FBO PRESS RELEASE...NORTH DAKOTA WILDLIFE FEDERATION

North Dakota - Residents are again faced with controversy over the proposed pheasant season change for the year 2002, and the ramifications surrounding it. The dialogue has been brisk and diverse.

The Governor has reopened the advisory board meetings concerning this issue to act on the input of affected North Dakota residents. These advisory board meetings will be held around the state in early March. It is imperative that resident North Dakotans take part in this process at one or more of scheduled meetings closest to you. Many North Dakotans from all occupations and areas have fought hard to reopen the process. We sincerely hope the meetings will be fair and open. This is the opportunity for your voice to be heard.

Wednesday, February 20, 2002, the Barnes County Wildlife Club overwhelmingly passed a motion by the club to "hold future pheasant seasons as in previous years, approximately mid October; to have the first week of that season for resident hunters only; and to install reasonable caps on nonresident license numbers". This motion is indivisible, as is our resolve. Thursday morning, February 21, 2002 the North Dakota Wildlife Federation passed the same motion. Thursday afternoon, February 21, 2002 the North Dakota Sportsmen's Alliance passed the same motion. Thursday evening, February 21, 2002 United Sportsmen of North Dakota passed the same motion. Friday morning, February 22, 2002 Future Pheasants Inc. passed the same motion.

Our two most important concerns are the farmers who are busy in this season, and the resource. We also believe the massive economic impact of resident hunters has been taken for granted in the past decision making process.

The Governor presented a list of possible options for North Dakotans to choose from at his press conference on Tuesday, February 19, 2002. It is our belief too many choices thrown into the air only serve to intentionally defray and disperse our united effort. A vested industry lobby stands ready to oppose the above motion. That industry is organized and will speak with one voice. That industry will be present at your advisory meeting. North Dakotans need a united voice on this issue, now as never before. Help us speak with that one voice.

People from ALL occupations passed this motion at the Barnes County Wildlife Club meeting. No one was excluded from the discussion or the vote. While we North Dakotans are willing to share our bountiful outdoor resources with others, we believe that North Dakotans have a beneficial priority interest in our resources. We intend to pass this cherished heritage on to the next generation for their continued enjoyment as it was passed to us. Previous pheasant seasons served our entire state well in the past and will do so again in the future. Thank you for your time, patience, and hopefully for your support of this motion.

Sincerely

John Kopp
President

North Dakota Wildlife Federation
2911 116 R Ave SE
Valley City, ND 58072
701-845-4196

Submitted by Dick Monson
701-845-3938