A few thoughts on the Hunter's Toolbox situation:
1. Apparently, when they changed license system vendors, it was not a great match for the new data system. And, compared with getting the license sales and quota hunt parts "right", it would have a low priority. I think since any issues have been worked out on those, it may be something that is being worked on as they can get to it with all of the other IT needs. I have been told that it is being worked on among other priorities.
2. The comment concerning the turnover in the IT division is a real issue. The pay scale for the State of TN compared with the private sector is LOW. When you have companies such as Amazon and others heavily recruiting IT people in the Nashville area, it is no surprise that qualified folks will leave for a better paying job. TWRA doesn't have the ability to just pay their people more. The pay scales are set by other state departments, and it is a MAJOR deal to make changes in job descriptions and pay. I dealt with that issue first hand when I was working over there.
3."IF" the hunter toolbox is a major deal from a multitude of folks, TWRA needs to hear from them so work on that project can be elevated in priority. While I KNOW it is a major deal for some folks on this site, my gut feeling is that it isn't that important to the majority of hunters. I know that even though I'm still into deer hunting in a major way, I can probably count on one hand the number of times I used it for anything. If my take on it represents the majority, then it is more than likely a "niceity" rather than a major priority, and should be treated as such among IT priorities. Time and dollars are limited for the agency, and they need to spend it in ways to benefit the majority of their license buyers. On the other hand, if it is something that is wanted by the majority of our big game hunters and folks like me are in the minority, then the agency needs to hear from that majority.
4. Over several decades of working with TWRA, I repeatedly saw first hand that "the squeaky wheel gets greased". When various groups make a bunch of noise about something, then it gets elevated in priority. Bitching on social media may get a little attention, but usually not enough. If you truly care about the issue, let your Commissioners know. Let TWRA know through emails and letters. If it is a major issue for enough folks, my guess is that fixing it will be elevated up over other priorities.
