JF Griffin - Index

JF Griffin - magazine - Index

COMMISSIONER’S MESSAGE
Commissioner’s
message
Dear Florida hunter:
The sport of hunting is very important to Florida. It is
rich in history and steeped in tradition for many Floridians
and visitors alike. Hunters supported the earliest hunting
regulations and other early laws for the protection of all
wildlife species. They continue to be some of the strongest
advocates for fi sh and wildlife conservation in our great state.
Hunters also provide enormous fi nancial support for
wildlife conservation through their membership in successful
nongovernment organizations, direct donations, license and
permit fees, and federal excise taxes generated from hunting
equipment sales. This fi nancial support provides signifi cant
benefi ts for wildlife and their habitats for future generations
to enjoy. These monies also help maintain Florida’s 5.8
million acres of public hunting lands, giving us one of the
largest wildlife management area systems in the country.
Nearly 237,000 people hunt in Florida each year, generating
for our state’s economy an annual economic impact of $719
million and creating more than 10,000 jobs.
I am glad you have chosen to hunt in Florida. We all
want hunting to continue to have a bright future for years to
come. In that regard, I encourage those who can, to support
programs that introduce families and young people to the
outdoors and to hunting. The Florida Fish and Wildlife
Conservation Commission has a new way for you to donate
directly to youth hunting and fi shing programs. Ask about it
the next time you purchase your hunting or fi shing license, or
visit MyFWC.com/Youth.
We all must try to do everything we can to ensure our
hunting heritage is passed down to future generations. Help
make a difference by giving back to the sport we love.
Enjoy Florida’s great outdoors by always hunting safely
and ethically.
Happy hunting,
h
Rodney Barreto, Chairman
Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission
2 2008-2009 Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission