The Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Commission is a 9 member volunteer entity nominated by sportsmen and women in their district and appointed by the Governor. The organization of the Commission is codified in Kentucky Revised Statue (KRS) under KRS 150.022.
The Commission and the Commissioners have many missions, none more important than what’s codified in KRS 150.023, “The commission shall at all times keep a watchful eye upon the Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources, and advise the commissioner to take such action as may be beneficial to the department and in the interest of wildlife and conservation of natural resources.”
The full Commission meets quarterly in Frankfort and that is also codified in KRS 150.023. The meetings are always during the work week and are very difficult for sportsmen and women to attend.
That full Commission meeting is usually held, 30 days after the Commission Committee meetings.
The 9 District Commissioners are broken down to serve on standing committees as such:
Administration, Education and Policy Committee: Dr. Clinard, Rev. Eaton, Mr. Horn and Mr. Fisher.
Fisheries Committee: Mr. Knott, Dr. Carloss, Dr. Clinard and Mr. Swallows
Wildlife Committee: Mr. Bond, Mr. Horn, Dr. Carloss and Mr. Fisher
Public Relations Committee: Rev. Eaton, Mr. Bond, Mr. Knott and Mr. Swallows
The Committee meetings were always in Frankfort until the new House Bill 313 was approved. Now they can meet anywhere in the state with only a weeks notice. Those Committee Meetings are where the majority of public comment and public input is accepted. The meetings are always held during the work week and are extremely inconvenient for sportsmen and women to attend. Thus, our public input is limited by the form and function of the Commission’s meetings. If you intend to help shape things and make your voice heard, attendance at the Commission and Committee Meetings is essential. The Department’s link to announcing those meetings is available here - meeting dates.
To speak with the Commissioner of the KDFWR click here - Mr. Storm.
To speak to your District Commissioner - F&W Commissioners.
The full list of Kentucky Revised Statutes that govern Fish and Wildlife are found in Chapter 150.