GOVERNOR SIGNS "WARDEN'S STAMP"

sTony · Post by **sTony** » Wed Oct 14, 2009 12:25 pm

GOVERNOR SIGNS "WARDEN'S STAMP"

GIVES OUTDOORSMEN OPPORTUNITY TO SUPPORT THOSE WHO PUT THEIR LIVES ON THE LINE

CALIFORNIA (October 14, 2009) - Governor Schwarzenegger has signed legislation that will help provide California's hard-pressed game wardens with some welcome relief. AB 1442 will among other things allow the Department of Fish and Game to offer a "Warden's Stamp," generating funds for under-funded programs that help train and equip state wardens.

"California fishermen and hunters have long complained about the way Sacramento has treated wardens. Now we as sportsmen have the chance to put our money where our mouth is," said Tom Raftican of The Sportfishing Conservancy, one of the bill's sponsors. "With nearly two million licensed anglers in California, we can really get behind those folks who put their lives on the line protecting our great outdoors," he added.

The $5 stamp, which will be sold alongside hunting and fishing licenses, will be voluntary and will not generate pay directly for the wardens, but will help fund special equipment for them, help in their advanced training and provide some family benefits that the state no longer can afford.

"Anglers have persistently led the fight for conservation and wardens have tirelessly protected California's resources," said April Wakeman, programs director for The Sportfishing Conservancy. "Great fishing depends on great resources," she added.

The warden stamp will be an optional donation when sportsmen purchase hunting or fishing licenses beginning January 2010.

###

For more information on AB 1442 or other conservation efforts, please contact Tom Raftican at The Sportfishing Conservancy (805) 895-3000.

James Chisum - Account Coordinator
Miller Geer Arizmendez, Inc.
18327 Gridley Rd, Ste I
Cerritos, CA 90703
562-467-2020
JamesC@millergeer.com

jimmy87 · Post by **jimmy87** » Wed Oct 14, 2009 12:51 pm

This is a good bill but with all the taxes Ca. gets from us SUCKERS the Wardens should be making 125,000 a year.
There should be PLENTY of money for our huniting, fishing and parks alike.
what do they get from our earingings now? I lost track when it became upwards of 30%

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Wed Oct 14, 2009 1:00 pm

Is the revenue for this stamp going to the general fund or specifically to DFG?

Marty · Post by **Marty** » Wed Oct 14, 2009 1:22 pm

I hope it goes into DFG lock box, because if it goes into the general fund the Wardens will never see a dime of it!

Dom · Post by **Dom** » Wed Oct 14, 2009 1:36 pm

Thanks for the info Tony, But it all BS what ever happen to our 5.00 for the delta stamp? I have lost all faith in all the politicians that run California I dont trust any of them they keep dipping into our pockets and get us to agree with worthy things like this more pay for wardens but the truth is the wardens will not see a dime.

My cat just started clanking on my Jeep wrangler so I head to the muffler shop after work today, they want $600.00!

I remember back in the mid 90's you could pick up a universal for 75.00

And get this as of January 1st 2009 the laws changed, if I cut it off (just passed smog) I could have my jeep taken away and be fined 50,000.00!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

So they set the price on the cats then threaten us into having to pay the high dollar amounts! This just pissed me off not happy about the way California is RAPING US!

So glad I am outta this broke, corupt state in another year

biteme · Post by **biteme** » Wed Oct 14, 2009 1:37 pm

Marty wrote:I hope it goes into DFG lock box, because if it goes into the general fund the Wardens will never see a dime of it!

Yep, one of those good ideas to start and bad to finish. How long will it be before we hear " the money needs to go to parks an rec ect" Ill have to think hard about this one.

DL · Post by DL » Wed Oct 14, 2009 1:42 pm

I'd rather give a $5 bill to the next warden I see than buy the stamp. Without a law on the books we have no idea where the money goes and how it is used

Tin Can · Post by **Tin Can** » Wed Oct 14, 2009 1:57 pm

First of all, what the heck do they do with the money from the fishing license itself? How about all the stamps we buy? What about the percentage of the license fees that should have gone to trout stocks this year that didn't happen?

