WY proposed regulation change Disabled Veterans!

[Addicting]

If you are a disabled Veteran you need to read the proposed rule changes in WY. I know this is a very small crowd that qualifies for extension permits and donated licenses.

But as one who uses these it has been God send that allowed healing of several Veterans.

If these proposing these changes only knew what it takes to be in the 100% bracket. Or how much healing takes place around camp when Vets can get together with donated tags.

This program hasn’t made any dents in overpopulation issues. Yet it’s getting axed because we don’t show outward physical signs.


I would encourage you to read them and comment.

Public Input | Wyoming Game & Fish Department

We invite your feedback on proposed changes to our regulations. For inquiries about the proposed regulatory changes, reach out to your local Department Regional Office. Please note that questions submitted through the forum below will not receive a response.

wgfd.wyo.gov

 

[Pucky Freak]

Why do season extensions matter?

 

[Nick87]

@ccc23454

 

[Addicting]

Why do season extensions matter?

It allows guys like me who have challenges to be able to hunt 5 days early without conflict.

I don’t want to get into the details of my VA file on a open forum. My Docs made the decision that I was 100% VA Disabled. I try my best to do everything I can but I don’t always keep it under control.

@Dave N
@SFC B
@JohnCushman

Have all seen the not so nice side on our hunts when it sneaks out.

Here is what the new regulations says we would have to be to qualify for the extension permit.

Has a Central Visual Acuity Disability, is quadriplegic, upper extremity disabled, paraplegic, permanently paralyzed over at least fifty (50%) percent of their body or otherwise physically disabled so as to be permanently confined to a wheelchair (or similar device)

 

[Addicting]

Why do season extensions matter?

Also, the donated tag system is being revamped. They pulled the proposed chapter 44 after a lot of backlash. It should repost on May 4th.

There are a lot of Veteran Non Profits that rely on that to do Veteran trips. It will be curious to see what the May 4th revisions are.

 

[SFC B]

That will absolutely suck if it goes through. The donated tags are a wonderful thing for Vets and are not "extra" tags, simply a very generous way that residents can give something very meaningful (opportunity). As for the extension, it is hard to articulate to folks who don't have a frame of reference what can be going on beneath the surface or even physical ailments that aren't directly apparent. A guy peripherally in a group of friends of mine was doing the "it must be NICE to be 100% VA" schtick one time and having had enough I pulled up my eBenefits and show him the list of all my shit and then went over my daily meds. Asked him if he would think it "nice" to have all that shit all day, EVERY day, FOREVER? Strange how people get quiet at that.....

Side question, are they taking the extension away from youth hunters as well? I would venture to guess there are a LOT more of those in use.

 

[Addicting]

Side question, are they taking the extension away from youth hunters as well? I would venture to guess there are a LOT more of those in use.

It’s a bit confusing the way it’s worded. That verbiage above is directly from the regulation. It applies to everyone.

Or you qualify by

Meets the requirements set forth in W.S. § 23-1-705(j); (is twenty (20) years of age or younger with has a life threatening illness and is sponsored by a nonprofit charitable organization whose mission it is to provide opportunities and experiences to persons with a life threatening or serious illness).

They are removing the age limit, it doesn’t copy paste well. That sentence in parentheses is red.

 

[thomas89]

Curious to read the May 4th changes as well!

 

[Addicting]

The donated tags are a wonderful thing for Vets and are not "extra" tags,

These are also tags that get returned. Every year the public list of donated tags will expire with quite a few left on it. Limiting it will only increase the waste.

It’s a cumbersome process with a Non profit to get a tag. It all has to be done via snail mail or in person. It’s not that Vets don’t want the tags it’s that we can’t get thru the process in time.

So let’s not fix the process to be easier for everyone to use, let’s limit the folks who have figured it out, so more tags can expire on the list.

 

[thomas89]

These are also tags that get returned. Every year the public list of donated tags will expire with quite a few left on it. Limiting it will only increase the waste.

It’s a cumbersome process with a Non profit to get a tag. It all has to be done via snail mail or in person. It’s not that Vets don’t want the tags it’s that we can’t get thru the process in time.

