Web viewThe Videotape of the Meeting is Available for Viewing at NDOW.org . DRAFT MINUTES. Nevada Board of Wildlife Commissioners’ Meeting. Nevada Department of Wildlife

The Videotape of the Meeting is Available for Viewing at NDOW.org DRAFT MINUTES

Nevada Board of Wildlife Commissioners’ MeetingNevada Department of Wildlife

1100 Valley RoadReno, NV 89512

Final AGENDA

NOTE: Public comment allowed on each action item and regulation workshop items and at the end of the meeting for items not on the agenda

Friday, May 11, 2012 – 9 a.m.

1 Call to Order, Roll Call of Commission and County Advisory Board Members to Manage Wildlife (CABMW) – Chairman McBeath

2 Approval of Agenda – For Possible ActionThe Commission will review the agenda and may take action to approve the agenda. The Commission may remove items from the agenda, combine items for consideration or take items out of order.

3 Member Items/Announcements and Correspondence – Chairman McBeath - Informational

Commissioners may present emergent items. No action may be taken by the Commission. Any item requiring Commission action may be scheduled on a future Commission agenda. The Commission will review and may discuss correspondence sent or received by the Commission since the last regular meeting and may provide copies for the exhibit file (Commissioners may provide hard copies of their correspondence for the written record). Correspondence sent or received by Secretary Mayer will also be discussed.

4 County Advisory Boards to Manage Wildlife (CABMW) Member Items – Informational CABMW members may present emergent items. No action may be taken by the Commission. Any item requiring Commission action will be scheduled on a future Commission agenda.

5 Presentation of the Wayne E. Kirch Award Conservation Award – Chairman McBeath

6 Approval of Minutes – For Possible Action Commission minutes from the March 23 and 24, 2012, meetings.

7 Petition – ActionMr. Fred M. Jackson has petitioned the Commission “to reevaluate and change the wording of NAC 503.140 – 504.4595. The wording causes undue financial burden on the wholesaler and the retail markets in Nevada of harvested crayfish.” The Commission may deny the petition, or accept the petition and initiate rulemaking.

8 Bear Population Assessment and Bear Committee Report – Western Region Biologist Carl Lackey, Dr. Jim Sedinger, Dr. Jon Beckmann and Commissioner McNinch – For Possible Action The Department’s current assessment of the black bear population will be presented along with the quota development process and the Bear Committee will report on their related recommendations to same.

NBWC May 11 and 12, 2012 Meeting - Reno

9 Reports – Informational

A Wild Horse Update – Chief of Habitat Elmer BullIn accordance with the Commission’s request, Chief of Habitat Elmer Bull will provide an update on the status of wild horse issues pending in Nevada.

B Legislative Update – Management Analyst III Kim Jolly Staff will provide an overview of tracked state and/or federal legislation and provide deadlines and information regarding the 2013 Legislative Session.

C Sage-Grouse Update – Director Ken MayerIn accordance with the Commission’s request, Director Mayer will provide an update on the status of sage-grouse which is pending listing under the Endangered Species Act.

D Litigation Report – Deputy Attorney General Nhu Nguyen

10 Report on Sunset Subcommittee of the Legislative Commission – Chairman McBeath – For Possible Action The Chairman and Director Mayer will report on the hearing before the Sunset

Subcommittee of the Legislative Commission held on March 27, 2012, concerning termination, modification, consolidation or continued operation of the Nevada Board of Wildlife Commissioners. The Commission will consider whether to make a formal written comment to the Sunset Subcommittee in response to the public comment taken at the hearing of the Sunset Subcommittee. The Commission may take such other action deemed appropriate in response to the public comment presented at the March 27, 2012, hearing of the Sunset Subcommittee.

11 Nevada Board of Wildlife Commissioner’s Committee Assignments – Chairman McBeath – For Possible ActionThe Chairman will designate and adjust committee assignments, including the creation of new committees, the consolidation of existing committees, and/or the elimination of existing committees, as necessary. The Commission will take action to approve the revised committees and committee assignments as proposed by the chairman.

12 Public Comment Period

Saturday, May 12, 2012 – 8:30 a.m.

13 Call to Order, Roll Call of Commission and County Advisory Board Members to Manage Wildlife (CABMW) – Chairman McBeath

14 Member Items/Announcements and Correspondence - Chairman McBeath - InformationalCommissioners may present emergent items. No action may be taken by the Commission. Any item requiring Commission action may be scheduled on a future Commission agenda. The Commission will review and may discuss correspondence sent or received by the Commission since the last regular meeting and may provide copies for the exhibit file (Commissioners may provide hard copies of their correspondence for the written record). Correspondence sent or received by Secretary Mayer will also be discussed.

15 County Advisory Boards to Manage Wildlife (CABMW) Member Items - InformationalCABMW members may present emergent items. No action may be taken by the Commission. Any item requiring Commission action will be scheduled on a future Commission agenda.

2


16 Regulations – Adoption – For Possible Action – Public Comment Allowed

A Commission Regulation 11 - 03, Amendment #2 – 2012 Big Game Seasons, Resident and Nonresident Mule Deer Antlered Longbow Archery Hunt 1341 – Unit 194A,196 Late*– Wildlife Staff Specialists Mike Cox and Tony Wasley – For Possible Action – For Possible Action The Commission will consider and may take action to remove a footnote describing only limited portions of Unit 194 as open for this late archery hunt.

B Commission Regulation 12 - 05 Big Game Quotas and Harvest Objectives 2012 - 13 Season - Wildlife Staff Specialists Mike Cox, Tony Wasley, and Western Region Biologist Carl Lackey – For Possible Action The Commission will establish regulations for the numbers of tags and/or harvest objectives to be issued for mule deer, pronghorn antelope, elk, bighorn sheep, mountain goats and bears for the 2012 - 2013 season.

17 Future Commission Meeting – Director Ken Mayer - For Possible ActionThe next Commission meeting is currently scheduled for June 22 and 23, 2012, in Elko. The Commission may change the time and meeting location at this time. The Commission will review and discuss potential agenda items for that meeting.

18 Public Comment Period

Nevada Board of Wildlife Commissioners present for two day meeting:

Chairman Michael McBeath Vice Chairman Jack Robb Commissioner Jeremy DrewCommissioner Charles Howell Commissioner David McNinch Commissioner Pete MoriCommissioner Scott Raine Commissioner Hal Shrum Commissioner Grant Wallace

Secretary/Director Kenneth E. Mayer Nhu Nguyen, Deputy Attorney GeneralSuzanne Scourby, Recording Secretary

Nevada Department of Wildlife personnel present:

Deputy Director Rich Haskins Deputy Director Patrick CatesChief of Game Larry Gilbertson Chief Game Warden Rob BuonamiciChief of Operations Bob Haughian Chief of Conservation Education Teresa Moiola Program Officer III Maureen Hullinger Wildlife Staff Specialist Mike CoxWildlife Staff Specialist Tony Wasley Administrative Assistant 3 Katie SimperAdministrative Assistant 4 Trudy Davis Western Region Biologist Carl LackeyConservation Educator Aaron Keller Chief of Fisheries Mark WarrenChief of Habitat Elmer Bull Eastern Region Supervising Game Biologist Ken GrayKim Jolly, Management Analyst III Southern Region Supervising Game Biologist Steve KimbleKody Menghini, Eastern Region Biologist Caleb McAdoo, Eastern Region Biologist

Others in Attendance/Two Day Meeting:Paul R. Dixon, Clark CABMW* Rex Flowers, Washoe CABMWGil Yanuck, Carson CABMW Glenn Bunch, Mineral CABMWKen Wellington, Elko CABMW Jim Evans, Eureka CABMWJoe Crim, Pershing CABMW Mel Belding, selfChristine Schwamberger, NoBearHuntNV.org Kathryn Bricker, NoBearHuntNV.orgLarry Johnson, Coalition for Nevada’s Wildlife Bob Brunner, selfDon Molde, self Tom Cassinelli, Humboldt CABMWMartin, Systems Consultants Inc. Dennis Wilson, Nevada Bighorns UnlimitedDon Sefton, Systems Consultants Inc. Gerry Lent, sportsmen and Nevada Hunters AssociationTom Cassinelli, Humboldt CABMW Jim Jenne, Lyon CABMWRick Hopkins, NoBearHuntNV.org Ray Sawyer, White Pine CABMW

3


Judi Caron, self public Daryl Harwell, self and Nevada Waterfowl Association John Reed, Washoe CABMW Pamela Gartin, selfDavid Colloy, Lake Tahoe Bears Jaquie Chandler, Sustainable TahoeCasey Nelson, NV Houndsmen Association Cole Crim, selfFred Jackson, TLC Jim Tollens, Tahoe Crawfish CompanyGerald Lent, sportsmen Andy Stinson, sportsmenBrenda Stinson, sportswoman Bill Meyer, Lyon CABMWGlen Copeland, Washoe CABMW Jim Crowell, Sierra Gold SeafoodMike Cassiday, self Dane Bradfield, Lincoln CABMWCory Lytle, Lincoln CABMW Joel Blakeslee, Nevada Wildlife CoalitionMarcial Evertsen, Nevada Houndsmen Kelly W. Strain, Nevada HoundsmenGary Coleman, Pershing CABMW Art Johnson, Esmeralda CABMWFred Church, Nevada Bowhunters Association Darin Elmore, Nevada Bighorns Unlimited (NBU), RenoDianna Belding, self Josh Vittori, NBURandy Shepherd, self Michelle Spencer, SelfCary Jellison, outfitter Mark JacksonDavid Colley, Sustainable Tahoe Carolyn StarkHal Shrum, self Craig Burnside, DouglasStu unreadable Thomas Brunson, White Pine CABMWDoug Stoker, self Troy Smith, Churchill CABMWRick Smith, Washoe CABMW Raquel Arthur, American Indian Movement of Nevada*County Advisory Board Member to Manage Wildlife

Friday, May 11, 2012 – 9 a.m. 1 Call to Order, Roll Call of Commission and CABMW Members – Chairman McBeath

Chairman McBeath called the meeting to order, conducted roll call of the Commission - all nine Commissioners present.

Roll call of the CABMW members present: Glenn Bunch, Mineral; Ken Wellington, Elko; Paul Dixon, Clark; Jim Evans, Eureka; Gil Yanuck, Carson; Glen Copeland, Washoe; John Reed, Washoe; Bill Meyer, Lyon; Jim Jenne, Lyon; Matt Johnson, Esmeralda; Tom Cassinelli, Humboldt; and Joe Crim, Pershing.

2 Approval of Agenda – For Possible Action

COMMISSIONER HOWELL MOVED TO APPROVE THE AGENDA. COMMISSIONER SHRUM SECONDED THE MOTION. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.

3 Member Items/Announcements and Correspondence – Chairman McBeath – Informational

Commissioner Howell read an email he sent to Chairman McBeath and Chairman McBeath’s response (dated April 29); the subject of the email was his request to send a letter from the Commission to Governor Sandoval asking to eliminate the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) from Nevada. Chairman McBeath’s response to Commissioner Howell was that he comment in “Member Items” to poll the Commission as to whether they want to add the BLM item to the June agenda.

4


Chairman McBeath said interesting idea however the Commission has absolutely no authority to do that; process requires that he bring this before the Commission.

Deputy Attorney General (DAG) Nguyen advised placement of the item on a future Commission agenda or to discuss later under agenda item #17, Future Commission Meeting.

Commissioner Wallace requested a quick summary of yesterday’s Heritage Committee meeting.

Deputy Director Cates reported the Heritage Committee met yesterday and resulted with a list of recommendations which will be considered by the Commission at the June meeting and he provided the Commission a copy of the committee’s recommendations.

Commissioner McNinch said persons from Southern Nevada have requested a Trapping Committee meeting in Clark County and he plans for the committee to meet in mid-June in Las Vegas.

Commissioner Raine asked if it is legal to raffle landowner tags and provided the handout he referenced for the exhibit file. Commissioner Raine said he reviewed Commission minutes on testimony related to the Silver State Tag (SST) and when it was first proposed, the minutes corroborated his statement that the SST would be supported by CABMWs as long as there was no additional increase to the tag quota, and his statements about when it was originally proposed are correct. Sage grouse issue continues, as does mule deer, and he is disturbed as to what on the ground action is needed and appears political solution is methodology of NDOW, also received correspondence and emails on the bear hunt and deer quotas.

Chairman McBeath reported he is in receipt of a copy of a letter Commissioner Shrum sent to the Nevada Attorney General’s office (AG) requesting an opinion on Dream Tag and he reported to Commissioner Shrum that the AG has declined to take any action in so far as his request; received letter from former Commissioner Bevan Lister in regard to Commissioner Raine’s comments at sage-grouse symposium in Elko questioning whether he overstepped his bounds with respect to his position on the Commission. He said DAG Joseph reviewed the audiotape of the meeting, and concluded that Commissioner Raine did not cross the line, he may have been close but he did not; therefore no action will be taken.

