District 2 Merle Travis Music Center, Powderly - Kentucky ...

Fishing Related
UPDATED RESPONSES AS OF OCTOBER 30, 2011
APPEAR IN RED
RESPONSES TO TOWN HALL MEETING QUESTIONS AND COMMENTS
December 6, 2010 – January 11, 2011
District 2
Merle Travis Music Center, Powderly
Problem of Asian Carp in lakes & rivers (1, 2)
The Fisheries director and KDFWR Commissioner continue to pursue funding assistance by
attending meetings with federal agencies and having discussions with state and federal legislators.
The market industry is looking very promising, and several companies are gearing up to begin
harvesting Asian carp in Kentucky. Two companies are constructing processing facilities in
neighboring states, and both plan to utilize offloading facilities in Kentucky. Another company is
located in Livingston County, KY and has already been buying limited quantities of Asian carp;
they also plan to increase their facilities' capacities in Kentucky. Additionally, there are several
companies still interested in expanding into Kentucky. These mega-processing facilities will
export millions of pounds of the Asian carp to places like China and the Middle East. During the
last several weeks, this department has also learned that there is a large domestic market for fish
meal made from Asian carp. Finally,we are in the process of gearing up for a large Asian carp
research project that will examine Asian carp abundance and their effect on natve fish species.
The department is also addressing the problem of live bait fishermen accidentally netting and
unintentionally spreading the carps by using them as bait in reservoirs and other rivers and
streams. We have distributed posters, brochures and informative cards concerning identification
problems between young Asian carp and shad. Hopefully, this wil curtail the spread of the Asian
carp to new waters. This department is also using signage, the media, and the internet to inform
sportsmen who harvest Asian carp that it is unlawful to throw fish indiscriminantly on shorelines,
public access areas, parking areas, or boat ramps; it is considered littering. All unused fish should
be properly disposed of in containers, landfills, or by giving the fish to those who would eat the
fish or use them for fertilizer. When only a few fish are harvested, they can also be humanely
destroyed and swim bladders punctured prior to releasing the fish in waters where they will
decompose naturally without becoming a health issue.
Wildlife / Hunting
Tick Management (2)
The Center for Disease Control (CDC) issued an integrated guide for homeowners, pest
control operators, and public health officials for the prevention of tick-associated
disease. A copy of the Tick Management Handbook can be found at the link below:
o www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dvbid/lyme/resources/handbook.pdf
Deer population has decreased (1, 2, 3, 4, 7, 8, 9)

Current statewide deer population trends are nearly stable to slightly decreasing. Over
the past few years deer zones in many counties have been made more restrictive to try
to boost the deer population. KDFWR deer biologists look at each county’s deer
population trend every year. Based on that population trend a county’s zone can be
changed to better manage the deer population in the county. A county’s deer zone is
determined by a combination of many things. Along with the population model, deer
vehicle collision numbers, crop damage complaints, and hunter satisfaction are all taken
into account when determining what a county’s zone should be.
Need zone change in Ohio Co. (2)
The zone was changed in Ohio County from a zone 2 to a zone 3 for the 2010 hunting
season. When a zone is changed, KDFWR needs at least 3 years to assess the effect of
the zone change. The county will be re-examined after 3 years and KDFWR will
reevaluate the zone and determine what needs to be done based on the
population/harvest trends.
Earn A Buck (EAB) Program for quality deer management (2)
The current level of doe harvest should continue to stabilize the herd without adding
further restrictions beyond the 1-buck limit. The EAB concept would be impossible to
enforce with our system and level of manpower without widespread hunter support and
voluntary compliance. Most hunters do not support such a restriction.
Change waterfowl season (2, 4, 6)
2-5 days early waterfowl season in October, early November (2)
Changes in season structure cannot be implemented solely by the state. States must meet specific
criteria set forth by the US Fish and Wildlife Service USFWS). Changes must fall into one of four
categories, must have a contiguous boundary and may only occur during specified (open window)
interval.
