Look at this!

[Gooch]

This is what Minnesota has had for a while. Look it over for ideas.
www.mndeerhunters.com (http://www.mndeerhunters.com)
I know that this seems like a lot, but they did start in 1980!

[Rattle-m-up™]

good find there pat....i read a little of it...well worth looking into.....i'll read up on it tonite....

[Earnhardt fan #1]

I've sent them a note asking for some advise/mission statement we could possibly use to build ours.

[CDay]

Good idea I will look over it closer later. I have also contacted IDHA looking for information on how they got started and how they over came problems that arise while trying to get it going.

[dspeakes]

Mission statement from Wisconsin Deer Hunters Assoc

Our Mission - Do What's Best for the Resource

The Wisconsin Deer Hunters Association is a non-profit organization founded to advance the interests of deer management and deer hunting in Wisconsin. Unfortunately today wildlife management decisions are more influenced by politics and special interest groups than current science-based wildlife management principles. The WDHA seeks to change this and provide a strong, unified voice for deer and deer hunting.

Our mission is to present original critical thinking about wildlife conservation, deer management and hunting. We strive to build bridges between all beneficiaries of a healthy vibrant deer herd and we represent all types of deer hunters, be it gun, bow, or camera. Other deer hunting groups may claim they are politically active, but refuse to tackle the difficult issues, or provide their members critical information on issues directly affecting our deer herd. Our mission is to develop real workable solutions. And most importantly we guarantee every issue will be supported by information based on credible scientific and ecological principles.

With hard work and energy we plan to build the WDHA into the premier deer hunting organization in Wisconsin. We have access to some of the brightest wildlife biologists in the world, and information on deer ecology little known to the general public. We believe hunting involves more than just killing, that there are deer shooters as opposed to deer hunters, and that our deer herd should not be exploited by a select few for profit. If you are shocked by what some people call hunting, believe that politics and special interests has replaced wildlife management, truly care for the health and welfare of our deer herd, consider joining our organization. Let's keep the wild in wildlife!

[CDay]

Boy if that doesn't address alot of the issues we face here today. Like I said I think if we can get the mission statement, our purpose, and goals established first then I think we can make a go with this. Thanks Dspeakes that even gives us even more ideas.

See their are other states with Deer Hunter Associations so there shouldn't be any reason why we, Arkansas, can't not have one either.

[dspeakes]

Michigan United Deer Hunters (MUDH) is a newly formed deer hunting organization whose principal purpose is to demand sound, "non-political" whitetail deer management for the benefit of the deer herd and deer hunters....not special interest groups.

MUDH believes that since sportsmen and women fund those in charge of implementing deer management decisions, their input must be considered above all special interest group pressure and political tampering.

As the primary stewards of this incredible resource, we plan to fulfill our obligation in part, by bridging the communication gap between the outdoor community, state regulators and lawmakers on deer hunting issues. We will not be politically intimidated and will remain steadfast in our quest to unite Michigan deer hunters in numbers that can no longer be ignored. We pledge to work with the DNR, NRC and other governing bodies to help achieve our goals.

[Rattle-m-up™]

if anyone could tell us how to solve the age old dog debate i think we would be a few steps ahead of the game......that is the one thing i think that could be a stumbling block....

[Earnhardt fan #1]

That is our problem there to a T

[CDay]

Now see here Rattle you just single out one group. The key here is to remember oppurntunties for all unless it can be proven that this method is causing a negative impact on the deer herd. We need to make sure any stance we take is backed by good sound information and not opinions. If this is what we as a group want AGFC to start doing then by all means we must do the same.

[Rattle-m-up™]

i didnt say i was for or against...im just saying that seems to be the biggest division among the ranks...not trying to point fingers....i'd just like to know how other states have handled it....

[MountainBuck]

Originally posted by Rattle-m-up:
...i'd just like to know how other states have handled it.... States up north didn't have to worry about it, because they never had it.

[Rattle-m-up™]

well....i didnt know that....

[MountainBuck]

Originally posted by Rattle-m-up:
well....i didnt know that.... Pay attention to us Ole Wise ones and the sky is the limit as far as learning goes RAttle!!! :D

[Earnhardt fan #1]

He's still a little wet behinsd the ears there Mountainbick you seem to have forgotten his youthfulness from the gathering.But then we all seem to do that with age!

[CDay]

Yes the northern states do not allow deer hunting with dogs. But they do still have alot of division amongst their ranks. I like I said early the biggest issue we need to remember is to make sure any stance we take as a group it is based on good sound information. This is what this group is going to expect from AGFC.
Remember maximum enjoyment and oppurtunities for the deer herd and deer hunters.

[WarblerWatcher]

Originally posted by CDay:
See their are other states with Deer Hunter Associations so there shouldn't be any reason why we, Arkansas, can't not have one either. Don't know about the rest of them but Minnesota's Deer Hunters Association is actually a STATEWIDE COALITION of over 50 seperate deer hunting organizations from around that state, which is what I was suggesting we try in Arkansas in the posts I have made on the subject.

I just don't think one big organization will work without it being broken down into smaller units all around the state that basically take care of their own local issues but have the statewide organization to back them up when needed.

Just like the Arkansas Rifle & Pistol Association. It consists of independent gun clubs from all around the state, but when national or statewide issues arise it's the statewide Arkansas Rifle & Pistol Association that steps up and represents all those clubs as one.

Like I said, don't know about any other states but Minnesota has had success with their COALITION system so if we adopted that same system maybe we could too, even though our issues are a little more complex than their's. JMO

[CDay]

WW I agree we will have to branch out into different area chapters. But first we need to set in stone the mission statement, purpose, and goals at a state wide level. This way all of the area chapters will have something to build on. Just like a tree it has one base first then comes the branches.

[Gooch]

At least this all can give us some ideas on where to start. I agree that the smaller units idea seems to be the way to go. No pun intended.
We have to have some sharp people dealing at Little Rock.

[Bowcrazy]

It is really good to see this really being talked about seriously.I think pgooch is right we need people in LR that know the game.