4VAC15-90-550. Game: Deer. Special elk hunting license, Conservation License Program.
Summary
The recommendation is to allow one special elk hunting license to be reserved for a conservation organization each license year for a period of up to five years.
Proposed Language
Note: In the “Proposed Language” document, underlined text denotes proposed new language, while text with a strikethrough denotes language that is proposed to be deleted.
Rationale
The recommended language change allowing an organization or cooperator to be awarded the opportunity to raffle one special elk hunting license each license year for a period of up to five years will promote a more sustainable, long-term funding mechanism for the elk program and all the work required for it, such as habitat improvement, land access, etc. The Elk Conservation License Program is an opportunity to provide an organization with a significant incentive (special elk hunting license) for people to spend money that will be directed towards projects that help elk populations and the elk hunt itself. The previous four habitat projects executed through the Elk Conservation License Program have all been elk-focused but have improved habitat for many wildlife species. All of the elk lottery application revenue goes to the Department’s general fund and not to the elk program.
Therefore, maximizing the ability of this one separate elk license to generate funding that will sustain the elk program is crucial.
Currently, DWR notifies the winning organization in early May, and they must work quickly to organize a raffle and online resources for inclusion in the Department’s late May announcement of the elk lottery winners. This short planning time frame does not afford sufficient opportunity to organize and maximize the profitability of a raffle package. A longer planning time frame would foster much greater opportunity to solicit donations from individuals or businesses to add value and prizes to the raffle, and thus, the overall attractiveness of the raffle to prospective participants. Further, a longer planning time frame would offer greater opportunities to effectively advertise and distribute raffle materials.
Previous winning organizations have stated that given more time to solicit donations and build their raffle package, they would expect to be able to raise significantly more money to benefit elk conservation and recreation.