Seems they really should have more money than they do.

Where do our fees even go?

DAN · Post by **DAN** » Wed Oct 14, 2009 2:38 pm

Yes We have been here before with the poor handling of Striped baas stamp money, DFG funds in general. Look at it this way it's $5 bucks and you'll probably burn that 5 up on Coffee or adult beverage anyway. Hell I just spent 11 bucks at starbucks...

You get a stamp that at least if nothing else says you care about the wardens and the thankless job they try to do amongst the goverment crap. Considering they contact more armed people than most law enforcement if they get a few extra bucks for equipment and training Great! I see them All the time now trying to protect resources give them a break, the problem is at the top.

If ya don't like CA pack up and move, it isn't the best but we love what we have left!

Dang can't wait till the weekend one of my clubs open and I can shoot something! Probably pretend it's a Texas Pheasant!

JJCJR · Post by **JJCJR** » Wed Oct 14, 2009 2:43 pm

These new fees, voluntary or not, are really getting out of hand.
As mentioned above, fishermen have to pay for a Delta stamp....what happens to those funds?
How about that enhancement fee we SoCal guys have to pay for the privilege of fishing below Pt. ArgÃ¼elles (not sure of the spelling)?

Last year recreational lobster fishermen in the state had to buy report cards reporting where and how many bugs they caught per trip. Each fisherman must have one of these card in their procession while fishing, regardless of age, and report the location and number of bugs caught per trip. The DFG sold over 28,000 cards in 2009 at over 8.00 each.

After processing 1200 of the cards DFG officials were worried that some of the newly designed recreational hoop nets on the market increased a fisherman's chase of catching bugs from 1.8 per trip to 2.4 per trip. Now the DFG want us to contribute to a study to limit the design of the recreational hoop net that will render them "less effective". So the question is...where did the funds on the sale of those 28,000 card go? OH...and the cards have to be renewed the 1st of every year whether you've used up all the spaces or not. Can you read between the lines on this fee....

Sorry guys, with the MLPA and all these "ticky, tacky" regulations being poured down on us, do you wonder why the number of licenses sold each season in California are decreasing ever year.

I fished in the US Open last September. My boater had lost his wallet the morning of one of the pre-fish days. We were checked on the water by Nevada Wildlife and that is when my boater realized that his wallet with his license ( and other important stuff) was gone. Now, if he were in California....(read the posts on that thread on being check and not having your license with you). But since we were in Nevada, he gave the warden his name, the warden radioed the information into where ever and it was determined in a matter of minutes that my boater had indeed purchased and had a valid Nevada license. End of the story...."have a great day on the lake guys". Had we been in California....bend over....

Dom · Post by **Dom** » Wed Oct 14, 2009 2:52 pm

[/quote]If ya don't like CA pack up and move, it isn't the best but we love what we have left!

Dang can't wait till the weekend one of my clubs open and I can shoot something! Probably pretend it's a Texas Pheasant![/quote]

Dan Only problem is If Ca keeps ripping the working class people and we all move your not gonna be left with much more then a welfare state. Yall need our tax dollars and my wife and I both work therefore we pay state taxs. I'm not trying to go political just making a point.

I love California the weather is great, the scenery is awsome and the bass are HUGE its the Ca Politicians I have a problem with

as for the kill Texas has some giant Quail

Now quit taking the politicians side or Im telling Jeremy

lrgmouth · Post by **lrgmouth** » Wed Oct 14, 2009 2:57 pm

I can see it now, can i see your fishing license please, oh you dont have the $5.00 special Warden's stamp here I will have to write you up you your muffler bearings are unsafe $300.00 ticket. or the I cant believe he wrote me for only having 5 under sized stripers and I have the stamp.

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Wed Oct 14, 2009 4:02 pm

If ya don't like CA pack up and move, it isn't the best but we love what we have left!

