Possible Application Fee Increase Bill

[Maxhunter]

I didn’t see this posted but WY has a bill coming up for resident and nonresident application fee increase. I’d just like to know where this money is going to be spent on.

Bill Would Hike Wyoming Hunting License Application Fees By 300% To 400%

Hunting license application fees could see huge increases in Wyoming, jumping 300% for Wyomingites and 400% for nonresidents under a legislative bill.…

cowboystatedaily.com

 

[JimP]

Ever since the Wyoming leglesature told them that they need to stand on their own as far as finances they have to just keep raising fees.

Just the other day I was wondering when they were going to start requiring a hunting license before applying.

 

[Yell Co AR Hunter]

That is not unexpected. Wyoming will always fund their game and fish agencies on the backs of non-residents. That will not change. If you want to play you will have to pay. With less deer and antelope tags to sell. They will find a way to try and make up lost revenues. I see Wyoming in trouble as non-resident hunters figure out the point system is broke. I see in the draw system many hunters cashing out points on lesser hunts. Those hunters are getting out of the game to never return. The big question is will there be enough people that don't understand the point system to keep it a float. Resident hunters better hope so because the legislature has made it clear the agency will self supported.

 

[Colorado Cowboy]

That is not unexpected. Wyoming will always fund their game and fish agencies on the backs of non-residents. That will not change. If you want to play you will have to pay. With less deer and antelope tags to sell. They will find a way to try and make up lost revenues. I see Wyoming in trouble as non-resident hunters figure out the point system is broke. I see in the draw system many hunters cashing out points on lesser hunts. Those hunters are getting out of the game to never return. The big question is will there be enough people that don't understand the point system to keep it a float. Resident hunters better hope so because the legislature has made it clear the agency will self supported.

I believe Colorado is next.

 

[Shane13]

Non-residents have little incentive to support a state's wildlife budget when they're all but shut out of tag opportunities. Keeping all the tags for residents while taking all the money from non-residents is fun while it lasts. But it won't last.

 

[JimP]

Non-residents have little incentive to support a state's wildlife budget when they're all but shut out of tag opportunities. Keeping all the tags for residents while taking all the money from non-residents is fun while it lasts. But it won't last.

That's what everyone says but for the most part non residents keep paying the higher fees.

 

[Shane13]

That's what everyone says but for the most part non residents keep paying the higher fees.

I hope they do, actually. I like private land hunting better. No crowds, no draw odds, etc.... If more people ditch the draw go into private land, landowner tag prices will go up faster. I hope everybody stays in the draw.

 

[Colorado Cowboy]

I hope they do, actually. I like private land hunting better. No crowds, no draw odds, etc.... If more people ditch the draw go into private land, landowner tag prices will go up faster. I hope everybody stays in the draw.

Unfortunately I don't share your view. The private land owners do own the land and they do ranch for a living. But when game animals start eating their hay, etc, the scream like hell to the state and want to be compensated for the PUBLIC"S animals eating their product. They get tags which they sell to outfitters who charge hunters to fill the tags. When I started hunting many years ago, you could buy their tags (or use your own you purchased) to hunt. It was very reasonable for this trespass fee and/or tag. IT has become big business and has priced most of the hunters I know out of hunting private land which has made public land hunting tougher too.

I hunted a big ranch in Wyoming for 20 or 25 years. They limited the number hunters they allowed on the property, charged a modest fee and made some money and the hunters took some game. Then an outfitter showed up and all of a sudden the fee went from several hundred dollars to several thousands!

 

[Shane13]

That definitely happens, but there are still lots of opportunities like the one you had 20 years ago. Neither route (private or public/draw) is perfect. I just prefer private over the draw/public experience currently.

 

[Colorado Cowboy]

That definitely happens, but there are still lots of opportunities like the one you had 20 years ago. Neither route (private or public/draw) is perfect. I just prefer private over the draw/public experience currently.

I HUNTED it for 20 to 25 years. Owner , who was a great guy, passed away and the 2 sons took it over.....outfitters only now!

 

[Shane13]

I HUNTED it for 20 to 25 years. Owner , who was a great guy, passed away and the 2 sons took it over.....outfitters only now!

Yes sir. I wasn't doubting or trying to argue. I'm just saying I like to hunt private land. That's all.

 

[Colorado Cowboy]

Yes sir. I wasn't doubting or trying to argue. I'm just saying I like to hunt private land. That's all.