Fees keep rising

[LCH]

Well there is one easy fix for the tag increase. If you dont like it, dont apply. Im sure there are 3 people in line to pay the fee increase for every 1 that isnt. Im a resident so it doesnt matter to me, my dad drew a non-resident elk tag here last year, i didnt want him paying the high dollar special tag price so we just had him buy points for another year or 2, then drew the regular price tag. Dont think him waiting the 2 extra years to hunt hurt anything. We still got him a damn fine 6x6 on opening day on public land. Maybe if some of the non-residents wait a year or 2 and let other people either drop out, or burn their points it would be easier to draw the regular tag and not "HAVE" to pay the special tag fee. Just my humble experience and opinion.....

No doubt what you say is true; It might matter to you though if down the road the G&F or legislature sees the $$$ in all those NRs compared to Rs, and decide to fine-tune those tag allotments to beef up revenue. That's one reason why, in my view, these extremely high tag prices are a slippery slope.

For the record, I've never complained about the price of a hunting license, and I wouldn't especially in a state like Wyoming that does an excellent job managing wildlife IMO. I just wish these increases were actually supporting the G&F and the programs I utilize and enjoy.

 

[Colorado Cowboy]

For the record, I've never complained about the price of a hunting license, and I wouldn't especially in a state like Wyoming that does an excellent job managing wildlife IMO. I just wish these increases were actually supporting the G&F and the programs I utilize and enjoy.

I think Wyoming is like Colorado, they only have what they take in to operate on. Colorado is an "enterprise" operation as defined by the state legislature. They receive no money from the state and have to operate on whatever $$$ they take in.

 

[LCH]

I think Wyoming is like Colorado, they only have what they take in to operate on. Colorado is an "enterprise" operation as defined by the state legislature. They receive no money from the state and have to operate on whatever $$$ they take in.

My understanding is that the G&F was receiving some level of funding from the General Fund, and the bill that authorized these increases also stripped that funding away. So while tag prices have gone up, the overall G&F budget may remain stagnant or even decrease.

 

[Manualman]

hopefully they make a bunch selling wolf tags

 

[fackelberry]

Very true fackelberry but some of us want to get hunts in more frequently while we can. I typically don't buy the higher priced tag but if that's what it takes to get the tag on the year I want to go... Guessing I won't regret a dime spent on hunting when I'm stuck in that rocking chair and can't go.

I agree with you on getting alot of hunts in before we get too old. I realized about 10 years ago that my dad isnt getting any younger and can see it in him when we hunt together and do other things. I hunt wih him every year in South Dakota where he lives even if i dont draw a tag, i still go along to talk and catch up or help him drag or field dress his deer. All he ever wanted was a 6x6 bull elk but really didnt care about score as long as it had 6 points on each side. So we got him 6 years worth of points, put in for an area i knew well from hunting there over the years and as luck would have it he shot a nice 6x6 opening day. To say he was happy would be an understatement. But like you said too, I really dont complain too much on tag prices, if i want to hunt and the tags are spendy, i find a way to always go.

 

[fackelberry]

No doubt what you say is true; It might matter to you though if down the road the G&F or legislature sees the $$$ in all those NRs compared to Rs, and decide to fine-tune those tag allotments to beef up revenue. That's one reason why, in my view, these extremely high tag prices are a slippery slope.

For the record, I've never complained about the price of a hunting license, and I wouldn't especially in a state like Wyoming that does an excellent job managing wildlife IMO. I just wish these increases were actually supporting the G&F and the programs I utilize and enjoy.

I understand where your coming from, I think alot of non-resident tags in alot of states are over priced. I put in for Colorado deer for 3 years before i drew in 2015, shot a damn nice buck and now just bought my 2nd preference point this year so i can go again. Since i started applying that deer tag goes up 10 bucks every year. I payed 399$ this year, but i will keep paying because i want to play. As far as the state of Wyoming adjusting tag quotas to a more favorable one for non-residents probably not gonna happen any time soon. If im not mistaken, somebody correct me if im wrong, but I think Wyoming is one of the more generous if not the most generous with giving out non-resident tags. I havnt drawn a type 1 elk tag in 7 years and havnt drawn a buck antelope tag in 5 years, so im used to the waiting game for tags as a RESIDENT. Thats why i will pay high prices to hunt states i CAN draw, because i have no luck in my own state.