Too late... I already beat you to the punch. No problem visiting every now and then like I'm doing this weekend.

At least I can afford to travel and fish the FLW circuits with a lower cost of living and tax rate living in AZ. And yes I make the exact $/hr in AZ that I did in Pleasanton, CA so it really is an apples to apples comparison.

Robert F · Post by **Robert F** » Wed Oct 14, 2009 4:10 pm

Dom wrote:

If ya don't like CA pack up and move, it isn't the best but we love what we have left!

Dang can't wait till the weekend one of my clubs open and I can shoot something! Probably pretend it's a Texas Pheasant![/quote]

Dan Only problem is If Ca keeps ripping the working class people and we all move your not gonna be left with much more then a welfare state. Yall need our tax dollars and my wife and I both work therefore we pay state taxs. I'm not trying to go political just making a point.

I love California the weather is great, the scenery is awsome and the bass are HUGE its the Ca Politicians I have a problem with

as for the kill Texas has some giant Quail

Now quit taking the politicians side or Im telling Jeremy

[/quote]

See ya. Two will be willing to move here in your place. As far as the stamp is concerned, I'M OUT.

Greg_Cornish · Post by **Greg_Cornish** » Wed Oct 14, 2009 4:10 pm

DL wrote:I'd rather give a $5 bill to the next warden I see than buy the stamp....

If you do it when the next one checks your license, I'd like to film it.

crawdaddy · Post by **crawdaddy** » Wed Oct 14, 2009 4:46 pm

Dan,

What in the lord's name are you doing spending $11 at Starbucks. You are a diabetic. You use a 10 unit chaser for that sucker? Just kidding I hope you enjoyed your coffee!

Scott Crawford

big_limits · Post by **big_limits** » Wed Oct 14, 2009 8:41 pm

You can say that if you stick a ripbait up a donkey's butt you'll catch more fish, and most anglers will try it at least once. Say that buying a five dollar stamp could help with training and under-staffed Warden programs and most are skeptical and want nothing to do with it. Why not be optimistic and try it at least once and see how it works out. I'm sure it's easier/better than sticking ur baits where the sun don't shine, and if do get kicked it'll probably sting a lot less too.

biteme · Post by **biteme** » Wed Oct 14, 2009 8:56 pm

How bout 5.00 stamp to get more wardens? That way we dont have to call and wait for one to get there.

Otay Michael · Post by **Otay Michael** » Wed Oct 14, 2009 9:13 pm

"...The $5 stamp, which will be sold alongside hunting and fishing licenses, will be voluntary and will not generate pay directly for the wardens, but will help fund special equipment for them, help in their advanced training and provide some family benefits that the state no longer can afford. ..."

Is there some sort of accountability on all this? If they can prove it will help I'm in. But like the lottery supposedly going to help schools, they gave the schools the same amount and then took that money they were giving the schools to fund some liberal program, like advertising for illegals to come over here and get free benefits and become a Democrat (that's why they are not into building the fence, would keep out too many new voters! [Pelosi's relatives?]).

I like the idea of giving the folks $5 directly, heck w/ the gov't. Probably get arrested for doing that too!

Bill K · Post by **Bill K** » Thu Oct 15, 2009 5:47 am

Sorry sTony, but I disagree, this is just another uncalled for tax that the state will totally waste, like they do everything else. Delta tax, 2 rod stamp, etc. etc.
I personally know wardens that have transfered and/or went to work for DFG, from police and sheriff depts, because they get more money, benefits, etc. They have it made and make more than enough. As for training they get good training and plenty of it.
I can see it coming, CHP stamp, Dept of Rehabilitation and Correction stamp and who knows what next. Bottom line is this state and it's politicians just need to learn how to work within a budget, as all of us do. Not keep coming up with a new tax to dig into our monies, so they can waste more. Bill K

