75th Celebration: 1938 to 2014 - The Voters' Legacy

Over the past 12 months, we have taken a look back to the earliest beginnings of the Idaho Department of Fish and Game, going as far back as 1899. We have focused on the 1938 voter initiative and creation of the Idaho Fish and Game Commission. We have highlighted many programs and aspects of the Department; from fish to fishing, animals to hunting; engineering, research, education, enforcement, habitat, science, technology and more. All of which makes it possible to "preserve, protect, perpetuate and manage" Idaho's wildlife resource. But what about those who give of themselves to serve as a member of the Idaho Fish and Game Commission? Since 1938, sixty-six Idahoans have had the desire and taken the challenge to serve as a member of the Fish and Game Commission. Each has, through his or her own unique style and knowledge, contributed to Idaho's wildlife history book. They are the liaison and leaders for sportsmen's desires and Idaho's wildlife resource. The amount of time they spend "on the job" and their tendency to give fish-and-game matters priority over personal demands is greater than most may imagine. They receive the grand sum of $50 per day - and then only for those days they are "officially working." This wage ignores the fact a day rarely goes by when they aren't somehow engaged in fish and wildlife matters. As Idaho Fish and Game brings its 75th Celebration to a close, Director Virgil Moore asked former Idaho Fish and Game Commissioners "Why did you choose to serve and would you do it again?" To learn what some of the commissioners said and for other 75th Celebration stories go to http://fishandgame.idaho.gov.