4 County Advisory Boards to Manage Wildlife (CABMW) Member Items – Informational

Gil Yanuck, Carson CABMW, said Baily Pond group plans to build shade structures and add additional vegetation and invited everyone to Carson City to take advantage of the pond.

John Reed, Washoe CABMW, attended Off-Highway Vehicle (OHV) Commission meeting which was set up to capture sales tax from purchases of OHVs in other states, and he reviewed the Commission’s membership composition, and purpose. He said seems two state Commissions working opposite of each other and need to have representation on the Commission for wildlife issues and to hold them in the right direction and create balance on the Commission.

5


5 Presentation of the Wayne E. Kirch Award Conservation Award – Chairman McBeath

Chairman McBeath said he was introduced to hunting as a young child by his grandfather who was friends with Wayne E. Kirch and remembers hunting at Sunnyside which was renamed the Kirch Wildlife Management Area and at the time did not realize how special and how great a man Wayne Kirch was and who he remembers as very kind and to present the award today is an honor from deep within him and to give to the honoree means very much to him to present the Wayne E. Kirch Award to Andy Stinson of Hawthorne, and he read the news release (exhibit file) denoting Mr. Stinson’s contributions to wildlife in the State of Nevada.

Commissioner Robb said he met Andy Stinson back in 1996/1997 and this award is for last year but if the award was for a lifetime award he would win hands down. Mr. Stinson took pictures of wildlife at guzzlers for years with a camera before trail cameras used and he really appreciates Andy Stinson.

6 Approval of Minutes, March 23 and 24, 2012 – For Possible Action

Commissioner McNinch had the following corrections: Page 18, add language “to approve” for on the fourth motion on that page; and page 19, the motion needs clarification.

Chairman McBeath said it should state: “Chairman McBeath moved to add Section 2, subsection 2, e., to define congested areas,” and continue on with the wording:

CHAIRMAN MCBEATH SAID HE ADDED TO SUBSECTION 2. E, A DEFINITION THAT READS AS FOLLOWS “CONGESTED AREA” MEANS THE FIREARMS CONGESTED AREA OF WASHOE COUNTY, AND THE ILLEGAL FIREARMS DISCHARGE AREA IN CLARK COUNTY. THIS TERM “ILLEGAL FIREARMS DISCHARGE AREA” IS THE EXACT TITLE OF WHAT APPEARS TO BE ON AN OFFICIAL CLARK COUNTY MAP THAT HAD THAT TITLE. TWO COLORS THAT DEPICT THE ZONE OR AREA, GREEN IS THE COUNTY PORTIONS, AND THE BLUE/GRAY DEPICTS THE INCORPORATED CITIES WHICH WOULD BE CITY OF LAS VEGAS, N. LAS VEGAS, NELLIS AIR FORCE BASE, HENDERSON AND BOULDER CITY. BOULDER CITY IS REAL BIG AND AREA INCLUDES EL DORADO VALLEY AND NOT MUCH OUT THERE AND IS REMOTE AND HAS BEEN INCORPORATED AND DOESN’T MATTER, AS THIS AREA WILL BE ALLOWED FOR TRAPPING AS DOES NOT THINK THERE IS ANY RESIDENCES AND MEETS DEFINITION THAT WE HAVE. COMMISSIONER RAINE SECONDED THE MOTION. MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY.

COMMISSIONER MCNINCH MOVED TO APPROVE THE MINUTES WITH THE STATED AMENDMENTS. COMMISSIONER WALLACE SECONDED THE MOTION. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.

6


7 Petition – For Possible Action

Chairman McBeath said Fred Jackson, the petitioner submitted a petition, (exhibit file) to the Commission to reevaluate and change the wording of NAC 503.140 – 504.4595. The wording causes undue financial burden on the wholesaler and the retail markets in Nevada of harvested crayfish. The Commission may deny or accept the petition, if accepted the Commission may initiate rulemaking.

Fred Jackson said the petition submitted is to address the permit cost to possess crayfish for transport and to do everything they need to do. He said there is a permit process for everyone involved not just himself as a commercial species harvester, but the wholesale and retail persons. The $500 permit fee for small businesses is too high and letters were sent to NDOW’s Western Region expressing their concerns. He also noted that if he personally is not on the boat, then his employees need to be permitted to fish which requires him to be on board 24/7 and that every boat needs a person permitted to transport, pick-up, and to sell, at all times. He said for the market the fee can’t be absorbed when you can bring crayfish into the area from Louisiana for free. He asked the permit fee be evaluated or the process under which we are doing this and who needs a permit.

Jim Kroll owner of Sierra Gold Seafood said as to the retail market that crayfish are being shipped to Nevada from other states and they may need a permit and may be against the law but they don’t know that and to ask them to possess and buy a permit for $500 in Nevada when they can buy from other states won’t happen. Petition provided to Kim Tisdale from all the casinos who think it is crazy and even though this will be new to this area need to make it affordable and promote Lake Tahoe crayfish quality and that the removal of the invasive species of crayfish will make the lake quality better and the draw is to have live crayfish.

Commissioner Raine said he recalls the board’s intent as each company paying $500, not the businesses who received the live crayfish having to pay the fee.

Chairman McBeath asked if other states such as California are allowed to import live crayfish, and if so he would like to hear from Department staff.

Chief Game Warden Buonamici responded that to change the fee structure that is under NRS 502.240. The fee is $500 for a commercial license for possession of live wildlife, and cannot through regulation create a lesser fee such as $50 for other entities, as that would require legislative change. There is a provision in NRS that would allow the Commission to exempt certain entities from that commercial fee – so it is all or nothing, or go to state legislature to obtain something in between. Restaurants that have live crayfish are technically in violation of the law if holding live crayfish, and what the restaurants have been doing is obtaining an importation permit, but again if crayfish are held live by the restaurant, they are in violation.

Chairman McBeath asked if a regulation could be crafted that creates an exemption but maintains control over live crayfish with respect to the restaurants.

7


Chief Game Warden Buonamici said that is doable.

Public Comment -

Jim Talus, Tahoe Crayfish Company, said this fee is a severe problem if not resolved, crayfish are to be prepared for consumption live, not dead and the $500 fee is a turnoff for small companies.

Dave Cauley asked the petitioners if you remove all crayfish from Tahoe what is your exit strategy.

Mr. Jackson said the exit strategy is to manage the resource, and is unlikely that they could exterminate 300 million crayfish as crayfish produce by the hundreds and not much predation on them. He does not even see getting to a manageable level in the next three years of harvesting and Tahoe Regional Planning Agency has plans for a commercial fishery if no improvement in water clarity.

Commissioner McNinch said the petition referenced changes to NAC and wants the Commission action to be pertinent to the petition.

Chief Game Warden Buonamici reviewed the NAC sections and recommended that a new NAC be created to address the petition and to not tack on or amend something else as other NACs have nuances that are applicable to other situations.

COMMISSIONER RAINE MOVED TO APPROVE THE PETITION OF FRED M. JACKSON AND TAKING ADVANTAGE OF THE ETC. TO CHANGE REGULATIONS AS NECESSARY. COMMISSIONER HOWELL SECONDED THE MOTION. MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY.

8 Bear Population Assessment and Bear Committee Report – Western Region Biologist Carl Lackey, Dr. Jim Sedinger, Dr. Jon Beckmann and Commissioner McNinch – For Possible Action

Biologist Carl Lackey provided the Department’s assessment of the black bear population which is conservatively estimated at 456 in 2011 and explained the Department’s data collection for input into the population model. The Department is not recommending an increase in the bear quota and does not want to change the hunt for at least three years although the season was altered slightly.

Dr. Jon Beckmann attended the Bear Committee meeting yesterday and clarified the data in publications: Difference in density between urban and back country bears – those density estimates in those papers/publications were made 10 years ago and need to be updated with new population estimates; secondly, those were only behavioral definitions as to how long bears were spending in urban areas versus back country areas, they are not two separate populations; and clarified that 2008 paper published in “Human Wildlife Conflicts” and a few

8


instances where they estimated lambda, the growth rate of the population, and showed urban areas synched and those are small areas on the landscape but also has seen comments that they estimated lambda at one as a stable population in the back country and actually estimated lambda using life history tables and with life history table the variance goes up and tend to underestimate lambda as the data gets truncated at the end of the life table. Estimates are actually lower and is stated in the paper, “In reality lambda was likely higher for wild land bears and making difference between urban and wild land females even more extreme.” The point is that was conservative estimate of lambda and they felt the bear population with positive lambda was above that and with update of bear population and larger sample sizes and working with Dr. Sedinger and Mr. Lackey through Program Mark and different analysis that now estimate lambda at 1.6 over the last 10 years.

Chairman McBeath requested that Dr. Beckmann provide details on peer review and qualifications of those conducting the peer review and where are we on peer review of the bear data and publications.

Dr. Beckmann said strictest definition of scientific peer review, is submitting an article that lays out the methodology, the results and discussion of those results, to a scientifically credible journal that has experts in that particular field. Submit to journal editor that has associate editors, those editors will then find team of reviewers who have the expertise, and they review and assess the science and methodology that was used in the paper to insure math and analysis was appropriate and reported correctly, and interpretations to make sure they agree. Once the assessment is completed they return with comments specific to the manuscript as to areas that need improvement or areas they don’t agree on and then they help revise the manuscript and if experts decide the manuscript is not correct and too far off base, the manuscript will be rejected as not passing the test of credible science. Once the process is done then the paper is published in an academically scientifically credible publication and the process takes several months and once that step is completed the paper is accepted as peer reviewed literature. He said their data is being peer reviewed for the current population model and they are in the middle of the process as the work has been submitted and are receiving reviewer comments and are addressing those comments.

Commissioner Drew asked Dr. Beckmann with his knowledge and experience with this bear population if NDOW proposed quota would have detrimental effect to long-term viability of the black bear population.

Dr. Beckmann said Nevada is in good position as the amount of data on the black bear population is unmatched in many states, and he does not see any potential negative impacts on this bear population with all other things being equal, and if a major change did occur you would have to reassess, and is confident that NDOW will monitor the population as it is hunted over time.

Commissioner McNinch said he did not support the quota yesterday and the reason is because we do not fully understand the California population in relation to Nevada, and we are working

9


on understanding that relationship and asked how strong is Dr. Beckmann’s concerns with that population. Commissioner McNinch said fringe, or edge of population are more susceptible to changes to the population and maintaining their population.

Dr. Beckmann said they are confident that population is growing and growth comes through births by bears and immigration into population from California and have not disentangled the role of each. Dr. Beckmann said fair statement on the fringe and that is why population monitoring is important.

Dr. Jim Sedinger said he is a wildlife professor at UNR and that most people do not understand the full scrutiny of peer review which is an extremely demanding process. On their paper the comments received to date are mild compared to what you can receive and he is confident the paper will be published within three to six months. He said there have been questions as to the rate of increase in the Nevada bear population and important to understand when working with data there is always uncertainty as you are sampling the population and they estimated an increase of 16 percent per year through the 2000s is an average with some uncertainty and yesterday he provided the committee with a graph and shows that the current estimate of 450 bears falls in the expected range that we should be at given where we were nine years ago.

Commissioner Drew asked Dr. Sedinger’s his professional opinion in terms of the quota and long-term viability of the population.

Dr. Sedinger said he is not here to comment on the value of the bear hunt however biologically in his opinion it is a sustainable hunt under current circumstances with continuance of monitoring that is occurring and possibly expanding the monitoring. He said he is comfortable with the quota in relation to estimate of population, with a minimum of 450 bears and if worst case scenario occurred and were completely wrong about everything and you took 20 bears out of population the population every year and if looked at estimate of four years ago and had a little more than one-half as many bears as now and took 20 bears out of the population for 10 years that would take us back to where we were four years ago and in that context, the Department recommendation is conservative with where the population is today and is comfortable with the recommendation.

Commissioner McNinch said the model being used is typically used for closed populations and has been adjusted with a subprogram to compensate for that to some extent and is not a function of using an improper model and when referring to 16 percent population growth that is not similar to compounding interest in a bank account.

Dr. Sedinger said more like interest in a stock account where it goes up and down and obviously in some years can even be negative but other years can go up 20 percent and is more complex than a straight 16 percent increase every year.

10


Commissioner McNinch, chairman Bear Committee, reported that the Bear Committee met yesterday for several hours with good discussion; and a motion to support the Department’s recommendation of 45 tags (41/4) passed in a 3 – 2 vote with himself and Kathryn Bricker as the dissenting votes. Also had discussion on having a workshop in Incline Village and knows NDOW has spent tremendous amount of time up there and that the Bear Aware budget has been cut but what has been lacking up there is the Commission’s presence. The committee voted to recommend to the Commission that the committee develop an informational type workshop in Incline Village and discuss trash management with input from residents which could turn into bill draft requests if needed for trash ordinances; possible discussion on opening the bear indoctrination to the public; and develop new bear culture of living with bears in urban areas with zero tolerance for the feeding of bears.

