Chapter I - Introduction 



involved in an Upland Game Bird Habitat Enhancement Program 

 project. We determined how many landowners are involved in block 

 management and one of the other programs, and the compensation 

 they received under the other program. We then reviewed the 

 feasibility of coordinating the access allowed under the other 

 programs with block management. We contacted other states to 

 determine how they address hunter access. 



A limited number of BMAs can be used by outfitters. We compared 

 the names of landowners listed as giving outfitters approval to hunt 

 on their land to the names of landowners enrolled in the Block 

 Management Program who allowed outfitting on their land. 



This audit was conducted in accordance with government standards 

 for performance audits. 



Compliance 



We examined compliance with statutes and administrative rules 

 pertaining to the Block Management Program. Our audit work 

 indicates the department is generally in compliance with the statutory 

 requirements outlining overall responsibilities. 



Management 

 Memorandum 



During the audit, we noted some minor concerns relative to other 

 issues addressed in this report. We presented suggestions to the 

 department on these topics, which could result in operating 

 improvements. A management memorandum was sent to the 

 department concerning the following: 



Warden Use of Permission Slips - Many landowners require hunters 

 to obtain a permission slip prior to hunting on the land. The slips 

 are sent to the regional office at the end of the hunting season. A 

 few game wardens indicated they review permission slips as a tool in 

 enforcement investigations, such as residency and outfitter use. 

 Other wardens should consider reviewing permission slips and 

 rosters for enforcement violations. 



Communication with Biologists and Wardens - Block Management 

 Coordinators meet annually and are provided updates for any 

 changes in the program. Coordinators are then to provide the 

 information to biologists and wardens in their respective regions. 

 The current process does not facilitate for sharing or exchanging 

 information about the program to all wildlife biologists and all 



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