In the Summer 1999 HUNTER S ALERT newsletter, we told you that the Wildlife commissioners were going to do a survey. Surveys are usually done for two reasons. You don t know what to do or you would like to improve on what you are doing. When it comes to the Bob Miller appointments on the Wildlife Commission, the You don t know what to do description fits perfectly and that s why they decided a survey was needed.

Only 18% stated they were very satisfied. Just under half of the hunters (47%) expressed satisfaction with the job being done managing the deer population. Approximately one third (31%) believe the mule deer population in Nevada is declining.

• Hunters were asked to rate their overall satisfaction with the job Nevada Division of Wildlife does with managing the mule deer population. Only 18% stated they were very satisfied. Just under half of the hunters (47%) expressed satisfaction with the job being done managing the deer population. Approximately one third (31%) believe the mule deer population in Nevada is declining.

• Hunters were read various statements about deer hunting in Nevada and for each one asked how strongly they either agree or disagree. There were six questions and the one that had the highest percentage of strongly agreeing was about predator control. Nearly two thirds of the hunters agree that more needs to be done to control predators such as coyotes and mountain lions. In fact, half of the hunters strongly agree that more needs to be done to control predators. Only 14% disagreed with predator control. Long-time mule deer hunters, older hunters and trophy hunters are more likely to strongly agree that more needs to be done to control predators.

• The last question was suggestions/comments to improve overall quality of deer hunting experience. Under the heading of predators and habitat, the most repeated comment under habitat was work on improving the habitat (6 people).

Under predator control, need more/better predator control (66 people).

• The executive summary had this to say: That just under half of the hunters are satisfied with the deer management may be explained by the fact that just 40% of the hunters are pleased with the current mule deer population in Nevada. It is also equally important to note that any changes that are made be clearly communicated to the hunters and their opinions should be actively sought out and taken into careful consideration.

(Emphasis added)

HA, HA, HA, None of this will ever happen until Bob Miller s appointments are gone from the Wildlife Commission. For over twelve years, sportsmen have told NDOW and the Wildlife Commission that we have a serious predator problem. They have failed to act on predator management, taking the easy way out using Mother Nature excuses. In addition, when have they ever listened to the sportsmen or taken their opinions into consideration? Certainly not during the Willie Molini/Bob Miller era. The headline for this story about the wasted money on a survey will hold true until the majority of the Wildlife Commissioners have some idea of what is going on with our wildlife issues. Only then, will some knowledgeable Wildlife commissioners listen to and act on behalf of sportsmen s wishes.