Immediate Action: Department of Agriculture Attempting Takeover of Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources?

Camera — The management of wildlife should never be under the purview of the Department of Agriculture, in Kentucky or elsewhere.

It’s time for Kentucky hunters and fishermen to stand up and be heard. On Friday, March 15, 2024, the Kentucky Senate is scheduled to vote on perhaps the most significant piece of wildlife legislation ever introduced in the Bluegrass State. If it passes the Senate, it goes to the House. Sportsmen and women must raise their voice so that it dies in the former, and there is no fight needed for the latter.

Currently, the Kentucky Department of Agriculture is attempting to take over the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources (KDFWR). Senate Bill (SB) 3 is the route to do so.

For those requiring a history refresher, in 1945, Kentucky was divided into nine wildlife districts. Then, in 1952, the KDFWR was created. Since then, the KDFWR has operated under the guidelines of the North American Model of Conservation. This is the gold standard not just in America, but throughout the world, for managing wildlife species. The agriculture community does not view wildlife through that same lens.

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Currently, the KDFWR operates under the Kentucky Tourism, Arts, & Heritage Cabinet. SB 3 proposes a change how wildlife is managed in the Commonwealth. Among other things, it would shift the KDFWR to the Department of Agriculture, who’s commissioner would then be able to appoint committee members throughout the state. Would such appointees truly have wildlife’s best interests at heart? Likely not. Not insignificant is the fact that, at its core, the Department of Agriculture does not have wildlife in its best interest.

Some who are in favor of the bill deem it important under the guise of creating “synergy” between sportsmen and farmers. Those opposed to the bill see the move for what it is — a power grab by the Department of Agriculture. Without question, the Department of Agriculture strives for the best interests of agricultural stakeholders, and these are almost always in opposition to those of wildlife.

Unsurprisingly, numerous wildlife-focused conservation and advocacy organizations oppose this bill, including B.A.S.S., Boone and Crockett Club, Congressional Sportsmen’s Foundation, Delta Waterfowl, National Deer Association, National Wild Turkey Federation, Pheasants Forever, Quail Forever, Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation, Sportsmen’s Alliance, and more.

It’s important to know, no other state in the nation manages its wildlife under the Department of Agriculture. And Kentucky must not become the first to do so. Contact your representatives. Oppose this bill that will only harm, and not help, Kentucky wildlife.

If you’re among the vast majority, draft an email stating your opposition to SB 3. Or, for convenience, use Sportsmen’s Alliance’s automated Voter Voice in the Action Center for a faster send. Kentucky wildlife depends on your voice.