sTony · Post by **sTony** » Thu Oct 15, 2009 6:03 am

Bill K wrote:Sorry sTony, but I disagree, this is just another uncalled for tax that the state will totally waste, like they do everything else. Delta tax, 2 rod stamp, etc. etc.
I personally know wardens that have transfered and/or went to work for DFG, from police and sheriff depts, because they get more money, benefits, etc. They have it made and make more than enough. As for training they get good training and plenty of it.
I can see it coming, CHP stamp, Dept of Rehabilitation and Correction stamp and who knows what next. Bottom line is this state and it's politicians just need to learn how to work within a budget, as all of us do. Not keep coming up with a new tax to dig into our monies, so they can waste more. Bill K

Don't shoot me, I'm just the messenger

. I post this stuff but that doesn't mean I support it. Just figured you all would have some opinion on the subject.

sTony

DanIsaac · Post by **DanIsaac** » Thu Oct 15, 2009 6:29 am

Wolf in sheep's clothing this one! It's a voluntary tax, PERIOD!

programgeeks · Post by **programgeeks** » Thu Oct 15, 2009 6:49 am

5 bucks for a great cause. I'm in.

Bill K · Post by **Bill K** » Thu Oct 15, 2009 7:25 am

Sorry sTony, did not mean it to sound so bad, at you, I understand and appreaciate the info you do pass onto us, we could miss some of that stuff and it is good we can keep up on things. Bill K

Wolfeman · Post by **Wolfeman** » Thu Oct 15, 2009 8:21 am

Hey Dan Isaac, watch that Wolf reference.

I'll buy the stamp and give the next warden I see a coupon for Starbucks. Guess I'm a hopeless optimist.
- Wolfeman

TonyL · Post by **TonyL** » Thu Oct 15, 2009 8:45 am

sTony wrote:
Bill K wrote:Sorry sTony, but I disagree, this is just another uncalled for tax that the state will totally waste, like they do everything else. Delta tax, 2 rod stamp, etc. etc.
I personally know wardens that have transfered and/or went to work for DFG, from police and sheriff depts, because they get more money, benefits, etc. They have it made and make more than enough. As for training they get good training and plenty of it.
I can see it coming, CHP stamp, Dept of Rehabilitation and Correction stamp and who knows what next. Bottom line is this state and it's politicians just need to learn how to work within a budget, as all of us do. Not keep coming up with a new tax to dig into our monies, so they can waste more. Bill K
Don't shoot me, I'm just the messenger . I post this stuff but that doesn't mean I support it. Just figured you all would have some opinion on the subject.

sTony

SHOOT HIM ANYWAY,IT'LL SEND A MESSAGE !

JOKE !

DAN · Post by **DAN** » Thu Oct 15, 2009 8:49 am

Scott, Me straight expresso, it's the rest of them that get that sweet stuff guess that's why I am the grumpy one! And no smokes for 6 weeks now!

DAN · Post by **DAN** » Thu Oct 15, 2009 8:54 am

Didn't they just hire a bunch more? Surely not enough but they are trying! It is a top of the heap problem Not the wardens!

DanIsaac · Post by **DanIsaac** » Thu Oct 15, 2009 9:52 am

Wolfeman wrote:Hey Dan Isaac, watch that Wolf reference.

I'll buy the stamp and give the next warden I see a coupon for Starbucks. Guess I'm a hopeless optimist.
- Wolfeman

Oops! Sory! How bout Coyote in sheeps clothing! I have no problem helping out our Wardens, but if anyone thinks this $5 is actually going to reach them I have some propety in FL I'd love to sell ya!

I'll adopt a Warden for $20!

Dan

Ringer · Post by **Ringer** » Thu Oct 15, 2009 11:06 am

After reading the thread on the state raiding G&F money for the general fund I wouldn't buy a nickels worth of anything. Arizona has a Heritage fund from lottery proceeds and our legislature tries to raid it every year. Problem is that our G&F is set up so it is seperate from legislative control and we voted the Heritage fund setup so they can't change it without a big fight. If your state is stealing funds designated for G&F then I hope they choke on a bone and tick off all the voters. If you donate $5 it is just giving the government another $5 to steal for other things.

