In a recent government meeting, a long-time advocate for the Cooperative Wildlife Management Unit (CWMU) program shared insights into its transformative impact on landowner attitudes towards wildlife management. The speaker recounted personal anecdotes, highlighting a significant shift in perspective among ranchers over the past few decades.

Initially, many landowners, including the speaker's uncle, held negative views towards the Division of Wildlife Resources (DWR) and wildlife in general. However, the establishment of the CWMU program aimed to incentivize landowners by allowing them to profit from wildlife, thereby fostering a partnership with the state in managing wildlife populations. This initiative has reportedly been a resounding success, leading to a newfound appreciation for wildlife among ranchers.

The speaker emphasized the importance of remembering the program's origins and its role in creating vested interests in wildlife conservation. The narrative underscores a broader trend of collaboration between landowners and wildlife management authorities, suggesting that economic incentives can lead to positive environmental outcomes.