Given USFWS criteria if Kentucky changed its season structure to three segments we would also
be required to change the youth waterfowl season structure because it would not fit into the federal
season structures. This change would affect hunters in the Eastern Duck Zone accustomed to
taking youth hunting during the first weekend of November. Based upon the uncertainty
regarding hunter preference for a particular season format the Wildlife Division recommends the
Commission postpone making a decision on this issue until the 2012 -13 regulatory period and
implement the same season format as used during the 2010 – 11 period. The Service’s window
for making season format changes is scheduled to remain open for 2012 – 13 regulations period.
This additional time will allow the Wildlife Division to survey waterfowl hunters in effort to try
and determine their season format preference.
There is interest among some hunters to modify the current duck season framework to include a
third segment to be held in late October or early November. While we have received
communications asking us to look at this possibility, we have also heard from hunters who do not
support a change.
Late Muzzleloader season – change to every weekend of December only (2)
There is simply no time or place to move or expand the muzzleloader season. Deer gun
hunters have to balance hunting time in the field with small game hunters, archery
hunters, waterfowl hunters, predator hunters, and elk hunters. When season lengths
and dates are changed for one user group it affects another hunting user group.

Although it might make sense to one user group to make a date change, such changes
are negatively viewed by other user groups.
Change youth season (2, 4, 7, 9)
Youth season for deer – September doe hunt. (9)
There are 4 days of youth deer season, 2 days in October (2 nd weekend) and 2 days in
December (weekend after Christmas). KDFWR encourages adults to take youth during
any season – youth are by no means restricted to only hunting during the youth
seasons! No change to youth seasons is currently recommended. Current youth seasons are the
best compromise at this point.
Concerns on decline of small game & seasons (rabbits, quail, grouse) (1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8 ,9)
The Department shares the concern for decline of small game. The seasons continue to
be a popular debate with overlap of deer seasons and creating a single season that ends
sometime in February. KDFWR has been one of the national leaders in restoration for
bobwhite (mgt will also benefit rabbits). We also continue to move towards a more
active forest management program on WMAs and through private lands efforts that will
benefit ruffed grouse.
KDFWR is working to create a cooperative program for private land owners to support small
game management practices, which will include evaluating cost-benefit of existing tactics and
developing critical measures of success.
Removal of beavers from Pond River (2)
The Department recommends contacting your local Private Lands Wildlife Biologist to
assist in a resolution; contact information for biologists can be found by calling 1-800-
858-1549. Year-round assistance can also be obtained from a Nuisance Wildlife Control
Operator by searching our website at http://fw.ky.gov/app1/NuisanceLookup.aspx.
Lastly, the Department offers a free program to provide fur trapper contact information
to landowners suffering livestock, fish, crop losses due to furbearers; contact
information can be found by visiting our website at
http://fw.ky.gov/app/trapperlandowner.aspx.
Against buying hogs to hunt (2)
The increasing spread of wild pigs throughout Kentucky is a serious concern for the Department.
Collectively, the KDFWR is using intensive removal efforts and public education to halt the
release and spread of pigs in the Commonwealth. The KDFWR and the Kentucky Department of
Agriculture have laws making it illegal to possess wild pigs. Technical guidance for control and
removal efforts can be obtained from the KDFWR Info Center. In addition, the KDFWR website
will add a section that details the destructive capabilities of wild pigs and the necessary removal
efforts for control.
Higginson Henry – picnic tables that were donated by private individuals – how can we get
them put back without red tape? (2)
Picnic tables will be placed if requested via event permit with 30 days notice. We will be meeting
with local area user groups soon to discuss other possible alternative sites for picnic tables.
Higginson & Henry – issues with Mgr not mowing area to be used when permit is issued for an
event – it is a safety issue.
Upcoming meeting with user groups will clarify concerns. At least 30 days notice on event
permits and clear communication in the request, as well as with the area manager, are critical..

