HB 2199 Complimentary Discover Pass to Those Who Spend over $200

[huntrights]

Questions: What percentage of our license and tag fees actually go to the WDFW?  What percentage is going into the General Fund for discretionary government spending?  These are legitimate questions that all hunters and fishermen (OOPS! fisher-people, fishers, anglers, ... whatever Gov. Inslee decreed recently ... Ugh!) might be very interested in knowing the answer to.

Simple answer..100% of fish and wildlife related fees go to WDFW.

Just some history. Back when there was a Dept of Fisheries and Dept of Wildlife the DOF received general fund money and as a result fishing fees went to the general fund. DOW was funded by the wildlife fund and not general fund so wildlife fees went to the wildlife fund. When DOF and DOW merged to form WDFW there were several pieces of legislation that brought fishing fees from the general fund to the wildlife fund. The last legislation (around 2011) brought the few remaining fishing fees (clam licenses) that were still going to the general fund to the wildlife fund.

So effective a couple years ago, every dime from hunting and fishing licenses goes to the wildlife account. Per state law, wildlife account money can only be used by WDFW.

Thanks for the quick answer.

[SCRUBS]

So if none of our tag and license money goes to DNR, why should we expect a complimentary/ free pass?

I`m glad to see out t & l money going where it should.

Thanks BT.

[bobcat]

So if none of our tag and license money goes to DNR, why should we expect a complimentary/ free pass?

Good question. I would say only because hunters generally are not users of the developed recreational areas such as campgrounds, trails, parking lots, etc.

We normally just drive in on a logging road, park, and walk into the woods. We don't need all the amenities that horseback riders, motorcyclists, mountain bikers, ATV'rs, and campers need.

Either way, I say get over it everyone. It's only $30 and maybe it keeps a certain number of people out and also provides funding for much needed law enforcement officers.

[bigtex]

So if none of our tag and license money goes to DNR, why should we expect a complimentary/ free pass?

Exactly. Outside of taxes hunters/fishers don't fund DNR, the only way they fund DNR is through taxes and Discover Pass purchases. If you don't purchase a DP then DNR is not getting your money other then taxes.

So when somebody says "DNR gets fishing/hunting fee money" they are flat out wrong. And the same goes for State Parks.

[Elkaholic daWg]

So if none of our tag and license money goes to DNR, why should we expect a complimentary/ free pass?

Exactly. Outside of taxes hunters/fishers don't fund DNR, the only way they fund DNR is through taxes and Discover Pass purchases. If you don't purchase a DP then DNR is not getting your money other then taxes.

So when somebody says "DNR gets fishing/hunting fee money" they are flat out wrong. And the same goes for State Parks.

DNR is one thing....Parks is the REAL ripoff of the deal.

[blackdog]

Washelkhunter Didn't mean to say we shouldn't try just trying to interject the reality of the legislative process.

[stryker]

I keep hearing that 'this did not pass'

I have never purchased enough in licenses to qualify for a free DP, but I have purchased enough CAMPING reservations at the State Parks and I DID receive a free DP with that purchase. 

[birddogdad]

I dont see that they have voted, just researching/cost analysis in the state webpage.

Better than a poll at the top

EVERYONE  REPLY HERE TO YOUR ELECTED OFFICIALS;

https://app.leg.wa.gov/pbc/bill/2199

at bottom you can even request an official reply from them on this matter....

[bigtex]

I dont see that they have voted, just researching/cost analysis in the state webpage.

Better than a poll at the top

EVERYONE  REPLY HERE TO YOUR ELECTED OFFICIALS;

https://app.leg.wa.gov/pbc/bill/2199

at bottom you can even request an official reply from them on this matter....

The legislative session ended this Spring. No point in contacting them on this matter.