(Note: It is our intention to gain 501(c)(3) status as a non-profit organization in the future)
The above simple and straightforward mission statement encompasses many obstacles to overcome and goals to achieve. Waterfowl and waterfowl hunting in Idaho face many challenges, ranging from inadequate scientific influence on hunting laws to a rapidly changing culture that is reducing habitat and filling the state with people who are unfamiliar with Idaho's hunting heritage. IWA plans to ensure the future of waterfowl and waterfowl hunting in Idaho by addressing these issues and being a positive force to enhance and preserve what is so important to us all.
While our association is yet in its beginning stages, we have begun to focus on the future. We feel the following will be essential methods in our ongoing effort to realize our goals. We realize that we must begin on a small scale and work progressively on the more complex goals as our abilities and membership grow.
One of IWA's primary goals is to work in conjunction with the Idaho Department of Fish and Game to promote waterfowl hunting regulations based on the best available biological data. Part of this goal will be achieved by becoming a resource of scientifically sound information pertinent to our state, gathered from USFWS and national waterfowl organizations. IWA will present a unified voice to the IDFG Commission for the state's waterfowl hunters.
While major habitat restoration efforts are best managed by larger organizations and agencies, IWA will do what we can to assist other waterfowl organizations and government agencies, as well as organizing smaller projects among our membership. We understand that it is the responsibility of each waterfowl hunter to do what he or she is able to do to preserve the conditions required for waterfowl populations to thrive. IWA will promote the wise use of our natural resources in the best interest of waterfowl.
We recognize the importance of involving the next generation of hunters in waterfowl hunting. To that end, IWA plans to be involved at reasonable levels in youth hunt organization, and educational presentations on the subject of safety, ethics and waterfowl identification.
We also recognize that many adult hunters would benefit from similar educational events, and will strive to provide opportunities where hunters and future hunters of all ages can enjoy learning about waterfowl and waterfowl hunting.
One of the problems facing waterfowl hunting in Idaho is the encroachment of development on our state's rivers and wetlands. Many of the state's new residents are not familiar or comfortable with the hunting heritage that Idaho has been defined by for so long. We recognize that it is our responsibility as hunters to be good neighbors and work so that safety of all is maintained.
|
