LAST EDITED ON Dec-18-15 AT 02:38PM (MST)[p]1. What IS the reason the tags are given to the conservation groups?
I believe the funds are allocated 10% conservation group who auctions the tag. 90% back to the DWR.
I also believe that the state is supposed to use the money raised, on projects specifically related to the species. The conservation groups can use the money where ever they see fit.
2. Who decides which tags go to which group?
There seems to be an unfair allotment there.
The Rocky mountain goat alliance receives ZERO tags to auction, while goat tags are auctioned at banquets for groups that do not concern them selves at all with mountain goats or mountain goat conservation. they put no effort into improving goat habitat.
Same deal for sheep. Why are sheep tags auctioned at mule deer foundation banquets?
Simple answer, the mule deer foundation wants that 10% off that sheep tag.
Why is the DWR giving it to them? Who knows?
The more tags you have to auction at your banquet, the more 10% cash allotments you have to use at your discretion.
The real sticky business is when the DWR gives tags to "for profit, non conservation groups" Like the expo tags. These are not auction tags.
These are lottery tags, oops, Utah would not like to label them as "lottery" that would be illegal.
Lets go with raffle. Raffles aren't illegal.
Lottery tags that you have to drive to the expo to get a chance at winning.
This is a problem for me.
I don't live in southern utah, but if I did, I would be pissed!
Now I have to drive 4 hours to drop my name in a bucket, and turn around and drive 4 more hours back. No way. Thats criminal.
The expo is a private business. I have no idea why Utah would get involved in allowing private business to profit from public owned tags.
As far as the conservation groups, if the DWR wants to help the conservation groups raise money, it should be done in a manner that is fair and equal to all conservation groups. Money raised by selling sheep tags should go to sheep, not elk or turkey, or ducks.
The DWR could auction all the tags themselves at the DWR. This can be done online, over the phone, via webcast, all of the above.
The DWR would be receiving 100% off the money and put it back into the specific animals that raised the money.
Its up to each person to decide if the current method is ethical. I know there is a lot of hard feelings about the allotment of theses tags.
In the 1980's this system was probably a good way to deal with the tags.
In 2016, with the invention of the internet, I am sure there is a much better way of maximizing the funds raised.
Dinner parties held by foundations are the norm. If we break out of the norm, we may find that there is a better system out there. But for the guys who don't like improvement and change, the old way is worth fighting for.
Also, the conservation groups are going to fight to keep their ability to auction the tags. They want that 10%.
They will also fight to keep the 10% off the tags that have nothing to do with the species their group is founded for. They want that money too.