Higginson & Henry – organize cleanup efforts – every time there is lots of red tape – why
when we are volunteering?
A large cleanup effort was just completed on H&H going through the event permit process. This
process is in place to minimize conflicts and insure the work being requested is within the
parameters of the desired intent of the area.
Higginson & Henry – Horseback riding. Loss of 7 miles of trails since 1999. Any plans to clean
& restore trails?
The KDFWR manages WMA’s with the primary focus of improving and conserving wildlife
habitat and the associated hunting & fishing resources. Trail locations are chosen to lessen
potential impacts to this primary focus. The original 8-miles of trails on the area were designated
as “hiking” trails; in 2000, given the increase in unauthorized trail creation, 10-miles of trails were
designated for horseback riding. The perceived loss of trails can be attributed to the closure of the
unauthorized trails. Trail maintenance is conducted when limited staff time is available and
doesn’t conflict with primary focus activities.
Fence in property to reserve area for handicap hunters (2)
KDFWR is committed to the concept of fair chase hunting and applies these
principles to all of our public hunting opportunities. Providing mobility-impaired
hunting and fishing opportunities is important, and we continue to increase
these opportunities on public land through hunting blinds, fishing jetties and pier
construction, and WMA mobility-impaired designations.
Future of Peabody (2)
In 2008 Peabody WMA embarked on a long-term project designed to benefit
small game populations and grassland songbirds while providing better habitat
and forage for deer and turkey. Waterfowl continue to be a priority and new
wetland opportunities are being evaluated. The Fisheries Division has recently
begun focusing on WMA lake habitat by placing fish attractors, improving boat
ramps and increasing bank access on the area.
Concerns about Peabody when Armstrong starts mining (2)
Armstrong Coal controls a significant portion of the mineral rights under the
WMA and may open multiple mines on the area in the near future. KDFWR will
work closely with Armstrong Coal and the Division of Surface Mining to reduce
the impact to public hunting and fishing access on the area, but mining
regulations require limited access to permitted mine areas and therefore some
areas may need to be closed during active mining and reclamation operations.
Habitat improvement on WMA’s – why are they not apparent – especially on Peabody (2)
Not all management activities are evident to the general public since they are not always an
annual activitynor do they have the appearance of a food plot. We plan to do a better job of
educating area users and surrounding landowners with a campaign for educating the public on
habitat management practices on WMAs which may include such things as signage, web videos,
area field days, etc.
Change youth season (2, 4, 7, 9)
In October – November when temperatures are milder (2)
There is simply no time or place to move or expand the youth season. Deer gun hunters
have to balance hunting time in the field with small game hunters, archery hunters,

waterfowl hunters, predator hunters, and elk hunters. When season lengths and dates
are changed for one user group it affects another hunting user group. Although it might
make sense to one user group to make a date change, such changes are negatively
viewed by other user groups.
Opposed to elk being reintroduced into KY (2)
A public opinion survey conducted by Responsive Management in 2011 found 78% of
Kentuckians support having wild elk in KY; only 8% oppose. A summary of the survey report will
be posted online by Dec. 31, 2011.
Preference points for elk (2, 4, 6, 7, 8)
The elk quota hunt does not use preference points the way that the deer quota hunts in
Ky (and many western states elk hunts) do. This is due to the extreme difference in the
number of applicants versus the number of permits available. As it stands now, every
person has the exact same change to be drawn for a tag as everyone else (except that
KDFWR only awards up to 10% of the tags to non-residents) Even with preference
points, a person likely would never be “guaranteed” to get drawn eventually, the way
they currently are for deer quota hunts.
Law Enforcement Related
Other
Use the “spirit” of the law versus the “letter” of the law to promote a positive quality
experience (2)
The “letter” of the law and the “spirit” of the law should directly reflect each other. If
you feel there is an issue with a particular law then you should contact your legislative
body or commission member to rectify what you believe is an issue that needs to be
addressed.