 

[Horsenhike]

hopefully they make a bunch selling wolf tags

I would probably buy a wolf tag and not even planning to step foot in Wyoming this year.

 

[brian.320]

And yet we still get too many out-of-state hunters, but hey, at least they keep my resident costs really low.

if it wasnt for nonres you wouldnt have a hunting season

 

[nv-hunter]

if it wasnt for nonres you wouldnt have a hunting season

If you belive that ive got a bridge in new york I'll sell you.

 

[go_deep]

if it wasnt for nonres you wouldnt have a hunting season

Your right, because we'd be hunting year round!

 

[rammont]

Hahaha, yeah your right there. Just think if it wasn't for non resident you guys wouldn't be able to kill enough critters and they would get sick and die!

Sent from my XT1650 using Tapatalk

I doubt it, we'd just go back to like it was a few decades ago and residents would be able to take several of each species every year.

 

[rammont]

Seriously guys, some of you seem to think that you have a right to go in to another state and hunt, you don't. The game animals are there for the residents, it's a privilege for an out-of-state hunter to come to another state and hunt and if you want to take advantage of that privilege you have to pay for it. As for the possibility of price, not as long as the out-of-state hunters keep paying their price. I'm sure that resident prices will go up if the non-resident numbers decrease since no bureaucrat is smart enough to figure out that lowering the price slightly will entice more out-of-state hunters to pay the fee but for right now things are good for a resident hunter.

 

[Horsenhike]

Hunting is a privilege, resident or not.

When we first started looking into hunting Wyoming we went to our local Scheels for some input. Not only were they not helpful, they were downright rude about it. I remember one guy saying, in front of a his supervisor, "Only people like doctors can do that stuff." Honestly, at this point, the more people who believe that about out of state hunting the better. What would the draw odds look like if everyone knew what an awesome experience $400 buys?

 

[LCH]

Hunting is a privilege, resident or not.

When we first started looking into hunting Wyoming we went to our local Scheels for some input. Not only were they not helpful, they were downright rude about it. I remember one guy saying, in front of a his supervisor, "Only people like doctors can do that stuff." Honestly, at this point, the more people who believe that about out of state hunting the better. What would the draw odds look like if everyone knew what an awesome experience $400 buys?

Exactly right. I think a lot of people though (not everyone) just use the price as an excuse when they're really too intimidated to try it. Most people spend more than the cost of a diy hunt in restaurants, TV packages, etc. each year.

 

[Colorado Cowboy]

Seriously guys, some of you seem to think that you have a right to go in to another state and hunt, you don't. The game animals are there for the residents, it's a privilege for an out-of-state hunter to come to another state and hunt and if you want to take advantage of that privilege you have to pay for it. As for the possibility of price, not as long as the out-of-state hunters keep paying their price. I'm sure that resident prices will go up if the non-resident numbers decrease since no bureaucrat is smart enough to figure out that lowering the price slightly will entice more out-of-state hunters to pay the fee but for right now things are good for a resident hunter.

You can't be serious! If non residents were to boycott a state and not hunt (or fish) there for a year, the game & fish department would go bankrupt. To keep the state department from going bankrupt, the resident fees would skyrocket in price and you would be begging the nonresidents to come and hunt! The state does not "own" the fish & game, they manage them for the benefit of everyone, not just "there for the residents". Do you propose that the state borders be fenced to keep "your" animals in your state.

States should beg the nonresidents to came. They contribute millions to the states economy, not just license fees! Get real...........

 

[Yell Co AR Hunter]

Seriously guys, some of you seem to think that you have a right to go in to another state and hunt, you don't. The game animals are there for the residents, it's a privilege for an out-of-state hunter to come to another state and hunt and if you want to take advantage of that privilege you have to pay for it. As for the possibility of price, not as long as the out-of-state hunters keep paying their price. I'm sure that resident prices will go up if the non-resident numbers decrease since no bureaucrat is smart enough to figure out that lowering the price slightly will entice more out-of-state hunters to pay the fee but for right now things are good for a resident hunter.

