As governor, one of Chris Sununu’s jobs is to appoint members to the Fish and Game Commission. Recently Sununu has come under attack for his recent appointees.
I can’t speak about Paul DeBow, as I’m not a trapper and don’t run in those circles. But as an avid hunter and angler I can tell you that Fred Bird has put his money where his mouth is (not to mention a lot of sweat equity) regarding New Hampshire’s wildlife, specifically the wild turkey, a species that is native to New Hampshire and was brought back from the brink thanks to the efforts of sportsmen and women like him.
Bird recently took part in a turkey calling/hunting educational weekend sponsored by the National Wild Turkey Federation and Fish and Game. Sununu was in attendance. This event was a huge success and introduced people to turkey hunting – and by extension, participation in the scientifically proven effective North American model of wildlife conservation.
The real threat to the state’s wildlife and wild places is the funding crisis that Fish and Game is undergoing. The men and women of Fish and Game work tirelessly to protect both “game” and “non-game” species.
We’ve all seen the rash of reports of lost and injured hikers, and the 2019 hiking season is only a few weeks old.
I would offer this piece of advice to anyone who doesn’t like the governor’s picks for the Fish and Game Commission: There is a process in place for you to make a change. Have a challenger defeat Sununu at the ballot box, and then hope that his successor appoints people who are more to your liking.
DAN WILLIAMS
Concord