So let’s not fix the processor be easier for everyone to use, let’s limit the folks who have figured it out so more tags can expire on the list.

I was astounded to find out they still use snail mail for this. Three envelopes converge in Cheyenne from all over the place and then the application is all put together and the tag transferred. Very clunky.

Agreed there is more often than not tags leftover and sometimes pretty decent ones at that!

 

[Addicting]

I was astounded to find out they still use snail mail for this. Three envelopes converge in Cheyenne from all over the place and then the application is all put together and the tag transferred. Very clunky.

Agreed there is more often than not tags leftover and sometimes pretty decent ones at that!

Relying on the post office when you are competing against in person is never going to be smooth, efficient, or fair.

The real issue is to revamp how they are choosing to reissue these tags.

There are some local Non Profits snagging moose and sheep tags every year for the same handful of guys. It’s annoying but it’s only because of the departments archaic rules. Those guys set up their own nonprofit and at least one of them lives in Cheyenne. Limiting it to once every 5 years does no good, they will just pass the tags around in a cycle between 5 members.

 

[thomas89]

Relying on the post office when you are competing against in person is never going to be smooth, efficient, or fair.

The real issue is to revamp how they are choosing to reissue these tags.

There are some local Non Profits snagging moose and sheep tags every year for the same handful of guys. It’s annoying but it’s only because of the departments archaic rules. Those guys set up their own nonprofit and at least one of them lives in Cheyenne. Limiting it to once every 5 years does no good, they will just pass the tags around in a cycle between 5 members.

Can you PM with that info? Or post it here? That’s insane, no clue that happened!

 

[Addicting]

Can you PM with that info? Or post it here? That’s insane, no clue that happened!

If you watch the list, any glory tag that gets posted, is removed within hours or by the next day.

 

[thomas89]

If you watch the list, any glory tag that gets posted, is removed within hours or by the next day.

I've seen that happen for sure, what's the org in Cheyenne that is facilitating that? It always surprises me how fast they are gone based on that snail mail factor. I can't say I've ever even see a moose/sheep/goat tag hit that list although I know they do get donated. Frankly I have been frustrated with some of the vet orgs that I've contacted/attempted to contact. ZERO response.

 

[Addicting]

I've seen that happen for sure, what's the org in Cheyenne that is facilitating that? It always surprises me how fast they are gone based on that snail mail factor. I can't say I've ever even see a moose/sheep/goat tag hit that list although I know they do get donated. Frankly I have been frustrated with some of the vet orgs that I've contacted/attempted to contact. ZERO response.

The org doesn’t have to be in Cheyenne. It can be anywhere, you only need one person there to handover prefilled in paperwork.

I don’t want to get into specifics on an open thread. Just know it happens, I’ve used it.

 

[thomas89]

The org doesn’t have to be in Cheyenne. It can be anywhere, you only need one person there to handover prefilled in paperwork.

I don’t want to get into specifics on an open thread. Just know it happens, I’ve used it.

I too have used it. You said there are local non-profits (the vet orgs) snagging tags for the same handful of people. I would be curious who those orgs are and who the people are. Nothing grinds my gears more than these orgs that run off the good ol' boy system.

 

[Addicting]

I too have used it. You said there are local non-profits (the vet orgs) snagging tags for the same handful of people. I would be curious who those orgs are and who the people are. Nothing grinds my gears more than these orgs that run off the good ol' boy system.

If you really want to know, do a FOIA and you will see the same named NP. However, they are not the only ones, just the most influential.

I don’t want to get into it on an open forum because they changed leadership this year. I am hopeful that corrects some of the shenanigans. The new leadership should be given a chance. Not chastised from sins of the predecessor.

 

[BuzzH]

If you really want to know, do a FOIA and you will see the same named NP. However, they are not the only ones, just the most influential.

I don’t want to get into it on an open forum because they changed leadership this year. I am hopeful that corrects some of the shenanigans. The new leadership should be given a chance. Not chastised from sins of the predecessor.

I think a lot of people are aware of the problems/shenanigans going on in Wyoming. It's really too bad because its running off a lot of good people that really believe in the veterans hunting programs. But, from the information I have, it seems some are abusing the system and the same veteran hunters are getting good tag after good tag while others get the scraps.