Commissioner Drew, Bear Committee member, said in regard to bear quotas the committee strongly encourages NDOW to continue monitoring and if possible increase monitoring efforts. He will be looking at that in the future as quotas are set annually.

Commissioner Robb, Bear Committee member, said another item discussed was how we obtain information and obtaining more. He said during the Heritage Committee meeting yesterday, two Heritage proposals were submitted by NDOW, one proposal for bear DNA analysis and a reproductive success analysis. He said there is a commitment from the Heritage Committee, sportsmen and general public, to continue monitoring and to look for better science.

Commissioner McNinch said the committee is requesting Commission support for a informational workshop at Incline Village, so the Commission may make a presence there.

Chairman McBeath said his position as to the issue of trash management and urban conflict with urban bears is the main thing the Commission should be doing, as many bears die from other causes then hunting, and a lot of the reason is a food source that draws bears to urban areas.

Public Comment -

Rick Hopkins (complete testimony - exhibit file) said he is a population ecologist who has worked on large mammals over the last 35 years and is a founder of Live Oak Associates, an ecological consulting business in California and cited his work experience; and explained the four processes to determine population and defining populations. Mr. Hopkins summarized there is no scientific or management need to hunt bears, and with high level of research importance of immigration of bears from California to Nevada to support stable or increasing bear populations.

Raquel Arthur, American Indian Movement (AIM), said they are opposed to any quota being set and greatly oppose any bear hunting in Nevada based on religious grounds and will take the proper steps with complete legality to stop the hunt and will utilize their rights under the Constitution such as freedom of speech, freedom of assembly, freedom of religion, with the

11


rights under the American Indian Religious Act in United Nations the rights of indigenous people’s rights and will continue the fight peacefully.

Casey Nelson, Nevada Houndsmen, said the Nevada Houndsmen (letter in exhibit file) support NDOW recommendation and trust the science and would like more tags for the right to hunt bears.

Don Molde said he appreciates Dr. Beckmann’s statement acknowledging clean-up on his paper, and read a statement from the paper which stated the lambda of 1.6 percent and second sentence states that due to variability in the system this is an annual average and does not say the population will always increase at 16 percent or even increase. His complaint about quotas is that older age female bears are not protected, and estimates 75 female bears in wild areas, he asked how many are 7 – 12-years-old the primary age for reproducing cubs and very conservative estimate.

Pamela Gartin discussed population growth and death rate.

Carolyn Stark said the population growth rate from NDOW shows 16 percent growth rate compared to flat rate a few years ago and say it is the result of different methodology, and does not make sense, and what habitat changed to allow the increased immigration of California bears. The Angora fire seems to be a factor with bear immigration. Eleven population experts have written and refuted NDOW’s projected 16 percent growth rate and asked that the quota be set at zero until these items have been looked at.

Kathryn Bricker, No Bear Hunt Nevada and Bear Committee member, said they recommend zero quota, the Commission is not recognizing Nevada public’s values and numerous newspaper polls conducted of which over 40,000 people who are in 90 percentile are opposed to the bear hunt. By approving the quota the Commission is showing to the public you do not act in interest of Nevada sportsmen and not listening to the people. She said NoBearHunt.Nevada and a few other organizations brought in peer review and that not one of the three sportsmen sitting on the Commission has one question of Dr. Hopkins and she was interested in Dr. Beckmann’s answer to Commissioner Drew’s question which he did not ask of Dr. Hopkins, and difference between “could we” have a bear hunt and “should we.” Not one of the professionals said “we should be having a bear hunt.” Other comments: Disagreed on bear population; did not prove immigration issue; Ann Bryant is participating in research project being done in California that will be presented at International Bear Symposium upon completion; and increased quota for sows will negatively impact female reproduction rate in wild land bears.

Chairman McBeath said the Commission DAG has advised that public comment period is not public debate and the Commission listens to public comment and it is taken into account. He said the reason questions are not asked of experts during public comment is that the Commission is taking the information in.

12


Jackie Chandler, Executive Director of Sustainable Tahoe, said she works toward endorsing U.S. destinations and ecotourism promotes photo safaris with no killing just pictures. Ecotourism could reinvigorate tourism to Nevada and are missing money that is lying on the ground. She advocated no quota and concerned with Pine Nut of Washoe area allotment as a violation.

David Couley, Incline Village resident, said he sees conflict of interest with NDOW staff and support of hunting and them representing a small percentage of population when their responsibility is to 100 percent of population, and NDOW’s science is biased.

Christine Schwamberger, representing herself, said bear population numbers being presented by Mr. Lackey et al. and the lack of cap on female bears in this hunt, that she remembers being told by Mr. Lackey hunters hunt bears with dogs to sex bears and with no sex requirement no need for dogs, and would like a comment.

Bob Brunner, recommended maintaining the hunt to make best decision in the future and at the committee meeting had discussion on percent and populations, Commission required to manage bears and do not have enough data, and Mr. Lackey said just working with population segment and much new information and to stop and change this would be counterproductive. Need to look at immigration and due to no hunt in Tahoe Basin the ecotourism business can continue. Public comment concluded and the Commission discussed the committee recommended workshop; two motions were made by Commissioner McNinch which he retracted.

Chairman McBeath said we are discussing bears that die because of policies in various communities at Tahoe or urban conflict areas with bears, and the problem he sees is different multiple local government jurisdictions with an area wide problem and have inconsistent laws to deal with that; whereas this State Commission would have the ability to get information on this issue and make recommendation to State Legislature as to how to deal with problem bears. He asked why is that not a place for this Commission to deal with this issue on a broader level and make recommendations and use a workshop to determine the best practices in these jurisdictions that have bear problems. He said this issue occurs all over the country, and this Commission should be able to make recommendations at the state level and have a BDR that mandates communities have a bear program to deal with trash and bear attractants to get a handle on these bears.

Commissioner Raine said the last place for bear management is any State Legislature and best place to have it is on local level, may be inconsistent, but that would be better administratively and they have their own constituency.

Commissioner McNinch said the intent is to hear what is going on and bear management in relation to nuisance bears.

13


COMMISSIONER DREW MOVED THAT THE COMMISSION APPROVE THE BEAR COMMITTEE TO DEVELOP AN INFORMATIONAL WORKSHOP REGARDING NUISANCE BEAR MANAGEMENT WITHIN URBAN INTERFACE AREAS OF WESTERN NEVADA WITH COMMISSIONER MCNINCH AND MS. BRICKER AS LEADS IN DEVLOPING THE WORKSHOP. COMMISSIONER MCNINCH SECONDED THE MOTION. COMMISSIONERS IN FAVOR: MCBEATH, ROBB, DREW, HOWELL, MCNINCH, MORI, SHRUM, AND WALLACE. OPPOSED COMMISSIONER RAINE. MOTION CARRIED: 8 – 1.

Reports – Informational

A Wild Horse Update – Chief of Habitat Elmer Bull

Chief Bull provided a status update on wild horses – no planned gathers as foaling season occurring and next planned gather is in Winnemucca area; Wild Horse and Burro Advisory Board met recently in Reno and BLM reduced horse gather budget as no space for horses removed from range and no funding for the holding facilities; have increased budget for contraception signaling a change in direction from gathers; and NACO exploring legal options on county options for horse gathers and hired attorney to determine authority.

Commissioner Drew suggested a tour of Spruce Mountain in conjunction with the June Elko Commission meeting agenda.

B Legislative Update – Management Analyst III (MA III) Kim Jolly

MA III Jolly reviewed local legislation implementation, provided a state legislative update including upcoming legislative deadlines, and summarized federal legislation (exhibit file).

C Sage-Grouse Update – Director Ken Mayer

Director Mayer reported the following: Second meeting of the Secretary of Interior’s task force was this week, Nevada has a new Governor’s Sage-grouse Conservation Committee of which Commissioner Robb is the sportsman’s representative which will meet almost weekly until July 31; BLM EIS process is moving along with alternatives being evaluated and NDOW perspective is that as long as the breadth of alternatives are broad enough that whatever state comes up for Nevada plan will be easily evaluated or close enough it can be modified in final EIS. Idaho and Utah’s Governor’s Task force are trying to complete theirs by end of May for the EIS, and his concern is what will drive this is what the USFWS will determine if a listing is warranted or not warranted. For the first time the USFWS Conservation Objective Team (COT) will allow state biologists to participate which is not usually allowed. The bi-state action plan was completed and the technical team ranked actions in priority order; completed comprehensive lek surveys, discovering new leks and more birds than thought on Mt. Grant; major issue driving bi-state is still pinyon-juniper encroachment which is being addressed through NPCD; and proactive strategies for the impact of wildfire and look into green striping and planting different plants for 50 year cycle rather than year to year cycle.

14


D Litigation Report – Deputy Attorney General Nhu Nguyen

Updated report (exhibit file) had two new cases added, #4 Truckee-Carson Irrigation District, and #9 which is an auto accident.

10 Report on Sunset Subcommittee of the Legislative Commission – Chairman McBeath – For Possible Action

MA III Jolly reviewed the Sunset Subcommittee’s creation and duties as contained in support material for agenda item #9 B (exhibit file).

Chairman McBeath reported that he and Director Mayer attended the Sunset Subcommittee hearing and Commissioner Drew watched via videoconference and there was a process prior to the meeting with a written submission submitted in conjunction with their testimony on the agenda item, which was the Nevada Board of Wildlife Commission, conspicuously absent from the agenda was the Nevada Department of Wildlife and CABMWs. When he got to the hearing there were numerous written letters/comments from the anti-bear hunt advocates and he still did not envision that anything along those lines would be discussed at the hearing other than the make-up of the Commission. Much of what he read was beyond the scope of the agenda item, and the subcommittee had few questions of him or Director Mayer, then they opened the meeting to public comment and what ensued was the anti-bear hunt advocates laundry list of complaints as to the Commission and the Department for not listening to their position with regard to the bear hunt. He said it was disappointing that the subcommittee allowed the public to digress off topic from the scope of the agenda item. The meeting ended up as a forum for these individuals to get the subcommittee to listen to them and at the end of public comment he and Director Mayer were not allowed to respond to the subcommittee. He was upset and placed this on the agenda to see what action the Commission would like to take and may compose comments from Department and Commission and or send letter to Legislative Commission.

Director Mayer said he agreed with Chairman McBeath’s comments as he too was taken aback by the inappropriate comments at the meeting and he spoke to the chairwoman of the Legislative Committee who felt the same. The fact that he was not allowed to respond to untrue comments was disappointing, and he would like to correct the record and that is still not what the subcommittee is about and NDOW staff is working on a response letter and also would like to see the action taken by the Commission.

Commissioner Drew said his biggest concern is that based on public comment heard at the meeting, there was a lot of inaccurate and incomplete information offered during the discussion and thinks it would behoove the Commission to designate someone on the Commission to write a letter to correct or complete the misinformation that was espoused in regard to the Wildlife Commission. He said he is not sure if worth the Commission’s time to address the consolidation issue because that was completely off topic and does not think the Sunset Committee will actually deal with that.

15


Commissioner McNinch said as to the CABMW system, that Nevada is unique as it is the only state with that system, and many states wish they had the set-up. He said we should make a list and as a Commission provide support to maintain the Department as a Cabinet level agency under the governor; and the Commission needs to express support.

Commissioner Wallace said he personally was not there so difficult to comment, but if inaccuracies portrayed, he absolutely supports a response to clear the air.

Chairman McBeath’s preference is for Commissioner Drew to draft the Commission’s factual response to what occurred at the Sunset Committee meeting and Commissioner Drew could work with the Department on the draft letter, and tends to agree a response is needed to the chairwoman directly.

Commissioner Drew said he would draft the letter and will work with Director Mayer and Commissioner McNinch.

Public Comment –

Gil Yanuck, Carson CABMW, said his board authorized that a letter be written to chair of Sunset Subcommittee and other CABMWs should do the same to make the subcommittee aware of what is accomplished through the CABMW and Commission system, and if not for the positions taken by the Commission and all the supporting wildlife groups and associations that are out there and the amount of work that they do, and he would love to see the dollar value of all the labor and the benefit of what has been accomplished for wildlife and habitat rather than these groups that are against certain activities and wonders what they are doing. He said many people can write emails but when you put sweat equity into a project that benefits wildlife and habitat that is what really counts and the CABMWs need to formulate letters and advise the subcommittee of the uniqueness of the CABMW system in the state.

Larry Johnson said previously when NDOW was a Division under the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) the agency lost its air operations as it was combined with DCNR in the consolidation and agency survey flights were compromised due to other DCNR uses. He said air operations is a vital operation of the agency.

