I would like to take a moment to update you on some of the involvement the Washington State Guides Association has with WDFW.

Recently I was contacted by WDFW leadership, asking that Washington State Guides Association be involved in a meeting with WDFW Conservation Director Jeff Davis in regards to a 25-Year Strategic Plan.  The goal for this meeting was them to better understand how we can set WDFW’s sights on a future that meaningfully and successfully engages your organization to support Washington’s fish, wildlife, and way of life.

Today, we had that meeting.  The meeting included Director Susewind, Jeff Davis, Robert Geddis, our vice-president Robert Kratzer and myself.

The meeting lasted a little over and hour.  Bob and I believe this was a very productive meeting and those on the call also conveyed the same sentiment.  While we discussed, some ideas that would be beneficial to a 25-year plan, Bob and I emphasized the need for some immediate changes that would allow more opportunity for the sport anglers in Washington State. One example, is the stripper program, the Rogue River hatchery started in 2008.  Read the article here.

More importantly, is the fact, WDFW wants input from us.  The Washington State Guides Association is clearly recognized by WDFW as a leader in the sport fishing industry in Washington State.