There needs to be a better way to make the distribution more fair. It's always a touchy subject because if you criticize the abuses and try to keep things on the level, it's shoved in your face that you're anti-veteran.

I would also argue the reason there are tags not issued every year is because of the large numbers being donated as much and anything. There's also a lot of high grading going on and lesser tags are not even considered.

I also know of one landowner that is a veteran himself who has donated tags for the place he owns that will never host another veteran or donate another tag. From the story he told me, I don't blame him one bit. I've hunted that guys place and complaining about the quality of the hunting he has would make anyone a special kind of A-hole.

It's really unfortunate that all these programs are abused by some, hard to believe it even has to be discussed.

 

[seeth07]

My brother is a disabled vet and someone well known on this forum started to help us with what it takes for him to get involved and be part of some of the great programs and organizations that assist and getting them outdoors last year. He is currently hopeful to maybe get to go there on a hunt in the next couple years as part of it. It tears right at my core to read this thread and see some of these comments.

I also completely agree with some posts here as well about how deceiving a disabled vet can appear. Most days, my brother looks just fine and you wouldn't know a thing. But if you know his horrific story and what happened to him along with the occasional bad days/weeks and the daily stuff he deals with you would think otherwise.

 

[LopeHunter]

I support donating a tag to be reassigned to a terminal youth, a vet or disabled person. Obviously, all persons with those classifications can also apply in the same general draw I do and draw a tag that I am also trying to draw.

I support in-season accommodations for disabled such as a crossbow being allowed if disability prevents drawing back a bow during the archery season. I do not support special seasons or extended seasons.

I do not support having any tag pulled from the general pool of tags for anyone. I want all tags to be awarded in the general draw.

Zero tags for non-profits to auction or raffle. Not a single tag for any group whether be missioned to support the terminally ill, disabled, vet, sexual assault surviver, victim of racism, wrongly incarcerated, parent of a murdered child, over 100 years of age, under 15 years of age, Eagle Scout, LEO, firefighter, EMT, physician, forester, retired game warden, Olympic gold medalist, Seal Team Six member, etc.

I was injured on my job. A job I willingly agreed to do. No one drafted me into that company. No one forced me to join up. I was offered a compensation package which was compelling though were trade-offs including more travel away from home and family. I could no longer be in recreational sport leagues as I would miss too many games. I eventually tore up my left shoulder helping load a truck as we were short-handed down in the warehouse and was a hurry-up deal. My shoulder has never been the same even after surgery and rehab. I was able to stay employed though discomfort has remained for 18 years.

Where would you draw the line? I was in the safety field and sometimes carried a concealed weapon. Do you close the door behind you once your group gets tags? Would be acceptable if every tag for a species is awarded outside the general draw? 50% off total tags then have to have a special draw since not enough tags for the qualifying preferential applicants.

What about trapping and fishing? Create extended seasons to also reduce chance encounter others pursuing the same activity?

My father, two nephews and several high school buddies served in conflict zones. I appreciate they served though only my father was going to be drafted (he volunteered to have more say in what branch). The transactional nature of the compensation and benefits by joining the armed services was a major factor for these people agreeing to join voluntarily. The lure of travel and training was a factor. Poverty in their household and a lack of an easy path to college without the GI Bill was a huge factor with all my buddies. One joined as the county judge said either jail time or could join the armed services.

Freedom is not free. Voluntarily joining up is a free choice. Injuries happen. Death happens. Sometimes at the hands of others and sometimes is a workplace hazard. War is a nasty thing but rarely avoidable if you want to remain a free country.

A lot of career paths have risk. Farming is one of the riskiest which was my career until graduated college at 22. I am glad there are people drawn to the farming career so crops and livestock are managed and things show up at my location grocery store. I am glad people are drawn to military service and to be doctors and EMTs and firefighters, too.

I just do not see how hunting tags are needed and who would be entitled as they earned that privilege and where the line is drawn. I feel the same way on reduced or free licenses and fee waivers. We choose to hunt. We also choose whether to spend funds to buy a new truck or to donate to a charity. Choices are made.