Glen Copeland, Washoe CABMW, said they had this on their agenda; however there was no support material, and they did not know what this agenda item comprised and the video or audio of the meeting certainly would have helped. They discussed and voted unanimously to support the Commission and write a letter that the system is good and sure it good be improved as definitely always room for improvement but to move the agency into DCNR was a unnecessary measure.

16


Chairman McBeath said this agenda item was originally an informational item and changed to action, and he did receive one call from Washoe CABMW wanting to know what happened, and told the CABMWs members present if they have questions about agenda items and or support material to call him.

Bob Brunner said he was unable to attend the meeting suggested two letters be written as two issues and with the timeline also to write individual letters and also to have the CABMWs write letters and obtain comment before May 30 meeting.

Don Molde said he attended the meeting and he provided update information as to the Sunset Committee: The Sunset Commission will meet May 30 with the Wildlife Commission on the agenda and Assemblywoman Carlton may roll out proposal for restructure of Commission representation; will not discuss consolidation of agency as too complex and not that much interest; and the committee has no interest in the bear hunt.

Chairman McBeath suggested a letter be drafted by Commissioner Drew.

Commissioner Drew said he has bullet points for an outline of a letter, and for the CABMWs letters and support the Sunset Committee meeting minutes are available online. Commissioner Drew said the four points the letter needs to address are: General opposition to consolidation of agency; the value of CABMW/Commission process; the bear item and trapping item and would be beneficial to update the Sunset Committee on status of Trapping and Bear Committees.

Chairman McBeath said he would add a fifth item, which is the correction of funding sources of NDOW and the Commission, as many misstatements made and a complete ignorance of funding was displayed.

COMMISSIONER RAINE ASKED THAT COMMISSIONER DREW RESTATE THE FIVE POINTS AS MOTION WILL BE BASED ON FIVE POINTS. COMMISSIONER DREW STATED: OPPOSITION OF A CONSOLIDATION; A DESCRIPTION OF CABMW AND COMMISSION PROCESS, ITS UNIQUNESS AND VALUE; AN UPDATE ON BEAR COMMITTEE AND UPDATE ON TRAPPING COMMITTEE; AND SOME INFORMATION REGARDING FUNDING AS IT RELATES TO THE COMMISION AND THE DEPARTMENT. COMMISSIONER RAINE MOVED THAT THE COMMISSION APPROVE COMMISSIONER DREW TO DRAFT A LETTER BASED UPON THOSE FIVE STATEMENTS AS JUST STATED AND SUBMIT THEM TO THE SUNSET SUBCOMMITTEE. COMMISSIONER MCNINCH SECONDED THE MOTION. COMMISSIONER DREW OFFERED AN AMENDMENT TO “CC” ALL THE CABMWS AS WELL AS GETTING COPIES OF THE MINUTES AND TO GET TO EACH CABMW. COMMISSIONER RAINE ACCEPTED THE AMENDMENT TO THE MAIN MOTION. COMMISSIONER MCNINCH AGREED.

Commissioner Robb suggested review of the meeting’s video and not bind the letter to the five points because there may be other inaccuracies.

17


Secretary Mayer suggested language of “included but not limited to.”

Commissioner Raine said the five points are a lot for any letter and his supposition is that if you go beyond the third point, you have lost them.

VOTE ON MOTION: UNANIMOUS.

11 Nevada Board of Wildlife Commissioner’s Committee Assignments – Chairman McBeath – For Possible Action

Chairman McBeath said at the last meeting he mentioned that he was appointing two additional members from Southern Nevada to the Trapping Committee: Ron Lurie and Tom Padden.

Commissioner Robb said for the record the Commission has a Tag Allocation and Application Hunt Committee (TAAHC) and that particular committee has not met due to NDOW staff and Commission time being used on the Bear and Trapping Committees, Heritage and Kirch, and time-sensitive committee issues; however he recognizes issues need to be addressed by TAAHC and plans to meet when time permits.

Chairman McBeath agreed that TAAHC is important but have pressing issues with the committees mentioned and appreciates Commissioner Robb’s time to those committees.

Public Comment –

Joel Blakeslee, Nevada Trapper’s Association, commented on Trapping Regulation Committee and as none of the current committee members are trappers, he requested a field trip for the Trapping Committee either in Elko or Las Vegas, for educational purposes as to promote understanding trapping.

Commissioner McNinch said he would be amenable to Mr. Blakeslee’s suggestion.

Commissioner Drew commented that with a potential June meeting in Southern Nevada perhaps Mt. Charleston could be incorporated into Mr. Blakeslee’s offer and provide the opportunity to see Mt. Charleston on the ground and the challenges therein.

Paul Dixon, Clark CABMW, said he and other members participated in a field trip sponsored by trappers in Southern Nevada and found it to be very educational and informative.

Commissioner Drew said the Public Lands Committee will meet in the future to discuss cheatgrass and also will work with NDOW staff to set up something at the Elko Commission meeting.

18


12 Public Comment –

Mel Belding, Washoe County, said in regard to Heritage Committee recommendations that he hopes the Commission has the committee recommendation and to look at project 01 and that it is most important and needs to be fully funded. All are great projects; emphasis should be on mule deer, trap and transplant. Biggest issue is projects denied such as project 13 -15 water development in the Muddy’s as many sheep in that area, and Commission should take a look at projects 13 – 16 through 13 - 19 as recommendation was to cut more than 50 percent from the proposal and is not just about sheep and water and habitat need to be the priority.

Commissioner Robb said to Mr. Belding the committee went back and forth on the funding and recognizes importance of water development, recognizing flight times, and trap/transplant; and the committee had Mr. Wilson brought to the table multiple times to see where they are at and Mr. Wilson cannot speak for NBU until he goes back to his board. The process changed this year with the committee meeting and making recommendations and then information will go back to CABMWs and groups and action will be taken in June. There will be one more Heritage Committee meeting telephonically after the CABMWs meet too. He said he made it clear to Dennis Wilson at yesterday’s meeting that funding is being cut short for trap and transplant and that funding will be requested from NGOs.

Commissioner Wallace, chairman of the Heritage Committee, said he had the meeting with intention of getting information out to CABMWs and everyone else and only one Washoe CABMW member called with questions. The intent was to provide two chances for persons look at the projects and frankly this first chance was overlooked and understands how busy CABMW meetings are with quotas at this time of year, but the committee would have appreciated input and feedback.

Chairman McBeath said Clark CABMW did not have enough time at their meeting to discuss the Heritage project agenda item.

Don Molde said in regard to Sunset Subcommittee that he does not recall the discussion on NDOW funding but a week or so after the meeting he put together a position paper for Chairwoman Bustamante-Adams on whether or not sportsmen pay for wildlife and was not part of the public discussion and will send the paper to the Commission.

Gerald Lent said he is upset about NDOW misguiding public on mule deer and for the record he provided his statement for the record and as an attachment to the minutes (Attachment A).

Larry Johnson, Coalition for Nevada’s Wildlife, said in February he provided the Commission a summary of proposals of intermediate land designations to provide protection to wildlife and provided a brief update since that time: Resource Management Plan (RMP) process is being worked through with Battle Mountain RMP under review with GIS maps as and polygons of roadless areas critical to wildlife habitat and will submit report to BLM with recommendation of intermediate level of protection. Secondly, wants to reinforce what sportsmen do for wildlife

19


with input to Sunset Subcommittee, he and others meeting to view their eighth field project of the year, and have expended well over $100,000 in material and more in man hours that benefit wildlife and thanked Mr. Molde for drawing attention to bobcats as NDOW is data king and data monitoring of bear population will show that we are up to “our waist” in excess of bears.

Paul Dixon, Clark CABMW, said despite consternation with trapping, black bears, wild horses, and predators, that the good that has come out of it has been increased participation by the public at meetings and he now has attendees from sportsmen groups and the general public which has made sportsmen realize they need to be involved and is not an inalienable lot, and though a lot of headache right now in the end it will pay off. He said they are starting a Southern Nevada Outdoors Coalition which is in its infancy.

Commissioner Hal Shrum, speaking for himself, read a statement exhibit file and Attachment B.

Friday’s Meeting recessed at 3 p.m.

Saturday, May 12, 2012 – 8:30 a.m.

13 Call to Order, Roll Call of Commission and CABMW Members

Chairman McBeath called the meeting to order and conducted roll call of the Commission - All nine Commissioners present.

CABMW Roll Call: Ken Wellington, Elko; Paul Dixon, Clark; Gil Yanuck, Carson; Glenn Bunch, Mineral; John Reed, Washoe; Jim Evans, Eureka; Ray Sawyer, White Pine; Dane Bradfield, Lincoln; Jim Jenne, Lyon; Bill Meyer, Lyon; Art Johnson, Esmeralda; Joe Crim, Pershing; Gary Coleman, Pershing; Rick Smith, Washoe; Rex Flowers, Washoe; Cory Lytle, Lincoln, Tom Cassinelli, Humboldt; and Troy Smith Churchill.

14 Member Items/Announcements and Correspondence – Chairman McBeath – Informational

Commissioner Raine said he had correspondence relative to: Mule deer; received from Director’s Office an article in the Sacramento Bee, a three-part series on Wildlife Services and he commented on the section pertaining to Nevada and NDOW biologists’ comments; and read email from Pat Laughlin (exhibit file) regarding Elko CABMW recommendation not being what the people of Elko wanted; and correspondence on proposed quotas from a Elko County Commissioner and others, and additionally had several phone calls stating that the quotas being recommended by NDOW are crazy.

Commissioner Robb said he wanted to note that a frequent attendee of Commission meetings, Dan Heinz, has passed away recently. Mr. Heinz was a well known member of the conservation community in Nevada and will be missed.

20


Commissioner Drew thanked the CABMWs as all 17 boards submitted recommendations and at least 13 boards are present which helps the Commission. He received correspondence through the Department and has spoke independently to others and received comments different than Commissioner Raine as they were excited about possible opportunity to draw tags with proposed increased quotas.

Chairman McBeath said the son of a Pershing CABMW member Cole Crim did a science project, monitoring guzzlers with trail cameras and documented the usage of the guzzler entered his schools science fair, and won first place in science division, and a third place overall. He is 15 and already is an avid hunter and Chairman McBeath recognized him as a future conservationist/sportsmen. He said the word is out that the Sunset Commission led by Assemblywoman Maggie Carlton will be making recommendations that affect this Wildlife Commission and CABMW system, and this issue needs to be treated seriously and tracked by all as it will be dealt with in the 2013 legislature. Chairman McBeath said he will address the email he sent and mentioned by Commissioner Raine regarding mule deer. The reason he sent the email was he was concerned it was business as usual with the CABMWs and not to operate in the business as usual mode as often times the Commission accepted CABMW recommendation without any true explanation and we have this conservative situation where buck doe ratio is up and hunter opportunity is not as much as it could be. He was concerned, and wanted the CABMWs prepared and to bring their science. Chairman McBeath disclosed that his brother owns a ranch in Cave Valley, Area 22, Units 221 and 223, is a very beloved place by his family and has strong feeling of how things should be done in that valley and obviously has conflict of interest in that sense, and is a trophy hunter himself which is ingrained in him and that is how he thinks. When he saw quotas for Area 22 he was shocked and in fact could not believe it was right to have 30 to 100 bucks per doe ratio in Area 22, and he took a dive into the model and used his hunt books from 2004 and created his own model and algebraic equations to use their buck/doe ratios and he sent his initial results which he sent to some, showing a drop below 30, and then had a lengthy teleconference call with Chief Gilbertson and Biologist Cox who agreed that his model was valid however his inputs were not same as NDOW model, reviewed changes to his input and he went back and made adjustments and it proved out that NDOW’s model was right. He cannot disagree with NDOW model and no question in his mind that model that NDOW uses is rock solid from biology standpoint and only leaves at this point social issues raised by CABMWs such as quality of hunt, whether we should have trophy hunts or more opportunity, and with 30 buck to doe ratio we will still have trophy opportunity. He said if you saw his model with lower buck to doe ratios he is now back on the same page as Department and that is off the table for him, and will now be about social issues.

15 CABMW Member Items – Informational

Ken Wellington, Elko CABMW, said at their meeting they had 48 people in attendance, 14 spoke, of those three were for the recommendation to stay the same, two contacted him prior to meeting and said they did not want to speak with the group that was there but supported hunt; four others spoke but he had no idea of what they were talking about, seven talked of cuts and reductions; and going into this meeting and reading Chairman McBeath’s letter helped

21


him prepare and he created a score sheet with three column headings: Number one responsibility is to resource, second responsibility is to Elko County, and number three is sportsmen, ranching and the public, and listed individual who spoke and what they represented, and bullet pointed the statements, and had conversation with Mr. Myers the following day and invited him to look at the score sheet which shows not one piece of evidence that contradicted the recommendation put forth by the Department, and he made his determination to stand with the Department on their recommendations. The other two members who voted with him, Don Hanks and Candy Mendive, and to question the integrity or reputation of these two CABMW members bothers him a lot as Mr. Hanks is a UNR professor and is most respected and Mr. Mendive has dedicated his life to wildlife enhancement through seeding projects and trap and transplant.

