OMG New DFG Director

[NorcalBob]

I don't believe my eyes!!! Finally a Director of DFG that's not a back pocket resource raper!!! Of course, the position still requires confirmation.


Governor Brown Announces Appointments
Charlton “Chuck” Bonham, 43, of Albany, has been appointed director of the California Department of Fish and Game. Bonham has served in multiple positions at Trout Unlimited since 2000, including California director and senior attorney. He was an instructor and trip leader for the Nantahala Outdoor Center from 1994 to 1997 and was a small business development agent for the United States Peace Corp in Senegal, West Africa from 1991 to 1993. This position requires Senate confirmation and the compensation is $150,112. Bonham is a Democrat.

[Artin]

Don't know this dude! but from what you've said sounds good to me!

I smell more Barbless Only / C&R zones !!

I like et!

Artin

[RiverRat]

WoW! I had the honor of talking with the outgoing on a couple occasions

thanks!

shane

[tenandtwo]

Thanks for the info... got a little bit more info out on trout underground's e-mail today. Hopefully this guy gets the job, I like his credentials. More barbless C&R zones would be awesome.

[Bakoguy]

Just a little different thought. On the surface this all seems good because of his background. However, I do not feel comfortable with "advocates" in any APPOINTED government position especially those with legal backgrounds. That should not be the role of government appointees even if they share your views. Nonetheless, the positive in my mind is that for the first time I know of a person with a significant fisherman's background will hold title to the office. Hopefully, he is a very fair director and will devote time and direct his wardens to spend time on fishing issues.

[1mocast]

I wonder how this will affect the saltwater sportfisherman?

[BobK]

and the hunters?

[RiverRat]

I'm just that a person with background experience with something to do with the OUTDOORS might get the position. Most appointees see Disneyland as the wilderness and are clueless about hunting, fishing, or even car camping for that matter.



shane

[NorcalBob]

I what Shane said. You aren't going to find a person that has a background in every subject. At least this one is not in the back pocket of resource rapers like the previous ones. And that will be a nice change for once!

[briansII]

This does sound good, but I'm still cautiously optimistic. This is, after all, the CALIFORNIA DF&G.

briansII

[87TT]

I don't think anything will change. The bureaucracy in the DFG is well entrenched and incompetent. I applied and tested for game warden a couple of years ago. They screwed me around so bad, I gave up. First they sent me a notice for a test for the wrong position. Then when I called them, they changed it to the right position and sent me a card with a test date and location. It was at the office in San Diego. I went the night before and got a Motel room so I could be there on time. When I arrived at the time and place on my notification card, me and several other guys were informed that oops! we made a mistake. We were supposed to be in Los Alamitos and that they would have to reschedule our tests. Two days wasted plus gas,food and lodging. I finally got to take the test and got a 100% score. I waited and waited for them to call and start the process. Well when I called them, they said I probably wouldn't be called because I was in group 7. Huh? Turns out because I took my test on a different day(their fault) they mistakenly put me in my own group. The leutenant I spoke to was rude and no help. I just told them I was no longer interested.
DFG also has out of state contractors handling online license sales and that company uses another out of state company for handling credit card sales. Because of their system having a glich, I was charged for and sent four fishing licenses with no way for them to credit it back to my card. I finally resolved it with my card company. California's unemployment is out of controll but the state sends jobs out. So no I don't think things will change much because some guy who happens to fish gets the top job. And if it does, it will probably get worse. My $.02

[RiverRat]

I already like this guy!!!!!!!! The forces are lining up to battle against his appointment.

Ranchers in Norcal, Klamath region, are freaking out and starting petitions against Bonham and his radical environmental views


shane

[Trootfisher]

I smell more Barbless Only / C&R zones !!

Keep in mind- fishing regulations come from the FGC, and not the DFG.

[NorcalBob]

Indeed, FGC has to approve all fishing regulations. However, DFG does provide input and recommendations to the FGC on fishing regulations. So the Director can indeed influence regulations, just as any one can petition FGC for regulations changes, and this is a common approach for fishing organizations.

[briansII]

I already like this guy!!!!!!!!
Ranchers in Norcal, Klamath region, are freaking out and starting petitions against Bonham and his radical environmental views


shane

That might be a bigger endorsement than the Cal Trout one.

briansII