If that is the case, I don't blame him. Even though it might be warranted, rarely do you hear of folks being fired from commissions such as this. Remember Steve Williams (yes the same one who would later play a starring role in our fine deer management audit, as the WMI big-wig... lmao)? When he was deputy exec director, he was about to be fired no ands ifs or buts, apparently for being named in the "payroll manipulation" scandal, but he immediately "stepped down" instead. As if it were somehow less humiliating I guess, even though he had no choice in the matter. lol.
I cant say that I blame carl if he saw which way the wind was blowing, to jump ship. I do however fault the commissioners for not FIRING him and making it clear it was just that. Let them take the credit or criticism for the move. And let it be a shining example to and warning for future executive directors that would like to minimize hunters voice in issues as Carl has. But who knows...maybe he was just ready to retire regardless of the circumstances.
I cant say as I blame carl for doing things he felt was right during his stint, as anyone in such a position of power would do that. I blame the system that has allowed a person to be so hunter nonfriendly to obtain such a position in the first place., and not just him.
We saw listed the highlights of his tenure, but how about the lowlights of his tenure: all time worst relationship between pgc and general hunter ranks, Permitted and enabled staff who held very low regard for hunters and made it known frequently in both action and words THis and more has lead to declines in hunter ranks during his reign, and numbers of volunteers to fill positions of hunter ed instructors as well as volunteer deputies have both crashed and burned, and yes, I think the overall situation was at the very least partially, if not mostly to blame. Under him, his boy Dubrock and crew further enabled future use of deer contraception by enacting a pro-use policy. Promoted very inappropriate staffers. Often utilized deceit as a tool to promote agendas and defend positions during legislative hearings and in the media. Intentionally mislead both public and legislators about money situation for years, including but not limited to Marcellus. Agency has had best relationship with HSUS I have ever seen a wildlife management (pro-hunting) agency have. Implemented just about every possible way to kill one more deer including things that were not supported largely by sporting ranks. Has burnt bridges with legislators over many issues, not limited to deer management but including the borderline antihunter stance and enviro-hardliners as usual stance on the boar hunting deal, also did not please many influential folks with their handling of the "bats" deal, not to mention other issues less recent... They have forged more aliances and working relationships with environmental crazy groups and individuals. Permitted anyone straight from the cradle to hunt not because its the right thing to do, but because its added funding when receiving the resulting added gov'ment allocation. And more....
Yep. Lots to like there, lemme tell ya...
Just hope that the next Exec. director is a straight shooter for a change. Even on issues I may not agree on, Id prefer brutal honest over clear deceit, I would also hope the individual were REALLY hunter oriented and can straighten out some of the mess this last guy made, instead of worsening it even further.
post edited by wayne c - 2013/07/09 17:51:45