Paul Dixon, Clark CABMW, said yesterday during the bear quota agenda item peer review was discussed, and he is a PhD scientist and has over 50 peer reviewed publications himself and he said the peer review process is difficult and the credibility and importance of citations of your paper in scientific literature and Lackey, Beckmann, et al papers are cited a lot which speaks to the credibility and importance of the paper. As to the mule deer season quota – Clark County has the largest population and residents apply for tags and for Clark County residents it is not just about the buck quality tag it is the hunt experience and to get out of the city, and he asked at his meeting if NDOW recommendations were scientifically wrong, and had not one bit of public testimony came up, no scientific reason provided and Clark CABMW voted unanimously to follow NDOW’s recommendation.

Gil Yanuck, Carson CABMW, yesterday discussed during bear quota the effectiveness of nuisance bear ordinances that had been passed and how well they are working and had NDOW representation and discussion lied to future agenda item for his board which is to invite code enforcement officers from the county to their meetings to explain their trash management program; and another concern has been feeding of wild animals which was mentioned yesterday, and there is new ordinance in Carson municipal district preventing the feeding of wildlife.

Jim Jenne, Lyon CABMW, said he has attended Commission meetings since 1960 and has been on both sides and when he was a youngster everything NDOW did was wrong and felt NDOW needed to be taken care of, but over the years learned as he got older, he knows NDOW hires professional biologists, and has run the numbers himself too but unfortunately you always end up with same number as biologist. No way we are going to make a big change in anything, the animals are there and the animals control this and anytime you think you have this right, the animals will show you that you are wrong. He said we are trying to please a certain number of people, and you can’t please everyone and urged the newer younger CABMW members to remember that the biologists are right and knows we will change numbers today, and does not think any wildlife will be harmed.

22


16 Regulations – Adoption – For Possible Action – Public Comment Allowed

A CR 11 – 03, Amendment # 2 – 2012 Big Game Seasons, Resident and Nonresident Mule Deer Antlered Longbow Archery Hunt 1341, Unit 194 A, 196 Late* - Wildlife Staff Specialists Mike Cox and Tony Wasley – For Possible Action

Biologist Mike Cox said this is a footnote for 194 restricted late season from hunting south of Hunter Lake Road and the Bronco Creek Road to focus harvest on interstate movement of mule deer from California and data reveals they don’t show up until December and concern that this change was not discussed fully at the February Commission meeting.

Secretary Mayer said the chair of Washoe CABMW said they did not know this had gone forward and he understood that some of the Commission did not understand either and staff felt prudent to bring back for discussion.

Public Comment -

Rick Smith, Washoe CABMW, said he understands the purpose is to limit pressure on south end, and there are only four tags, therefore the CABMW felt no need for footnote, and also did not feel right to limit hunters.

Craig Burnside, Douglas CABMW, said they voted unanimously to remove the footnote.

Rex Flowers, Washoe CABMW, said this problem brought to his attention by sportsmen and for future reference this could come back if concept is to take advantage of migratory herds. Also Department said not bound that this be limited to archery as it could be any weapon or muzzleloader hunt.

Gil Yanuck said Carson CABMW supported NDOW recommendation.

COMMISSIONER DREW MOVED TO REMOVE FOOTNOTE A. COMMISSIONER WALLACE SECONDED THE MOTION. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.

B Commission Regulation 12-05 Big Game Quotas and Harvest Objectives 2012 -13 Season Wildlife Staff Specialist Mike Cox, Tony Wasley, and Western Region Biologist Carl Lackey – For Possible Action

Big Game Biologist Tony Wasley presented a power point presentation (exhibit file) discussing the history of mule deer post/hunt ratio objectives and other quality indices including four points or better in the harvest and Boone and Crockett scores.

Biologist Wasley said with the possible exception of Humboldt County these recommendations are levels of safe harvest throughout the state.

23


Commissioner Mori said he heard higher buck doe ratio than 30 and objective is to get to 30, and with that in mind with normal winter conditions, what would the project quota recommendations be in 2013 compared to 2012 if you get harvest level that you are hoping for.

Biologist Wasley said all things being equal they would be less and what drives the model is recruitment and had above average year for recruitment.

Commissioner Raine said there were several items in the justifications and he asked the following questions: What is the confidence interval around these estimates, and how was that determined; what data does NDOW have that shows higher percentage of bucks in herd do not equate to higher quality deer and may also limit fawn recruitment via competition; what data does NDOW have that shows they are winter range limited and do you have carrying capacity estimates for those areas, and asked specifically about Area 10 and the data showing carrying capacity. Commissioner Raine said Area 10 is carrying capacity limited with no data basically and are there other possibilities.

Biologist Wasley said footnote in book states 20 percent plus or minus for all estimates in book, which could be 10 percent as staff are conservative, and that he just went through the data in the power point (exhibit file), and can graph fawn recruitment and buck ratios for every area in the state in the areas that are winter range limited there is an inverse relationship. Conversations with biologists in the west through his association with WAFWA’s Mule Deer Working Group as the NDOW representative indicate they see similar patterns in those states. He said you can look at Area 6 where 90 percent of the crucial winter range has burned in the southern portion and does not know what more data we would need then 90 percent of the winter range destroyed by wildfires to demonstrate that an area is winter range limited. For Area 10 it is 24 fawns per 100 does means not realizing any growth in a year where population estimate was adjusted down and is indicative of a population despite having 130 and 140 percent normal snowpack it is not responding. Mr. Wasley said always other possibilities and 150 deer have been handled in the Rubies plus 150 samples from previous doe harvest, and number of indicators that are consistent with indicators you would expect to see in a population limited by carrying capacity, such as we don’t see animals much over the age of 10, another is healthy reproduction and in the Rubies less than 20 percent of two-years-olds were pregnant, no significant recruitment or production in does, not getting pregnant until three and not living past 10, that is consistent with a population at carrying capacity. For carrying capacity there is no direct measure, there are indices, the animals tell us where they are with carrying capacity.

Discussion - Commissioner Raine and Biologist Tony Wasley (audio 10 a.m.) – doe age and carrying capacity through different years.

Commissioner Raine concluded that he does not agree with stating it is carrying capacity limited as there is no data to support that.

24


Chairman McBeath said in regard to Commissioner Raine’s statement that there is “no data,” isn’t the fact that NDOW just stated the data stating average age of a doe getting pregnant occurs at three when it should be age one, is not that “data.”

Commissioner Raine said he does not believe he ever had a copy of the report stating that fact, and would need to see the data showing that. Hard to struggle with that being an actual fact as we didn’t have any doe hunts last year and have to use old data and why are we seeing it now. Commissioner Raine continued questioning Mr. Wasley, (10:04:28 a.m.) regarding factors affecting mule deer populations and NDOW’s population model, the availability of raw data sheets from biologists and that the inputs from the sheets is wrong (10:12:52 a.m.).

Biologist Wasley asked Commissioner Raine what benefit would he or NDOW gain from falsifying their data.

Commissioner Raine said “we” need to make sure the data is accurate and his understanding is other people need to look at the data and was interesting to see what other states do such as Colorado who “anchor” their population every few years with in-depth survey and extrapolation of population independent of any model, and utilized that to check their model. He is worried that the NDOW population model has “no check” that he has seen, and the definition of science is basically you make “guesses” and “hypothesis” and interpret data and then you make projections and make a test against it.

Biologist Wasley said in regard to Colorado as an example he would question how many spring surveys for deer are conducted as he knows the answer is “zero” and asked if Commissioner Raine is suggesting that NDOW abandon spring surveys.

Commissioner Drew said he personally appreciates staff answering the Commission’s questions and bringing the best available information to base the Commission recommendation’s upon, and appreciates the job the Department does in the field, and there can be disagreement and questioning of staff but it must be done in a respectful manner.

Commissioner Howell suggested to Chairman McBeath that the Commission accept all the CABMW recommendations for their own county in view of the chair’s statement of this being “a new day” and take the opportunity to support the CABMWs in what they recommend.Chairman McBeath said CABMW and Commission input will be received.

Discussion - doe quotas and carrying capacity.

Commissioner Wallace thanked the Department staff for their presentation and descriptions and has no reason to believe as earlier implied that the Department is “making-up data” and is frustrating to hear them be grilled over something that they did a great job of presenting to the Commission in the first place.

25


Commissioner McNinch excused from the meeting from 10:40 a.m. for a short time and requested that bear quota be decided last to insure that he is present.

Commissioner Raine disclosed that he applied for tags for various hunts as did his son and will not affect his decisions.

Resident Antelope – Horns Longer than Ears – Any Legal Weapon Hunt 2151

Glenn Bunch, Mineral CABMW, Unit 205, 206 recommended 25 tags and have no issue with 29 tags but one member asked that it be 25.

Biologist Cox noted correction to archery antelope hunt 2161 as added nonresident archery hunt for 021, 022, and did not have 90/10 split and had incorrect archery quota, should have been 13 instead of 14 and for nonresident tag quota should have been one tag.

Craig Burnside, Douglas CABMW, reported that the Douglas CABMW voted unanimously to approve the Department recommendations for all hunts except for the mule deer hunt.

Commissioner Raine asked staff for input on Mineral CABMW recommendation.

Biologist Cox said support 29 tags.

COMMISSIONER WALLACE MOVED TO APPROVE RESIDENT HUNT 2151 AS PRESENTED BY THE DEPARTMENT, HUNT 2171 AS PRESENTED BY THE DEPARTMENT, HUNT 2161 AS PRESENTED BY THE DEPARTMENT EXCEPT FOR CHANGING 021 AND 022 TO 13 FROM 14, AND HUNT 2181 AS PRESENTED BY THE DEPARTMENT, HUNT 2251 AS PRESENTED BY DEPTARTMENT, HUNT 2261 AS PRESENTED EXCEPT CHANGING 021, 022 FROM FOUR TO ONE. COMMISSIONER DREW SECONDED THE MOTION.

COMMISSIONER RAINE MOVED TO AMEND THE MOTION TO INCORPORATE MINERAL CABMW SUGGESTION ON 2151 UNITS 205, 206 FROM 29 TO 25. COMMISSIONER HOWELL SECONDED THE MOTION.

Commissioner Drew said in view of Mr. Bunch’s report he would support increased opportunity as they are more or less indifferent.

COMMISSIONERS IN FAVOR OF AMENDMENT HOWELL, SHRUM AND RAINE. OPPOSED: MCBEATH, ROBB, DREW, MORI AND WALLACE. VOTE ON AMENDMENT 4 - 3 COMMISSIONER MCNINCH ABSENT. MOTION FAILED.

MAIN MOTION VOTE: PASSED 8 – 0 (COMMISSIONER MCNINCH ABSENT).

26


Elk Hunts

Troy Smith, Churchill CABMW, made recommendation on antlered hunt 4151 to return to 2010 quotas for Units 161, 171, Early, feel that there is no biological reason to cut tags as they are well dispersed and is a sought after tag.

Tom Cassinelli, Humboldt CABMW, their recommendation for 072, 074, as we all know we moved the muzzleloader season out of rifle season to this date and with two seasons together have bull hunters hunting over cow hunters and their recommendation was to accept the muzzleloader quota to get the same and knowing that we moved season for landowner tags that were sold and also a military deferment. They feel there should be a drop of general rifle hunt early tag quota to two, moving extra tags to mid-season and late splitting them, putting 69 in mid and 78 in late season, and they believe this will save conflict with landowner tags. Ken Wellington, Elko CABMW, said in that area we are pushing the objective levels as we have commitments with ranchers in that area for elk cap and pushing that into the late or mid will only make additional pressure and push the elk into the Wilderness Area and need to take some off the top.

Cory Lytle, Lincoln CABMW, Hunt 4181, Unit 222 Early – October 1- 20 recommend quota of 60, Unit 222 Late – Dec 5 - Jan 1 recommend quota of 260. Lower quotas in the early hunt will reduce conflict and congestion with Early 222 ALW deer hunters. Lower quotas for the early hunt should increase success/quality of hunt. Unit 223, 231, 241, 242 Early – October 1-20 – recommend quota of 80. Unit 223, 231, 241, 242 Late – Dec. 5 – Jan. 1 – recommend quota of 228. Lower quota on the early hunt will reduce conflict and congestion with 231 ALW deer hunters.

Tom Brunson, White Pine CABMW, said they mirror Lincoln CABMW on 222 cow hunt to split tags early 60 and late to 260 to diffuse hunter conflict, and can’t support Clark CABMW recommendation.

