A "private" high fence, er island, sheep hunting preserve for the super rich in MX is your best case for WSF? Holy Kool-Aid. I think I would have chose a bit different success story.
Could you imagine what those sheep tags would sell for if they couldn't shoot a B&C sheep? All those "conservationists" would scatter like cockroaches with their wallets. Thats a fact.
How's sheep population doing in MT with those millions upon millions raised by auction tags? They must have about half as many sheep as they did 20 years ago? Maybe less? Seems like a good case to give them even more money, its going to such a noble cause. Soon there won't be any sheep left, who will you blame? When I was a kid there was nearly 600 sheep tags issued in MT. There is about 250 tags issued statewide today. Those auction tag funds and sheep conservation groups have really improved sheep numbers...
What about NV? Hows the sheep population there? Last I heard the population was in a free fall decline in many areas? Better sell some more tags!
I'm definitely cherry picking here, but justifying the existence of auction tags with results is not something I would consider a success.
Sure there is 1000 reasons why the populations suck, but giving the WSF, or any group, more auction tags because it will "fix" the problem(s) is a fallacy.
Here is some background on Alaska.
Before the Chugach went to a draw in the mid 2000's, the WSF couldn't give away the governors tag at auction. They routinely sold for $15-35,000, depending on what could be spotted from the air prior to the season. Basically they sold for the same price or slightly above the cost of a guided hunt because a trophy wasn't a guarantee. Those true conservationist, are only willing to part with their money if the $/inch is right. Once it went to a draw, trophy potential increased dramatically, and unsurprisingly the auction tags rose to the mid $150,000+... Best part is they now can shoot a tame sheep it within sight of the highway. Awesome! True essence of a wild sheep hunt right there.
I have zero love for any group pushing auction tags. If they can't raise money though dedicated programs, donations, memberships, etc that are available to all members and the general public they have no business "putting more sheep on the mountain" by way of selling our wildlife. Which they fail miserably at anyway. They're having trouble keeping the sheep they have from dying off.
You think ID is unique in this effort? WSF successfully lobbied the state of Alaska (along with SCI, Ruff Grouse, and others) to allow more $$$ retention of auction tag funds (along with with increasing the auction tags issued). We actually ended up with almost 3x as many tags, none of which have any value above a guided hunt (many sell for much less). Most aren't even subscribed for because the admin costs are more than the money they raise. The only ones of any value are for true trophy hunts... the Chugach Sheep, and an Umiak bear tag. That "coveted" Tok sheep tag still sells for $20k, because its not a sure bet you can kill trophy, so raising money is not really a high priority for the real conservationist. Proceeds from the auction tags were originally 10% kept by the org and 90% back to the state, now its 30/70% plus admin costs. They are required to spend the money on an ADFG administratively approved program, but we all know how programs get approved.
Why are special interest groups dictating how game is managed in our state? FYI, any group can get the same 30%, including SFW, SCI, RMEF, Etc, as long as they are incorporated in the state and meet other various requirements. One such is the stipulation of up to
3 tags may be awarded to each conservation group.
Want to know how slimy WSF is? Alaska has 2 WSF chapters... The Alaska and the
CALIFORNIA chapter. CALIFORNIA formed a chapter in Alaska (got a mail box and an business license) so they could apply for 2 Alaska tags last year, that was on top of the 2 the Alaska recieved. So one org (although "separate") received
4 tags. Every other group receiving tags is based in Alaska with all members in ALASKA. Whats keeping other groups from doing the same thing? Nothing. Please tell me why the CALIFORNIA WSF should be involved with Alaska wildlife management?
I asked the CA president what their intent was, he stated that all the money would go back to Alaska. I haven't checked to see if s check for 100% of the auction as come through yet or not, I'll put $100 down that says its 70%.
Keep drinking that Kool-Aid and tossing money to a group that panders to the rich and lobbies to get more tags.
Strange that, arguably the best conservation group in the world, doesn't need to sell auction tags to remain solvent... nor keep elk on the mountain.
