The famous National Wildlife Control Operator's Association sent me an E-mail today. In it they asked me if I would like to be the NWCOA representative for Wisconsin. ( A post I have already held, by the way ) So what do you guys think? You know how positive I've been about NWCOA lately, but what do you think about its future? As long as elections are so close at hand, tell me what you feel, pro or con; come on, I can take it!

About you or NWCOA?

Well, since I said "I can take it" I guess I meant pro or con about me running for state rep., but as long as you've brought it up, you can talk about either.

I dont know you paul,I only know what I read on here and in your arcticles.It seems to me you have alot of knowledge about the industry.It also seems to me you have alot of gripes against NWCOA,as do alot of people.The way I see it if you dont like something fix it,and what better way than to get involved in the politics of it again.

I got one for Illinois also.

Paul, I'm of mixed feelings.

First, I believe that change can and should be done from the inside out so I say go for it and while your at it run for the board as well. On the other hand they did that didn't they and what changed?

All in all I am friggen sick of it. As much as I am an advocate of a strong national representative organization for us I ain't seeing it in NWCOA. I see the potential, I see the talent, I see the concern for the industry but what I do not see is openess, communication, presence before the public and legislatures. I also see pettiness, gossip, grudges and general stupidity that will not get my support nor that of many I know in the industry.

You got my vote Paul.

The wildlife control business is a relatively small industry, and NWCOA is somewhat underfunded because of that. It would be nice if they had enough money to hire paid staff and a paid lobbyist, etc., instead of having to rely on the generous donations of time and energy that their all volunteer staff put into the organization. I was a regional representative of NWCOA for some time, and I have to say I was very impressed with the leadership of the organization, both in terms of their competence, and in terms of the amount of unpaid hours of hard work they put into it. There were quite a few who held positions there that were certainly willing to put in a lot more hours of unpaid work than I ever was, and they have my respect for that.

In my opinion, while NWCOA may not be perfect, it is undeserving of much of the criticism they receive on this board. Furthermore, I feel it's important that our small industry remain united in the face of very real threats from the AR movement and others to undermine it.

Wink, I know you to be an extremely experienced (as in "really old" - hee hee), knowledgeable and sincere professional who has lots to offer our industry. While you're not NWCOA's biggest fan, it seems that you can do some good by diplomatically voicing your opinion (as you always do). Bridges need to be built. Slinging mud all day just results in muddy people who can't see what they're doing very well.

I would add that I unconditionally 100% applaud NWCOA for sending out letters to their membership letting members know that state representative positions are available and encouraging participation. That's exactly what NWCOA should be doing.

That's all great and wondeful, Steve. Communication with the membership is what any association should do as a matter of course, sadly that NWCOA draws special praise for doing so says something doesn't it.

I haven't gotten any correspondance but then again as a past member I didn't expect it when I was a member why should should I expect it as a past member they might want to come back?

Whatever, I'm going to let it drop as I don't want this to become a bashing thread.

There are some great guys at the head of NWCOA that have my utmost respect in pure talent and ability I just wish we the NWCOs in the trenches knew what NWCOA actually did. I've read more about my own company in the news (admittedly local rags only) than I have anything NWCOA is doing in any larger publications.

Before I drop it though I do know there was an effort made to have someone show up this weekend in Moultrie and for reasons best known to them they declined.

I am new to this game. I know very little about the NWCOA. I know they are behind an effort to bring Mi. into there line of thinking that one glove fit all. I will wait and see what happens at the NRC meeting in Lansing
on Nov. 8th. I very well understand there are people that do Wildlife Damage and Nuisance Control for there livelyhood. Paul, if you think you need the approvel of the people on this forum I would say you are not the person for the job. IMO you should take the job because you could make a differance. Be what that maybe.
Ev.
Mi.

Warrior, I agree that there's plenty of room for improvement in the way NWCOA communicates with the membership. Yes, they could do a better job on that.

Everet. What is happening at the board meeting in Lansing? Are they taking a vote? I went to the big meeting this summer and they said they would get back to us. I have never heard a thing from them since.

It sounds like they figure it might slow down your criticism of them if they give you back your post.

The DNR is considering changes to the wildlife damage and nuisance control regulations for commercial operators. We have attached a summary of the major changes we paln on proposing for consideration by the DNR. This is part of a letter sent out by Casey Ritz a few weeks ago.
The changes are going before the NRC for consideration on Nov. 8th. and will be voted on at there Dec. meeting. I have hear, that NWCOA has been after the Wildlife Div. for some time
to make change in MI. Regulations. Sorry but as being a one person permittee, working to make ends meet. I feel this is a move to get some permittees out of the business. I do not want to upset anyone this is JMO!
Ev.
MI.

x's 2 if i wasnt good enough in my job to do it... nobody would hire me back. I dont need someone to tell me how to do it. Education is great.. no denying that.. but to be forced to send money to another state to "educate" me is nonsense. I feel bad for the small companies. I have no doubt we will all pass their tests, my problem is being told by an outside group that we have to do it "their" way to stay in business and send "them" our money. my opinion.

Did all members recieve something in the mail?

I got email not mail asking me if I was interested in being the Florida Rep !!

Yes it was an email, not a letter. My mistake. I assumed all member got the email, but I am not sure.