Paul Dixon, Clark CABMW, said they wanted good hunter opportunity and with mule deer and elk season overlapping thought better to move elk to late season and increase tags as success is lower due to weather and had no scientific reason and more of a social experiment to see if moving tags to the late season would still allow harvest objectives to be met and perhaps have better hunt quality in earlier hunts.

Biologist Cox said NDOW could support reduced rifle elk cow tags in October season structure and would request a compromise, for example, Area 23 and 24, looking at last year’s success – Cory is right trying we’ve had a balancing act with October season as typically have higher success to push as many cow tags in there as possible and last year only had 24 percent success, and either enhance deer hunters or put more tags in late cow elk season assuming drop in success rate. Willing to try for 221, 223. White Pine recommended split no change to 111, 112, but Clark did. Area 11 is one deer herd to put focus on for collection of better data,

27


and having a post survey would be compromised by cow hunters in there in December and NDOW would ask not to move a ton of tags into Area 11 and avoid flying over 200 - 300 cow hunters.

Tom Brunson, White Pine CABMW, said White Pine CABMW supports Mr. Cox.

Discussion ensued on tags in different areas.

Cory Lytle Lincoln CABMW said they are concerned with mule deer hunt in there and cow elk hunt – 85 tags would work same as last year.

Tom Brunson, White Pine CABMW, said he does not see significant impact in the 111 – 112 hunt and would like post season buck ratio to true up the model and could support that.

Commissioner Mori asked for clarification of Clark CABMW recommendation.

Chairman McBeath said he was the one at the Clark CABMW who stood up and raised the issue of the cow hunt and was concerned with 222 and did not mention Area 23 hunts and when he saw the quotas in Area 11 he thought same issue and included it as thought White Pine would be saying something and now that they came forward and have issue with flying the deer survey he has no heartburn with taking White Pine’s recommendation.

Commissioner Raine asked for Biologist Cox’s suggestion as to the 222 late to obtain the desired harvest.

Biologist Cox said 310 to 320 and is fine with recommended quota from Lincoln CABMW.

Ken Gray, Eastern Region NDOW Game Division Supervisor, mentioned that arbitration panel is scheduled to meet on elk bull incentive tags soon.

Darin Elmore, director Nevada Bighorns Unlimited, asked that the Commission accept NDOW recommendations across all species taking into consideration CABMW comment.

COMMISSIONER WALLACE MOVED TO APPROVE ELK HUNT 4102 AS PRESENTED BY THE DEPARTMENT, ELK HUNT 4151 AS PRESENTED BY THE DEPARTMENT, ELK HUNT 4156 AS PRESENTED BY THE DEPARTMENT, ELK HUNT 4161 AS PRESENTED BY THE DEPARTMENT, ELK HUNT 4181 AS PRESENTED BY THE DEPARTMENT WITH FOLLOWING CHANGES 222 EARLY FROM 240 TO 80; 222 LATE FROM 39 TO 310; 223, 231, 241, 242 EARLY FROM 112 TO 85; 223 231, 241, 242 LATE FROM 196 TO 230; ELK HUNT 4176 AS PRESENTED; ELK HUNT 4111 AS PRESENTED; ELK HUNT 4251 AS PRESENTED; ELK HUNT 4256 AS PRESENTED; ELK HUNT 4261 AS PRESENTED. COMMISSIONER DREW SECONDED THE MOTION.

Commissioner Drew amended the motion and after discussion withdrew the amendment and made a new amendment.

28


COMMISSIONER DREW AMENDED MOTION FOR HUNT 4151 FOR 072, 074 EARLY BE TWO TAGS; 072, 074 MID 70 TAGS; 072, 074, LATE 80 TAGS. COMMISSIONER ROBB SECONDED THE AMENDMENT.

COMMISSIONER WALLACE AS ORIGINAL MOTION MAKER SAID HE ACCEPTS CHANGES TO MAIN MOTION.

Commissioner Robb made an amendment to the main motion which was seconded but withdrawn.

COMMISSIONER ROBB MADE A NEW AMENDED MOTION TO RAISE TO 10 FOR ELK HUNT 4151 UNITS 161 - 164, 171 – 173 EARLY. COMMISSIONER WALLACE SECONDED THE AMENDMENT.CHANGES REFLECTED ON POWER POINT SCREEN AND CONFIRMED BY BIOLOGIST COX.

Commissioner Mori commented on elk hunt and that the Department has been creative in meeting commitments to ranchers and biologists report that elk herds are thriving and increasing numbers and stepped up to the plate on quotas to keep population in check but has concerns with low success rate as low as 18 percent on antlerless hunts and hard to swallow with the number of animals as there are out there and knows the Department is looking into the issue to do something about it.

COMMISSIONERS IN FAVOR OF THE MOTION: CHAIRMAN MCBEATH, ROBB, DREW, HOWELL, MORI, RAINE, SHRUM AND WALLACE. VOTE ON MOTION – 8 – 0, COMMISSIONER MCNINCH ABSENT.

Resident Nelson (Desert) Bighorn Sheep – Any Ram – Any Legal Weapon Hunt 3151

Biologist Cox reviewed the CABMW’s alternative comments: Churchill, Nye, and Pershing (exhibit file).

Joe Crim, Pershing CABMW, said they only wanted to keep quota same as last year in 045 which was two tags as a CABMW member hunted that area and thought three hunters would be too many; and supported NDOW recommendations on all the others.

Troy Smith, Churchill CABMW, said they submitted their recommendation and would add that biologist at meeting said he would recommend splitting the area and if at point next year with high numbers of tags including 181 may want to consider splitting the season for quality and less congestion.

Thomas Brunson, White Pine CABMW, said he did not vote on this at the meeting, but he hunted 132 last year and saw 68 sheep in the unit more than they saw from the air, and he did not see enough mature rams while hunting to warrant three tags and requested the tags be reduced back to two.

29


Mike Cox said Unit 252 Stonewall Mountain the herd continues to do well but we are at mercy of Nellis Air Force and trying to accommodate hunters as most of the hunt area is within the boundaries of Nellis. There is congestion issue with going beyond seven to eight tags, and don’t want to have the hunt eliminated and or issues during the hunt that could have been controlled and it has to do with military rules, hunting party size and number of days to hunt. Staff have discussed the situation with the Air Force and want the hunt to be a quality hunt for hunters. The cooperative agreement states the length of the season which is three weeks, and could split that into a 15 or 16 day season, open the interior earlier, and or have them regulate the party size. He said they support reduction of the quota to seven.

Commissioner Robb suggested for Stonewall that there be a split such as seven in early season that you are not allowed on Nellis you are on the BLM land and knows that can’t be done this year.

Commissioner Wallace said he attended the Esmeralda CABMW meeting, and same situation with saturation of 21 tags with entourages in small areas, 211 north and 211 south, and especially where divided in north and south, and Biologist Donham is to look at splitting the season.

COMMISSIONER ROBB MOVED ON HUNT 3151 TO TAKE DEPARTMENT RECOMMENDATIONS WITH THE EXCEPTION UNIT 132, TAKE THAT FROM THREE TO TWO; IN AREA 252, TAKE IT FROM 10 TO EIGHT; AND ADDITIONALLY TO THAT MOTION FOR HUNT 3251 TAKE THE DEPARTMENT RECOMMENDATION AS SUBMITTED, AND UNIT 045 TAKE THAT FROM THREE TO TWO ALSO. COMMISSIONER WALLACE SECONDED THE MOTION. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.

Remaining Bighorn Sheep Hunts and Mountain Goat California Hunt 8151

Biologist Cox said the Department supports Elko CABMW alternative recommendations for Hunt 7151.Ken Wellington, speaking for himself, said in area 102 to drop to one tag for goats because have one nonresident and PIW tag in there.

COMMISSIONER RAINE MOVED TO APPROVE HUNT 8151 CALIFORNIA BIGHORN SHEEP AS RECOMMENDED BY THE DEPARTMENT; 8251 AS RECOMMENDED BY THE DEPARTMENT; 9151 AS RECOMMENDED BY THE DEPARTMENT; HUNT 7151, UNIT 101 QUOTA OF ONE, UNIT 102 QUOTA OF TWO, UNIT 103 QUOTA OF ONE, TOTAL OF FOUR IN 7151; AND HUNT 7251, QUOTA OF ONE. COMMISSIONER HOWELL SECONDED THE MOTION. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.

Resident Junior Mule Deer Antlered or Antlerless Longbow Archery, Muzzleloader, or any legal weapon Hunt 1107

30


Discussion youth hunt – Biologist Tony WasleyBlack Bear – Any Legal Weapon Hunt 6151

Paul Dixon, Clark CABMW, better data and numbers, Chief of Game Gilbertson had provided Clark CABMW a presentation and their recommendation is to accept the Department recommendation.

Tom Cassinelli, Humboldt CABMW, believes plenty of science done and that backs up the hunt and his board went with Department recommendation.

Gil Yanuck, Carson CABMW, asked for explanation on female take.

Director Mayer estimate 2 to 1 females and probability favors males and hunt with dogs allows for that.

Marshall Anderson, Nevada Houndsmen, said they support NDOW biologist and bear quota.

Bob Brunner, self, said support Department recommendation, harvest of 20 will not affect the numbers and all agree need more information and through the harvest that helps see what is out there.

Commissioner Raine said he has not encountered any factor to question the bear hunt and is a conservative model and to continue with three year trial.

Commissioner Drew, member of Bear Committee, said during the Bear Committee meeting Biologist Lackey provided data collected and the reasons for his support of NDOW’s recommendation. Two individual scientists who have worked with Department staff, Dr. Jim Sedinger, population dynamic professor, and Dr. Jon Beckmann, who is very familiar with Nevada bears, were present at the meeting and he asked both of them if they felt recommended quota would be detrimental to the long-term sustainability of the hunt and both answered no, with the only caveat that there be continual monitoring. Setting the quota yearly leads into that and would encourage the Department to continue monitoring and are seeing that with staff’s proposed Heritage projects that will provide more information, if the projects are accepted by the Commission. He said he was criticized yesterday for not asking the NoBearHuntNv.org biologist the same question and the reason is Mr. Stringham’s opening statement at the committee meeting stated that his remarks were based on his knowledge of the California bear population model not Nevada’s, and he did not feel it was a fair question. He made good statements on caution in managing individual species or subpopulation versus the whole population and that is something to watch as we move forward. At this time does not see a biological issue with the bear hunt, will always be the social component with CABMW’s unanimous support of the hunt, and split public opinion with heavier to the no hunt side, but given what we are supposed to make these determinations upon – the science, CABMW input, and public input, he will be supporting recommended quota.

31


Commissioner McNinch said for the record he voted against the quota during the Bear Committee meeting yesterday. He would like to explain his vote: Supports multiple use of natural resources, supports hunting as management tool and that includes hunting bears, and there was bump with NDOW staff and comment perceived as not supportive of Department staff and made it clear he supports NDOW staff and is sorry that misconception occurred and he does support staff. Firmly believes that there has been increase in population and depending on testimony heard range of 3 - 16 percent increase in bear population and population not going down and appreciates the conservatism built into the considerations to establish the quota and understands the thought process, and having said that, still some items not resolved in his mind and one is that hunt is not unit specific; densities not updated; has questions on immigration and Nevada relationship with California bear population and how the fringe of the population operates; work needed on urban interface and wild land bear relationships; and is sensitive to over-harvest of fringe areas; wishes for more information on DNA study and does not want hunt to be additive as opposed to compensatory and susceptibility of females being taken; and is confident that work being done and that the proposed Heritage projects will provide more information and cumulatively it adds up to an area he cannot go right now as not sure it is comprehensive and hopes his trepidation is unfounded.

Vice Chairman Robb said he too is on the Bear Committee and two experts brought material from Alaska to look at and one from California and he does not want to discredit those individuals and is not weighing resumes, but Carl Lackey and Dr. Beckmann have been involved and working on these bears for many years and will listen to experts who have been involved the longest and he appreciates the questions raised and he believes the people we have. Commissioner McNinch brought up the Heritage Committee and during that committee meeting there was concern about bringing dollars into the Department and Heritage Committee is looking at funding $70,000 out of $110,000 proposals submitted and if looking at money, the bear hunt is losing money, and this is not a money issue at all, as we are trying to come up with information and the money is for a DNA reproduction study.

Chairman McBeath said the model was submitted for peer review, and received testimony that the comments on the study, received to date are minor. He puts weight on the peer review process, Dr. Sedinger and Dr. Beckmann, as opposed to a consultant who has been paid to provide an opinion.

Commissioner Wallace extremely confident on science and extremely happy with NDOW presentation and questions asked and received and as to female harvest, the regulation states you cannot kill a sow with cubs which is further protection to females.

Public Comment –

Kelly Strang, Nevada Houndsmen, areas he hunted bears in Nevada, 50 percent of bears caught were females, and Nevada has a really good bear population.