I do not agree with you. What about the federal owned lands? I think Wyoming has quite a bit of federal land does it not. I have a pretty good size check ready to mail to the IRS. I do think residence hunters should receive some advantage due to proximity.
As long is the demand stays high the price will increase. We all know that. That is why it is important that the license money goes to support sound management of the game we love to pursue.

 

[Horsenhike]

Exactly right. I think a lot of people though (not everyone) just use the price as an excuse when they're really too intimidated to try it. Most people spend more than the cost of a diy hunt in restaurants, TV packages, etc. each year.

You bet. It takes a certain amount of nerve to pack your stuff up and head into a wild place where you don't know a single person, and have never been. For us it is a priority.

We would gladly be sending Wyoming money for special deer tags this year if our schedule allowed. Instead we will archery hunt SD.

 

[Fink]

Seriously guys, some of you seem to think that you have a right to go in to another state and hunt, you don't. The game animals are there for the residents, it's a privilege for an out-of-state hunter to come to another state and hunt and if you want to take advantage of that privilege you have to pay for it. As for the possibility of price, not as long as the out-of-state hunters keep paying their price. I'm sure that resident prices will go up if the non-resident numbers decrease since no bureaucrat is smart enough to figure out that lowering the price slightly will entice more out-of-state hunters to pay the fee but for right now things are good for a resident hunter.

I'm willing to bet that you would not be pleased if you had to fork out $1,000+ to hunt deer and elk in your home state, to make up for the lack of non resident contribution. What do you pay now for an elk and a deer tag, about $40?

 

[fackelberry]

I think rammont had a bad experience with a non-resident hunter at some point! I'm with most of you on the non-resident issues. I dont like the fee increases in ANY state but i know the operating costs go up each year and the game departments try to keep prices down so more people can hunt, but at some point they will lose money or cut programs so they HAVE to raise tag prices to offset the costs. I used to guide non-residents on my buddies ranch for deer and antelope for close to 20 years before they leased it to an outfitter because they didnt have time anymore to do it and most ranchers and farmers crops are ready for harvest when seasons starts or they have too many other chores to get done before winter sets in. I personally like to guide "out of staters" sorry guys been saying that for a long time. just a habit. LOL. Most are fun to be around, are generally nice and caring people, and most know how to hunt. they just dont know the areas or how the game in that area travels. I know for a fact most non-residents spend alot of money in my state, not just liscense fees. You see them in sporting good stores, gas stations, eating places, laundry mats. plus, most of the time when they are done hunting if time allows they will go sightseeing and pay associated fees to do that because they might not be back in a few years or even at all. And you guys are right, the tag prices scare most people from applying,
but these are the same people who put a 4,000$ lift kit on a truck and 1200$ set of mud tires and never get off the pavement or leave town, they just want to "look" cool. I will take that same money and hunt out of state, hell maybe a few times. But i know the experience, memories and hopefully a mount will be on the wall LONG after that truck has been scrapped and those mud tires are worn out. Not every resident hates out of staters, so if Rammont doesnt want you in his state, you can come to mine and hunt. Be glad to meet ya and make friends, and hope you have a great experience. Because at the end of the day im going to your state to hunt and hopefully make friends and memories that will last until i draw the tag again no matter what the liscense costs..............

 

[mnhoundman]

You can't be serious! If non residents were to boycott a state and not hunt (or fish) there for a year, the game & fish department would go bankrupt. To keep the state department from going bankrupt, the resident fees would skyrocket in price and you would be begging the nonresidents to come and hunt! The state does not "own" the fish & game, they manage them for the benefit of everyone, not just "there for the residents". Do you propose that the state borders be fenced to keep "your" animals in your state.

States should beg the nonresidents to came. They contribute millions to the states economy, not just license fees! Get real...........

Exactly! Well said! I will still pay to go hunting,but it's just irritating when they need money they turn to nonresidents.
Like CC said what would they do with out the millions nonresidents bring in?