​To the Sportsmen and Sportswomen

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I am currently the third LKS president since the 2024 convention. An endless supply of allegations, accusations, and name calling has turned the League, it’s board meetings and social media into a circus. I’ve seen comments such as “never ending soap opera”, “middle school”, “complete ****show”, and “have some class and stop airing your dirty laundry”. Safe to say that current public opinion of the League is poor at best.   

 

What we currently have in short supply is civility, decorum, reason, cooperation, diplomacy, common courtesy, and willingness to help. I hear a lot about all the in-fighting; and there is a lot of that. I get advice all the time… “you need to get rid of them” or “you should do this”; but not many want to help facilitate change for the better. Participation appears to be at an all-time low. Here is an observation: if a few people or groups are fighting, and everyone else walks away, all that is left are those that are at odds. We are driving people away with all the drama.

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Can we at least agree on the mission of the League? An excerpt from the LKS bylaws:

 

                A. To develop, promote, and support a Comprehensive Educational Program based upon                                   scientific study and technical research for the advancement, restoration, wise use,                                         management, and conservation of wildlife and other natural resources.

               B. To coordinate all agencies, societies, clubs and individuals which are or should be interested                        in the restoration, wise use, conservation, and scientific management of wildlife and other                          natural resources into a permanent, unified, active agency for the purpose of securing                                  adequate public recognition of the needs and values of wildlife resources and other natural                           resources.

               C. To simulate a proper public attitude and appreciation regarding sportsmanship and the wise                      use and management of all natural resources, enabling our people to appraise the value and                        importance of all resources;

               D. To promote through education of the members and the general public, including Especially                          the youth and sportsmen of Kentucky, an understanding of the importance of good                                        sportsmanship and the conservation and wise use of the fish, wildlife, and other natural                              resources of the Commonwealth of Kentucky, the United States of America as well as the      rest of North America and the world.

 

If we can agree on this mission, we have a start. I believe that differing views and healthy debates can be a good thing. Arguments imply that people are passionate about the cause. It’s when we take things personally, carry them around with us, and air it out publically, that’s when we go off the rails. It is perfectly acceptable to be adversaries on one topic and allies on the next. So long as we stand together at the end. Meetings should be more like a little league game. Battle it out on the field, do your best, then win or lose, shake hands and say good game at the end. Some of us have lost that somewhere along the way and have become vindictive. Now we have a lot of me versus you, us versus them, good guys and bad guys. For the League to succeed, we need more cooperation and reason. To quote Uncle Sam, “We need you”. Please become more active in your federation and the League. Do not let the recent activities be the League’s swan song. Come to a meeting. Ask questions. Voice your opinion. Become involved. Help us rebuild this organization into something of which we and our children can be proud.

 

Be safe!

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Respectfully,

Mike Coyle