32


Judi Caron, Bear Committee member, thanked NDOW staff and consultants and has confidence in study and the work on the ground. She thanked the Commission for the opportunity to serve on board.

Rick Smith, Washoe CABMW and Heritage Committee member said there are two bear Heritage projects proposed have been proposed and he is supportive of those proposals and he asked the Commission to consider those projects.

Commissioner McNinch said he wants to be clear he is not challenging the Department model or numbers and will stop short of saying he is conceding any numbers as he understands the model, and question of the hunt, is it at the right time. Lot of anecdotal information that is good. His vote is not commentary on the Department or as a vote of no confidence in the Department and wants that put that on the record.

COMMISSIONER HOWELL MOVED THAT WE SUPPORT THE DEPARTMENT RECOMMENDATIONS FOR BLACK BEAR HUNT ANY LEGAL WEAPON HUNT 6151 AND BLACK BEAR ANY LEGAL WEAPON HUNT 6251. COMMISSIONER SHRUM SECONDED THE MOTION. COMMISIONERS IN FAVOR: MCBEATH, ROBB, DREW, HOWELL, MORI, RAINE, SHRUM, AND WALLACE. VOTE ON MOTION 8 – 1. COMMISSIONER MCNINCH OPPOSED.

Resident Junior Mule Deer Antlered or Antlerless Any Legal Weapon Hunt 1107

Biologist Wasley noted corrections to the NDOW recommendation on page 19, second row, Unit 241 – 245, the date should read Oct. 5 – Oct. 31 and noted the changes to last year’s quota.

Paul Dixon, Clark CABMW, said they did not discuss the youth hunt, and speaking for himself, would recommend if necessary to take tags out of other hunts rather than the youth hunt.

Tom Cassinelli, Humboldt CABMW, said 25 percent cut to Area 5 based on last year’s quota and the rest at 2011 quotas, the reason is hunter success as the CABMW represents sportsmen and received so many questions about Area 5, in Humboldt County it is small herds that do not migrate and is a unique situation to manage hunters in the field and the youth hunt purpose is to allow quality hunts and they have problem with doe population in Humboldt County. Behind it 100 percent but does not want the youth to have a bad experience if they don’t even see a deer.

Gary Coleman, Pershing CABMW, said they want the 10 tags back that were cut last year, and approve taking them out of the adult hunt if necessary.

Thomas Brunson, White Pine CABMW, said the board voted to leave youth quota alone to make sure enough tags.

33


Cory Lytle, Lincoln CABMW, agreed to take from the adult hunt if necessary and based on recommendation not sure where it falls. Tom Cassinelli, Humboldt CABMW, agreed with Mr. Lytle’s suggestion but is speaking for self.

Dane Bradfield speaking for himself would suggest setting youth after regular mule deer quotas.

Commissioner Howell clarified that the ratio is built into the other hunts.

Biologist Wasley confirmed that he is correct in that the youth hunt is already accounted for with the other quotas with the objective of achieving a post hunt buck ratio of 30.

Discussion of CABMW recommendations (exhibit file) on youth hunt and some reductions based on 2011 quotas, and Biologist Cox inputted the changes into the excel spreadsheet shown on the screen. Cary Jellison, outfitter, commented about success rates.

COMMISSIONER ROBB MOVED FOR JUNIOR HUNT 1107 WE ACCEPT THE NUMBERS AS PRESENTED ON MIKE COX’S CURRENT SLIDE/POWERPOINT SCREEN. COMMISSIONER WALLACE SECONDED THE MOTION.

Biologist Wasley summarized that the tags were redistributed from White Pine and Lincoln into northern Nye and Elko County with minimal difference elsewhere.

Chairman McBeath requested one more tag be in Unit 222 in Lincoln County for the applicants.

COMMISSIONER ROBB ACCEPTED THE ADDITIONAL TAG.

Commissioner Raine said he does not believe this was necessary or best idea to put the tags in where they did.

COMMISSIONERS IN FAVOR OF THE MOTION: MCBEATH, ROBB, DREW, HOWELL, MCNINCH, MORI, SHRUM AND WALLACE. COMMISSIONER RAINE OPPOSED VOTE ON MOTION: MOTION PASSED 8 – 1.

Mule Deer Hunts

Resident Antlerless Mule Deer Hunt 1181 Any Legal Weapon Hunt

Biologist Wasley said there are three unit groups with proposed antlerless harvest of mule deer and the proposed recommendation to harvest does is due to 051 and Area 6 experiencing significant wildfires on critical winter range. Area 10 has indicated a population at or near carrying capacity, and the recommended quota is conservative.

34


Paul Dixon, Clark CABMW, said the CABMW was unanimously in support of this hunt.

Tom Cassinelli, Humboldt CABMW, recommended 10 tags in that unit; biologist made recommendation due to late fires in 051.

Commissioner Raine said in regard to doe harvest that this is in the “nuts” category as no data to support the hunt and maybe he is wrong but this is not reasonable to do so and only reason for doe hunt would be to have good data. Exact opposite of wildlife conservation.

Commissioner Shrum said he does not support the doe hunt due to massive fires and does not support taking almost 1,000 does out of the Rubies.

Commissioner Mori said this is difficult issue to accept and proposed quota is mostly out of Elko County, and Elko CABMW struggled with this issue, and he asked Mr. Wellington to explain the CABMW’s lower recommendation.

Ken Wellington, Elko CABMW, said they discussed and started with zero tag recommendation and explained that set a season which required one tag, and he struggled with this, and learned there were 318 sportsmen who put in for doe tags and used that in argument against the one doe tag; however, the board ended up tabling the item to put this mess in the Commission’s lap.

Commissioner Mori said ranching industry understands carrying capacity and knows where Department is coming from and he supports antlerless hunts at these levels.

Dan Stoker, sportsmen from Humboldt CABMW, is absolutely opposed to doe hunt and has seen one doe hunt in the 1960s and most devastating thing he has seen. There is no data and if you show him the data he would change his mind.

Bob Brunner said he will re-present some of the data we already had, and thinks we will have reduction in deer herd just due to moisture level this year and will lose deer, and question is should we harvest them or let them die. Trend to of Commission to reduce deer tags, and buck/doe ratios are up, three years of low fawn recruitment, and that prevents growth in the population, and he further explained scenarios.

Mel Belding, said he has discussed shooting does many years ago, and when he sees deer in May still with winter coat that is wrong and all know that a cow with no feed will not have a calf in that year or the next, and need to trust biologist but he will go crazy if a ewe hunt is ever proposed.

COMMISSIONER HOWELL MOVED THAT THE BOARD REJECT THE DEPARTMENT RECOMMENDATION FOR MULE DEER ANTLERLESS HUNT 1181. COMMISSIONER SHRUM SECONDED THE MOTION.

35


Mr. Sefton said disingenuous of the Commission to not offer some tags in a unit with a season.

Commissioner Howell restated his motion:

COMMISSIONER HOWELL MOVED THAT WE APPROVE MULE DEER ANTLERLESS ANY LEGAL WEAPON HUNT 1181 WITH A QUOTA OF TWO IN EACH OF THE THREE UNIT GROUPS. COMMISSIONER SHRUM SECONDED THE MOTION. COMMISSIONERS IN FAVOR: HOWELL, RAINE, AND SHRUM. COMMISSIONERS OPPOSED: CHAIRMAN MCBEATH, ROBB, DREW, MCNINCH, MORI, AND WALLACE. MOTION FAILED 3 – 6.

COMMISSIONER DREW MOVED TO APPROVE THE DEPARTMENT RECOMMENDATION FOR HUNT 1181 EXCEPT UNIT 051 REDUCE TO 10. COMMISSIONER WALLACE SECONDED THE MOTION. COMMISSIONERS IN FAVOR: CHAIRMAN MCBEATH, ROBB, DREW, MCNINCH, MORI, AND WALLACE. COMMISSIONERS OPPOSED: HOWELL, RAINE, AND SHRUM. MOTION PASSED 6 -3.

Resident Mule Deer – Antlered – Any Legal Weapon Hunt 1331

Chairman McBeath reminded the CABMWs that he sent an email to please provide the Commission with backup to your position and why you want a reduction as it looks like most recommendations are for reductions.

Tom Cassinelli, Humboldt CABMW, said their recommendation is for Units 031 – 035 and 041 – 046 to be set at 2011 quotas with the exception of Unit 051 quota to be set at 25 percent less than the 2011 quota.

Cory Lytle, Lincoln CABMW, reviewed a handout/spreadsheet (exhibit file) explaining their quota recommendation.

Thomas Brunson, White Pine CABMW, recommended sticking with 2011 quota recommendation and commented: Model and population on downhill slide and don’t feel population growing and if there is additional mortality in model, success rate falling last three years. Have not had buck ratio put in model since 2009 and all surveys have been for elk not deer and do not feel comfortable with big jump in that unit without survey.

Gary Coleman, Pershing CABMW, recommend same quota as 2011 due to small herd size and other factors.

Jim Evans, Eureka CABMW, read statement as to the Eureka CABMW recommendation (exhibit file audio 3:00:03 – 3:09:30 p.m.).Public Comment –

36


Bob Brunner, Coalition for Nevada’s Wildlife, said they recommend the biologist’s data and the range is in tough condition and deer can die in the mountain or they can be taken and they are a renewable natural resource, and no reason not to trust the professional biologists.

Carey Jellison, outfitter, provided a chart to the Commission and said he does not understand why success number is not higher with the reduction in tags, believes deer population numbers are down and agreed with Mr. Evans of Eureka CABMW.

Gerald Lent provided written comments which he read and for the exhibit file (Attachment C), he read a section from Commission meeting minutes - May 14 and 15, 2010. He showed the quota map and stated that the center is holding steady and the other areas are declining as the CABMW members have testified, and named the units that have not been flown for surveys. NDOW cannot substantiate the deer population in Nevada and expert proclaimed Nevada has the worst model and when NDOW says we have the highest ratio that is incorrect as model needs to be studied by outside entity.

Don Molde, said it bothers him to hear the comment that it is better to shoot the deer then let them die in the winter and the other side of the coin is that a bad year for deer is actually a good year for coyotes, mountain lions and other animals, as in general that puts organic matter back to the soil. No mandate that you have to execute deer and that you are doing the deer a favor and is biologically nonsensical and the worse thing about single species management and that ungulates get the highest place on the totem pole which characterizes fish and game management.

Don Stoker, Humboldt CABMW, is opposed to the increase in quotas for mule deer in Humboldt County and biologists concurred that Humboldt CABMW is one of the worst areas in the state, in 051 the Santa Rosas. He doubts 170 mule deer on the mountain. He complained that no surveys done and state in not good shape and we have heard that all day from other CABMW members that they do not support doubling the quota and wants the Commission to stay with last year’s quota.

Dane Bradfield, Lincoln CABMW speaking for himself, said state should not be blanket managed as it is broken up unit by unit which is the purpose; have unique opportunity with the quota setting process as it is one of the best; proposed NDOW increases to get back to the model could be stretched over more than one year and spread it out and reevaluate. He said another comment, why the 30 buck ratio, as some feel that some units in Lincoln and White Pine could sustain a higher ratio. As to carrying capacity comments, the enjoyment of hunting is what makes sportsmen take to the field, and if too congested that lessens the enjoyment of the hunt and with large amount of tags the hunter success rate will lessen with hunter congestion.

Paul Dixon, Clark CABMW, speaking for himself as a scientist and professional said it all comes down to people saying they don’t see deer and believing them over the biologists that have

37


surveyed the state from the air. If we get to next year and they are wrong we won’t destroy the herds.

Darin Elmore said speaking for himself that the Area 6 increases he can accept but hunter density will be an issue and Area 6 elk herd is out of control, second concern is with Area 6 elk herd, and with a low antlerless success of 20 percent and his concern is with 2,600 additional deer hunters that will probably have some effect on the antlerless elk hunt success rate.

Rick Smith, Washoe CABMW, said the CABMW trusted science and input from professional biologists and that is where they stand.

Judi Caron, offended by previous sportsmen that stated hunters are not honest and what we say on public record is being projected to the public and the legislators. She suggested a workshop to hash these types of issues out before this meeting like the Bears and Heritage Committees have.

Discussion of mule deer quotas returned to the Commission – Commissioner Drew stated that in his motion he is incorporating what the CABMW’s suggested and there are social considerations and his recommendation will be a little off from the Department’s and is not a slight to the Department.