Hunting on neighbor’s property is a issue (1, 2, 5)
If you have an issue with hunting without permission or believe that there is illegal
hunting occurring on a neighboring property we encourage you to report that activity to
the 1-800-25ALERT hotline for an officer to contact you.
Horses on WMA’s – Horseback riding on WMA’s (2, 3, 5)
Managing recreational use on public land is a balancing act. The intended purposes of WMAs are
to provide for wildlife conservation, habitat management, hunting, and other wildlife-related
recreation. Other recreational opportunities are provided when economically and logistically
possible, as long as they do not interfere with the primary intended purpose of the property.
Currently, we have approximately 200 miles of designated horse trails on 14 WMAs and one
Outdoor Recreation Area in the state. Horseback riding is also allowed on over 500 miles of
unpaved WMA roadways. Though not a WMA, the Department has recently acquired and
provided new trail riding opportunities at Otter Creek Outdoor Recreation Area in Meade County.
Loss of opportunity for riders (2)
Wrangler camps lost trails to hunting (2)

The Department has actually expanded horseback riding opportunity in the last 10 years. For
example, a cooperative agreement was recently reached with Floyd County for over 20 miles of
additional horseback riding opportunity on Dewey Lake WMA. Though not a WMA, the
Department has also provided new trail riding opportunity at Otter Creek Outdoor Recreation Area
in Meade County. Furthermore, each time the Department acquires additional WMAs, there is
usually increased opportunity in the form of unpaved roadways that may exist on the properties.
Riders glad to pay user fee of $15 to be allowed to use hunting trails for riding (2)
Regardless of any additional user pay permit systems, WMAs have to be managed for
their primary intended purpose. If not, loss of federal funds is a possibility. Alternative
recreational uses are already allowed on WMAs when they are compatible,
economically feasible, logistically possible, and environmentally sound.
Regardless of any additional user pay permit systems, WMAs have to be managed for their
primary intended purpose. If not, loss of federal funds is a possibility. Alternative recreational uses
are already allowed on WMAs when they are compatible, economically feasible, logistically
possible, and environmentally sound. Horseback riding is just one of many other secondary uses
allowed on WMAs if compatible with the management of a particular WMA. The Department has
no immediate plans to charge for horseback riding on WMAs.Howver, the Department has
adopted a user pay system for horseback riding on Otter Creek Outdoor Recreation Area, but this
is a unique situation, as this area is not a WMA.
Reduce the conflict & become partners (2)
We have several partnerships with local conservation organizations, sportsman's clubs, school, 4-
H and Boy Scout groups, etc. across the state and value the work provided by all these groups.
Horseback riders are sportsmen; most have hunting & fishing license (2)
Some horseback riders are sportsmen, some are not. Some hunters are anglers, while
others are not. Our primary constituents are those who purchase hunting and fishing
licenses. Our primary mission is for fish and wildlife management and wildlife-related
recreational opportunity.
Publicizing of Public Meetings is poor (2)
We are committed to doing a better job getting the word out next time. Keep in mind
public meetings, although a very important informational tool is just one snapshot we
take when connecting to the public. We just completed an on line deer survey with
over 10,000 respondents.
Raise the cost of out-of-state license fees
KDFWR plans to initiate a price-elasticity study during calendar year 2011. At this time,
the department will compare our resident and non-resident license and permit fees

with other states, and particular with Kentucky’s Border States to ascertain whether or
not we are competitive in both pricing and opportunities provided. Based on this study,
the department expects to amend our current fee structure.
Lifetime licenses
The department last reviewed the concept of “Lifetime Licenses” in 2009. At that time,
we surveyed 32 states, of which 22 of these currently or previously offered lifetime
licenses. At least one-half of these states also received an annual general fund
appropriation, which KDFWR does not. States that had discontinued their sale of
lifetime licenses had done so due to 1) loss of revenue due to large sales to youth and
those moving out of state; and/or 2) too many maintenance requirements for the
lifetime holders. That said, the number one reason (more than 60%) for state fish and
wildlife agencies to offer lifetime licenses was “customer request and satisfaction.”
