of the division of wildlife. The chief may employ on such lands one or more game management agents and wildlife officers at such salary and with such duties as the chief prescribes for improving habitat for wild birds and wild quadrupeds and for all phases of game management, propagation, and protection, including the necessary biological investigations, for printing summarized game laws and the division of wildlife lawbook, and for printing such educational leaflets, pamphlets, and books and promoting such educational, survey, and research activities pertaining to the management, preservation, propagation, and protection of wild animals as are approved by the chief and as provided in this chapter and Chapter 1531. of the Revised Code.
The department shall not spend more than thirty-five per cent of this fund for administration and enforcement.
The projected amounts for this fund in fiscal year 2002 were $46,177,752. For fiscal year 2003 $48,713,747.
If you take the amount for 2003 and multiply it by the 35% you end up with $17,049,811 that the state may use for Administration and enforcement. This leaves $31,663,936 That may be used for everything else within the department of Wildlife.
Of the total of $48,713,747, Only $738,750 comes from the Ohio General Revenue Fund. This means $47,974,997 has come from the sportsmen of Ohio!!! That roughly translates into
98.5% of the Division of Wildlife's budget.
We, the hunters and fishermen of Ohio, support the Wildlife Division. If anyone doesn't agree with how they are spending our money, they need to take it upon themselves to find out why! Attend the District meetings and ask questions. If you just want to sit back and bitch and not make the effort, Then you are no better than the slob hunters, whom you claim, that want to take the easy way out.
Aimrite;
I do mind when sportsmen revenue from license and tags is given to state assembly as blank check and then they nerve to cut ODNR Budget. I'm sorry but Ohio sportsmen are getting screwed.
If you have any actual proof of this happening, please enlighten me. I've never heard any charges of this nature.
MadCatter;
I am not against progress but I feel something has to give, once our land has been gobbled up by developers it is too late .... we need to act now.
Very well stated!!
George, I Agree.
Good Luck and Safe Hunting,
Craig
