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Follow the Money for Salmon Recovery by Phil Jarmer East Oregonian, November 21, 2020

We have commercial nets in the rivers, sportsmen,
and predators, many of which are protected themselves

Another letter blaming the dams on the Snake River for the demise of the salmon. I have to call B.S. on that. The Army Corps of Engineers has run tests on the Snake and Columbia rivers. They know what to do to make the dams fish friendly, they do not want to spend the money.

Let's take a real look at the true reasons salmon are going toward extinction. Native Americans are guaranteed 50% of the run. They have done more for reestablishing runs of salmon where they were nonexistent. So, what are the others doing wrong? Those fish have to go over the same dams. Then we have commercial nets in the rivers, sportsmen, and predators, many of which are protected themselves. Now, let's add in the foreign ocean fishery, and we must not forget all the pollution that drains into the rivers from streets, sewers and industry.

Wolves, eagles, sea lions, seals -- all have fines and jail time if one is found killing or harming one. The salmon is on the same list, so why are we still killing and eating them? Maybe we need to follow the money. Millions would be lost if salmon fishing was stopped or more curtailed. Think of the tackle, boats, motel rooms, food and gas that would not bought.

Sunday Q & A with Phil Jarmer
Eastern Oregonian, December 13, 2018

Welcome to the East Oregonian's Sunday Q&A. Each week, we profile a resident of our region of Eastern Oregon. Our aim is to help our readers connect with others in this part of the world we call home. Some questions are lighthearted, some are serious and hopefully, all are entertaining.

Enjoy.

What is your name? Phil Jarmer

What do your friends call you? Jawbone

How old are you? 68

Where do you live? Hermiston

What high school did you attend? Central Catholic in Portland

What do you do? Whatever I can on my schedule. Mostly fish and hunt water fowl and anything else I can get a tag for.

What's the best thing about your work? When I used to work it was the challenge and variety. Now it is not having to.

What type of electronic equipment do you carry around with you? None. I don't need a leash. If it is important they will call back or try to find me.

Who is the historical figure you most admire? Thomas Payne, one of our founding fathers.

The living person you most admire? I would have to say persons and that would be our young people in Iraq and Afghanistan.

What is your proudest accomplishment? Living long enough to enjoy retirement.

What is the most difficult challenge in your life these days? Doing what I used to do when I was 24 years old. Finding places to hunt.

What do you like to do in your free time? Mostly hunt waterfowl fish and spend time in the mountains.

If you had to live in another country for a year, where would you go? New Zealand

If you could change one thing in your community, what would that be? I would like to see more people involved in their government and do more volunteering. There are a lot of takers but few who put back when it comes time to help out.

What did you eat for breakfast this morning? Hamburger steak and hashbrowns, toast and coffee.

Your favorite beverage? Cranberry juice.

Read any good books lately? Haven't got time.

What's the funniest thing that ever happened to you? Meeting my wife?s cousin in Boardman and setting up my nephew in a situation. He didn't know the girl cousin. He wasn't sure he should know about us and the look on his face was worth a million.

What is your guiltiest pleasure? Probably doing what I want when I want to do it.

Your most prized possession? My black lab fetching machines. If it weren't for them and their entertaining me I'd quit hunting ducks and geese.

What's the one question we didn't ask that you'd like to answer? Why do I teach hunter safety. Because I got tired of what I was seeing in the field as far as ethics and sportsmanship. The damage thoughtless people caused with firearms and vehicles and leaving their trash. I thought maybe I could get new people on the right track.

Sunday Q&A is a weekly feature. We believe that variety is the spice of life, and are always on the lookout for Eastern Oregonians to participate. If you'd like to volunteer, or if you have someone else in mind, e-mail Kathryn B. Brown