JJCJR · Post by **JJCJR** » Thu Oct 15, 2009 11:46 am

Thank you Hutch for better exposing the real reason why the Governor signed the Warden's Stamp Bill: Of course this logic only applies to hunting?????

"The Governorâ€™s veto message stated that â€œThe creation of more dedicated accounts and reserving more funds for those accounts will only increase the complexity of the Departmentâ€™s fiscal managementâ€¦as well as reduce the Departmentâ€™s flexibility to appropriately administer hunting programs.â€

RougeBass · Post by **RougeBass** » Thu Oct 15, 2009 8:39 pm

Where does all the money go we give F&G. They really trully generated alot of revenue. This year alone I bought a fishing license, delta stamp, extra rod stamp, hunting license, deer tags (2), bear tag, pig tags, bird stamps (3), and over $300 in waterfowl reservation requests. Do the math here that is alot of money from just one person. I think maybe they need to pass legistration on how re-direct those fund instead of asking us for another $5. I know it's only $5 but come on. Sorry for ranting!

Marty · Post by **Marty** » Thu Oct 15, 2009 9:07 pm

Just think next year is 2010 and we have a chance to change everyone in office right now! I donâ€™t care if you vote (D), (R), or (I) as long it is not for an incumbent! Clean house and let them know we are mad as hell!

Andy Giannini · Post by **Andy Giannini** » Fri Oct 16, 2009 12:19 am

Donations are welcome or "voluntary" does not avoid the problem. As long as someone knows that person has power over them, its not voluntary.

If Don Corleone will be aware whether they gave a "voluntary" gift or not, it could never be truely voluntary. If donations are welcome, there is a chance no donation would be unwelcome.

Don might be "dissapointed" if he doesn't get it. When his lieutenant asks you to pay tribute to the Don...if you want to...you had better want to.

Now how are you gonna feel getting checked, and NOT having a warden stamp? He or she is gonna know by your stamp or lack of one how you feel towards DFG and its wardens.

Will a stamp be a get out jail free card, or lack of one insure a trip before the judge?

Guys will buy this stamp out of fear.

I am 100% pro warden, but this thing stinks like a shakedown of the anglers.

I don't really care about the 5 bucks or whatever, its just wrong to have a warden looking at your license, and it will have a spot on it for this stamp. It reminds me of law enforcement calling me at home, asking for "support" and people sending money in to get a little sticker for the back of their car. And people stick it on proudly displaying they support law enforcers, and secretly hoping like hell they don't get a ticket over a burned out tailight bulb.

A.G.

revrat · Post by **revrat** » Fri Oct 16, 2009 8:18 am

So he signs this bill which establishes a special fund that is to be dedicated to procuring equipment and training for wardens. Cool. I'm all for well equipped and trained wardens.

But, didn't he also just sign legislation into law specifically allowing the state to take money from specially dedicated fund accounts and use that money for the general fund for any reason at all?

It kind of says to me "Hey guys, you can volunteer more of your money to go specifically to the wardens, but we'll take it and give it away in xyz entitlement programs instead, at our discretion."

I guess it's the thought that counts.

Uh, no thanks Arnie. I'll keep my $5.

Bill Hutcheson · Post by **Bill Hutcheson** » Fri Oct 16, 2009 9:10 am

John Cassidy (JJCJR) has connected the dots that I laid forth in my post on Arnold vetoing the bill to keep hunting tag funds out of the General Fund.

What a better way to appease the outdoorsman that to come up with a voluntary "stamp" to generate more revenue for him to raid.

Hey Arnold, you want to generate revenue? How about having the CHP ticket your old lady for violating the law by yapping on her cell phone while driving - that was a bill you signed as well.

I am waiting for Arnold's next movie, "Terminator V - The fall of the hypocrite.....

Hutch

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