What do they do with my money?

[Low Fence]

First off I am the least political person known to man. I have a question that I have wondered for awhile and can not find the answer... so I'll ask the green screen masses and see if anyone knows.

This is not meant to be opinionated, and I plead that this remains civil. If it looks like it is going south Mods. please forgive me and delete

1. Where does the money I spend each year on a hunting lic. go? I dont use state owned parks, or hunt public land (in Texas) which has its own fee (understandable) In Texas I hunt on private land that I own and pay taxes on. So where does it go?

2. How is the Game Commissioner selected? elected/chosen?

Thanks for any light yall may shine on this subject.

[Fishndude]

By law, TPWD can only spend hunting and fishing license revenue on fisheries, wildlife management and law enforcement.

[flywise]

I believe irt goes to maintain public lands, lakes, and hunting/ outdoor programs. If yo go to TP&W page you will see several diffrent outdoor programs on there. I would also think thAt some of it goes to pay the salaries( game wardens, parks personell etc. )

[Low Fence]

By law, TPWD can only spend hunting and fishing license revenue on fisheries, wildlife management and law enforcement.

I was guessing the law enforcement would be included in the fee, and see the results from the fisheries, but what wildlife management? Do they release native animals?

[Fishndude]

I was guessing the law enforcement would be included in the fee, and see the results from the fisheries, but what wildlife management? Do they release native animals?

No. The term "wildlife management" is extremely broad sweeping. Think of MLD and other outdoor programing such as the Youth Hunting Program. Here's another example.....

http://www.leader-news.com/news/2009/0425/agriculture/063.html

[Low Fence]

It would appear that since only Public Land Permit holders will be hunting these "dove fields" that their money would foot the bill on that expience.

Thanks for the info, please continue

[rocky]

I can't find a list of employee salaries in my search through their website, but the salaries of all employees combined surely uses a good chunk of money, whether it be through license sales or other revenue.

[Russ]

Also think about the trout stockings, and many other fish such as hybrids, stripers, catfish, and all the other fish they stock on a regular basis. I'm sure that aint cheap. They also have to pay alot of biologist too.

[Low Fence]

Also think about the trout stockings, and many other fish such as hybrids, stripers, catfish, and all the other fish they stock on a regular basis. I'm sure that aint cheap. They also have to pay alot of biologist too.

Sooo, who decides to stock these fish that our money funds?

Rocky, who funds Forks restocking?

[rocky]

I don't know where the funds come from, but the target of 600,000 fingerlings each year has not been achieved the last few years.
I think they have run close to 500,000 fingerlings.
This is not actually a stocking program,(only mother nature and good spawns can restock a lake this size), but a gene maintenance program, according to biologists.

[Low Fence]

Anyone have an idea on Question #2 ?

[cheez]

Anyone have an idea on Question #2 ?

There is not a "Game Commissioner" per se. There is a nine member board of commissioners that is appointed by the governor. Appointees must be approved by the Senate (usually just a formality). Once approved they serve 6 year terms and may be re-appointed. There is an Executive Director of TPWD that is the highest ranking person in TPWD thus the closest to a "Game Commissioner" there is. We just got a new one by the way. He is selected by the aforementioned Commission. As with any executive director, he can serve as long as he wishes so long as the board agrees with him.

Someone asked "who decides where to stock these fish?". The state is divided into three regions. Each region has 5 or 6 districts. The management biologists responsible for each district make stocking requests based on the results of their sampling and surveys within their district. All of these requests are compiled and prioritized then sent to the hatcheries. That's where I come in. Stock what they want where they want.

Short answer to question #1: In my pocket

[Low Fence]

Thats the info I was lookin for thanks

[Coon]

By law, TPWD can only spend hunting and fishing license revenue on fisheries, wildlife management and law enforcement.

I thought I remembered a license fee increase that went to the "General Fund" when Maw Richards was Governor. There was quite an uproar over that.
Dave

[trad"Doc"53]

Having to pay a land owners leasing fee always amaized me! It's not their land but they are going to benefit from you leasing it.