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Lawmakers consider adding swan and antelope to auction/lottery governor’s tags to boost conservation funding
Summary
A bill would allow the Fish and Wildlife Commission to offer swan and antelope as auction-or-lottery "governor's tags," a fundraising tool used by conservation groups; proponents said lotteries can raise larger sums and broaden participation.
Representative Jedidiah Hinkle introduced a bill to add swan and antelope to the roster of species eligible to be issued as auction-or-lottery statewide tags, commonly known as governor’s tags. Hinkle and proponents told the committee the change would give waterfowl groups a way to raise funds for wetlands and other conservation work on par with big-game groups that already use auctions and lotteries.
Hinkle and multiple witnesses described the governor’s-tag model: conservation groups seek authorization from the Fish and Wildlife Commission to offer a highly limited tag via auction or lottery, and proceeds primarily fund wildlife conservation. Hinkle said 90 percent of funds raised go back to the department for conservation; up to 10 percent may be retained by the nonprofit for documented event costs.
Proponents included conservation and hunting organizations. Matt Leo of Backcountry Hunters & Anglers reviewed the history of governor’s tags: moose and bighorn sheep began as auction-only tags in 1986; later tags (mule deer, elk, mountain goat) allowed auction or lottery and have generated millions for management. Supporters said lotteries can let more people participate at lower cost per person — for example, charging small-ticket amounts rather than a high-dollar auction bid — and that recent lotteries have out-produced auctions in fundraising.
Trent Gale and other proponents said waterfowl chapters lack a comparable fundraising option; they highlighted the potential to market a swan tag at large national events and to attract international interest. Some witnesses noted the need to ensure proposed tags do not increase incidental take of species of concern — for example, Trumpeter swans in some aggregations — and asked the commission to manage quotas and take limits. Jeff Herbert and other conservation speakers urged the commission to coordinate location and population safeguards.
No opponents testified in the transcript; informational witnesses included Fish, Wildlife & Parks licensing staff and others. Hinkle closed asking for committee approval. The transcript records the hearing and supporter testimony; no committee vote was recorded.