COMMISSIONER DREW MOVED FOR HUNT 1331 WE ACCEPT THE DEPARTMENT RECOMMENDATION FOR UNITS 011 AND 013 EARLY AND LATE; 014 EARLY AND LATE; 015, 021, 022, 031 TO USE HUMBOLDT CABMW’S RECOMMENDATION OF 128; FOR 032 USE HUMBOLDT RECOMMENDATION OF 80; 033 EARLY A SPLIT BETWEEN HUMBOLDT AND WASHOE 55; 033 LATE 25; 034 20; 035 56; 041, 042, 34, 043 – 046 EARLY 171, 043 – 046 LATE 55, 051 EARLY PER HUMBOLDT’S RECOMMENDATION 213, LATE 24; AREA 6 EARLY AS RECOMMENDED, AREA 6 LATE AS RECOMMENDED; 065 AS RECOMMENDED; AREA 7 EARLY AND LATE AS RECOMMENDED; 081 AS RECOMMENDED; AREA 10 EARLY, MID AND LATE AS RECOMMENDED, 111 – 113 EARLY PER WHITE PINE RECOMMENDATION 425, LATE 48; 114 – 115 EARLY 62, LATE 16; 121 EARLY 199, LATE 10; 13 EARLY 234, 13 LATE 13; THE DEPAARTMENT RECOMMENDATION FOR EARLY AND LATE FOR AREA 14 AND SAME FOR AREA 15 EARLY AND LATE; 161 – 164 EARLY PER NYE RECOMMENDATION 319, LATE 37; 171 – 173 EARLY 459, LATE 114; 181 – 184 PER DEPARTMENT RECOMMENDATION AS WELL AS 192, 194, AND 196, 195 PER 20 STOREY CABMW RECOMMENTATION OF 20; DEPARTMENT RECOMMENDATIONS FOR ALL AREA 20 – 201, 202, 204, 205, 206, 203 PER DEPARTMENT RECOMMENDATION, 211, 212 PER DEPARTMENT RECOMMENDATION, 221, AREA 22 EARLY AND LATE PER LINCOLN CAMBW RECOMMENDATION AND EARLY IS 560, LATE 30; 231 PER LINCOLN CABMW RECOMMENDATION OF 177; AREA 24 FOR LINCOLN CABMW RECOMMENDATION OF 97; 251 – 253 PER NYE CABMW RECOMMENDATION OF 36; AND REMAINING THREE PER DEPARTMENT RECOMMENDATION. HE ADDED TO INCLUDE EUREKA CABMW UNITS 141 – 145 EARLY AND LATE, 239 AND 28. COMMISSIONER ROBB SECONDED THE MOTION.

38


Commissioner Howell suggested just stating the motion to include all the CABMW recommendations and would amend the motion to do that.

Commissioner Drew explained that the motion was different as for example Humboldt and Washoe CABMWs recommendations were combined.

Commission discussion of the motion -

Commissioner Wallace said his question on the motion is Units 141 – 145 Early and Late as the difference in the motion concerns him.

COMMISSIONER WALLACE MOVED TO AMEND, WOULD INCLUDE JEREMY DREW’S ORIGINAL MOTION BUT CHANGING 141 – 145 EARLY FROM 239 TO 325 AND 141 – 145 LATE FROM 28 TO 40. COMMISSIONER ROBB SECONDED THE MOTION TO AMEND.

Commissioner Raine said Eureka CABMW had extremely good reasons for their recommendation, and if wrong, change it in a few years, Mr. Evans is a range expert in Eureka County.

Commissioner Wallace said biologist stated they had the best count historically and is trying to strike a balance, and frankly could have went with the biologist recommendation of 655 and 68.

CHAIRMAN MCBEATH MOVED TO AMEND MOTION TO INCREASE 141 – 145 EARLY TO 425 AND LATE TO 50. COMMISSIONER WALLACE SECONDED THE MOTION.

Chairman McBeath asked Commissioner Drew if this is agreeable to amend his motion and approve all as one motion. Commissioner Drew agreed. Commissioner Raine requested that the two affected counties be allowed to comment.

Thomas Brunson, White Pine CABMW, said he is comfortable with recommendation.

Jim Evans, Eureka CABMW, said during last field season he spent time flying the Diamonds and personal perspective is that numbers were down and agree with survey number and real concern is with base population estimate. The biologist recommended a long-term study on Area 14 and Eureka CABMW plans to do that by partnering with NDOW and with other agencies to get a grasp on the population. He said the balance is environmental factors and would rather go into winter with a greater number of animals in anticipation that there will be a measurable loss and would have opportunity to restructure the population in spring 2013.

Biologist Wasley responded to the base population comment from Mr. Evans (4:40:28).

Chairman McBeath said he will stay with his motion.

39


COMMISSIONER RAINE MOVED TO AMEND THE MOTION TO 239 AND 28 IN AREA 14, AND LEAVE EVERYTHING ELSE AS ORIGINAL. COMMISSIONER HOWELL SECONDED THE MOTION. COMMISSIONERS IN FAVOR: RAINE, HOWELL, AND SHRUM. COMMISSIONERS OPPOSED: CHAIRMAN MCBEATH, ROBB, DREW, MCNINCH, AND MORI. VOTE 3 – 6. AMENDMENT FAILED.

Commissioner Mori said he wanted to stay with the 325 and 40 to keep consistency to main motion.

Chairman McBeath said the reason for his amendment is in his opinion Eureka CABMW did not adequately deal with the Department’s data on the population and procedurally it was agreed by the motion maker and the second to incorporate the amendments into the body of the motion and the 325 was only an interim number.

COMMISSIONER MORI MOVED TO AMEND THE MAIN MOTION TO GO WITH THE NUMBERS IN HUNT 141 – 145 OF 325 FOR EARLY AND 40 FOR LATE. COMMISSIONER RAINE SECONDED THE MOTION. COMMISSIONERS IN FAVOR OF AMENDMENT TO MOTION: MORI, RAINE, HOWELL, AND SHRUM. COMMISSIONERS OPPOSED: MCNINCH, MCBEATH, ROBB, WALLACE AND DREW. MOTION FAILED 4 - 5.

COMMISSIONERS IN FAVOR OF MAIN MOTION: CHAIRMAN MCBEATH, ROBB, DREW, MCNINCH, MORI AND WALLACE. COMMISSIONERS O0PPOSED: RAINE, HOWELL, AND SHRUM. MOTION PASSED 6 – 3.

Chairman McBeath asked staff how to proceed for the remaining hunts.

Biologist Wasley said the recommended changes for archery and muzzleloader are close enough and suggested reviewing the CABMW recommendations and then he would index the nonresident quotas and decisions off the 1331 resident quota through the array process, and would suggest a motion from the Commission to base all the nonresident quotas.

Hunt 1371 and 1341 Muzzleloader and Archery Biologist Cox reviewed the CABMW recommendations for residents and he displayed the numbers on the power point.

Chairman McBeath said the changes to the archery and muzzleloader hunts are in line with changes to the 1331 any legal weapon hunt, and he asked for CABMW comment and hearing none, returned the discussion to the Commission.

COMMISSIONER RAINE SAID AREA 14 IS STILL MESSED UP AND SHOULD GO WITH THE CABMW RECOMMENDATION WHICH WOULD BE LONGBOW HUNT TO 96, MUZZLELOADER TO 20, AND HE MOVED TO APPROVE THE CHANGES AS PRESENTED WITH THOSE TWO

40


MODIFICATIONS. COMMISSIONER HOWELL SECONDED THE MOTION. COMMISSIONERS IN FAVOR: RAINE, HOWELL, AND SHRUM. COMMISSIONERS OPPOSED: MCBEATH, ROBB, DREW, MCNINCH, MORI, AND WALLACE. MOTION FAILED 6 – 3.

COMMISSIONER WALLACE MOVED TO APPROVE MUZZLELOADER HUNT 1371 AND LONGBOW ARCHERY HUNT 1341 FOR MULE DEER WITH CHANGES NOTED ON THE SCREEN. COMMISSIONER MORI SECONDED THE MOTION. COMMISSIONERS IN FAVOR: MCBEATH, ROBB, DREW, MCNINCH, MORI, AND WALLACE. COMMISSIONERS OPPOSED: RAINE, HOWELL, AND SHRUM. MOTION CARRIED 6 – 3.

Hunt 1101 Baker Ranch Unit Groups 114 and 115

COMMISSIONER WALLACE MOVED TO APPROVE RESIDENT MULE DEER ANTLERLESS ANY LEGAL WEAPON DEPREDATION HUNT 1101 AS PROPOSED BY THE DEPARTMENT. COMMISSIONER ROBB SECONDED THE MOTION. MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY.

N onresident Hunts

Chairman McBeath said we discussed allowing the Department to go ahead and make the calculations based on the 10 percent for nonresident hunts.

COMMISSIONER RAINE MOVED TO APPROVE A MINIMUM OF TWO TAGS TO REPRESENT A DIRECT 90/10 SPLIT DIRECTLY PROPORTIONAL TO THE UNITS AND WEAPON CLASSES IN NONRESIDENT HUNTS AND STAFF WOULD TAKE TAGS FROM A LARGER AREA TO CREATE THE QUOTA OF TWO, INCLUDING ADJUSTMENT OF NONRESIDENT 1235 HUNT. COMMISSIONER HOWELL SECONDED THE MOTION. MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY.

Resident and Nonresident Deer and Antelope Landowner Compensation Tags

Commissioner Mori asked if staff have ever gotten to the limit of the tags.

Biologist Cox said it has been close and acknowledged that in the future need to have determination of 2012 compensation tag total to be determined the previous year as counts made for 2012 are made in 2011 and index maximum that can be issued in current year based on deer herd counts that are already done and potential if major drop in population from one year to the next that it could come up short.

COMMISSIONER MORI MOVED TO APPROVE 1.5 PERCENT FOR THE EITHER SEX HUNTS 1115, 1215, 2115, AND 2215, DENOTED ON THE LAST PAGE. COMMISSIONER RAINE SECONDED THE MOTION. MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY.

Chairman McBeath and Commissioner Howell departed the meeting for their Las Vegas flights.

Vice Chairman Robb chaired the remaining portion of the meeting.

41


17 Future Commission Meeting – Director Ken Mayer – For Possible Action

Secretary Mayer said the next meeting is Elko and noted the Commission requested a possible tour of wild horse sanctuary.

Commissioner McNinch requested a report on the Off-Highway Vehicle Commission’s activities.

18 Public Comment Period –

Bob Brunner said attended the Bear Committee and heard comments about having a workshop in Incline Village and would like to discuss that further with Bear Committee member Kathryn Bricker to obtain involvement of NoBearHuntNevada.org. Mr. Brunner said in regard to the quota recommendation last year was radical when the CABMWs and these folks were ignored and if it had been a static level this would not have been much. He stated deer data, and when you reduce the buck to doe ratio the population explodes.

Tom Cassinelli, Humboldt CABMW, said he has attended meetings for past 33 years and complimented the Department for their work on the quota process and that the social side is there and affects the biology side as well.

Gerald Lent asked if “you” have the authority to ask for data he talked about before where they counted 40,000 deer because they took total deer population and divided it by three as Wasley stated? He knows you won’t answer, and congratulated Commission who voted for this massive increase and participated in the catastrophic mismanagement of deer in Nevada’s history. He said this happened in the late 1970s as NDOW miscalculated the population and took years for the deer to recover. He has already proven with previous testimony that NDOW makes decisions for money and NDOW will make greater than $3 million from these deer increases not counting other big game and this includes federal match. NDOW has incentive to sell tags, and wishes Chairman McBeath had not left as he talked of a Commissioner crossing the line, and he believes Chairman McBeath’s letter to all the CABMWs trying to influence them in the public opinion crossed over the line and is an Open Meeting Law violation by Chairman McBeath which will be filed and the vice chairman can relay that to him.

Don Molde said he wants to use his three minutes to complain about the three minutes rule. He said the three minute rule promotes antagonism and diversity rather than consensus, as you have to make the best or worst argument and other guy will do the same. He said to simply say a way around the three minute rule is the committees that the Commission has, the Bear and Trapping Committee are two great examples, and he thanked the Commission for their committees as that is a chance for real dialogue as the three minute rule does not allow that.

Mel Belding, Washoe County, said his point is it is not right for a former Commissioner to say the increase in tags today is money driven, that statement requires him to say something as he

42


would be the first to say that is not so and especially because staff are professional and is their job.

Vice Chairman Robb said a record number of big game tags were allocated today and the opportunity to sportsmen is a main goal as well as protecting the resource.

Commissioner Raine said he agreed with Vice Chairman Robb except for the deer herd which was a travesty and we will know in a couple of years.

Meeting adjourned 5:31:05

The Videotape of the Meeting is Available for Viewing at NDOW.org

NOTE: The minutes are a summary of the meeting. At the Department of Wildlife headquarters in Reno is a complete record of the meeting, including recordings; and all the exhibits received/referenced during the meeting. The record is available upon request.

43

Documents

Web viewThe Videotape of the Meeting is Available for Viewing at NDOW.org . DRAFT MINUTES. Nevada Board of Wildlife Commissioners’ Meeting. Nevada Department of Wildlife