Other reasons included “to provide money up front for the agency”, “to minimize
churn”, and “to promote hunting and fishing opportunities.”
Because of the potential benefits of lifetime license, KDFWR plans to look more formally
into the possibility of offering lifetime licenses when we conduct the price-elasticity
study planned for 2011 (as described above). Additionally, for KDFWR to issue Lifetime
Licenses, a statutory change to KRS 150. 175 would be required.
Small interest groups and legislators are influencing F & W issues (2,8)
KDFWR recognizes that a variety of groups and state legislators have an interest in fish and
wildlife related issues. The department strives to communicate and educate our sportsmen and
women as well as other constituents, partner organizations, and both state and federal legislators
on issues that are important to successful wildlife management and supportive of our mission.
New River Bridge on HWY 62 – boat ramp to access Pond River (2)
The KDFWR has scheduled a site visit with local officials to investigate the feasibility of
constructing a ramp at this location.
Would like to have a place in the county for shooting sports (4-H, explore bowhunting, youth
trap shoot, skeet & rifle) (2)
The KDFWR currently has two public rifle ranges in the 2 nd District. One range is on
Higginson Henry WMA in Union County and one on Peabody WMA in Ohio County.
Boat ramp/access/parking lots (2, 5, 6, 7)
The KDFWR needs input from the public on possible locations for new boat ramps and
we would like to know about any maintenance issues at our existing access sites. If the
site you are interested in was not mentioned in the Town Hall Meeting please call us.
Boat ramp at Town Creek, excavators were blocking parking area.
This boat ramp has been completed and is open to the public for use.

Frankfort has lost touch with communities (1,2)
KDFWR’s strategic plan specifically identifies that one of the agency’s goals is: To foster
a more informed and involved public. The entire plan is available to the public at
fw.ky.gov, and by direct request. Agency personnel routinely attend monthly League of
Kentucky Sportsmen Federation meetings, conduct several deer management meetings,
hold Town Hall meetings statewide, and have quarterly Committee and Commission
meetings. In the last year, KDFWR put a social networking plan in place that provides “to
the minute” actions and information. The Department’s website has been improved
and expanded, and provides an opportunity for the public to directly have questions and
concerns addressed by e-mail response at any time. We will continue to be responsive
to community needs, and afford sportsmen and women a chance to voice their opinion,
questions, and concerns. Communication is best maintained on a two-way street and
both the agency and constituent are equally responsible to explore all avenues possible.
Many are available, free and are being used daily.
Concerns about loss of eye-to-eye contact with folks and ensuring folks have a good
experience (2)
KDFWR goes to great lengths to be accessible to the public and our license/permit holders.
We have over 470 employees that deal with the public daily. Our strategic goals specifically
state we will be responsive to our constituents needs, address the resource needs, and
provide added public opportunity. We do that today, and will continue to do that in the
future.
Need more places to hunt (1, 2, 3, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9)
Buy more property for public access (1, 2, 5)
Over the last four years and with the commitment of $1 million per year, KDFWR has increased,
by close to 10 thousand acres, the amount of land owned by the department and now available for
public access. Within these newly owned areas, the department has now made available nearly
4,000 acres, specifically located in and around the state’s most populous area (i.e., the Golden
Triangle of Louisville, Lexington and Northern Kentucky). Further, the department averages each
year approximately 150 thousand acres in private landowner access agreements, which makes
even more land available to the public. Aside from new hunting opportunities, KDFWR has also
developed 13 new bank access sites and more than 30 boating access sites in the last four years;
whereas the department now offers 34 new lake fishing opportunities in and around Kentucky’s
urban areas through our Fishing in Neighborhoods program.