Free: Contests & Raffles.
Historically, western states were very reluctant to raise resident costs because hunters would absolutely come unhinged over even the most minor increases. I remember a few that were something like a $7 increase and pitchforks came out. So, game departments would stick it to NR's, we bitch and then write checks for whatever they ask.Now, there seems to be a trend of resident hunters willing to bear greater costs in return for either less NR pressure overall or a bigger pool of resident draw tags. It's a trade that really makes sense for resident hunters in many eyes. I think this is one of those examples. I wouldn't be surprised to see more.
Yeah it sucks but at the same time why should Wyoming, Montana, Idaho, Utah take on the burden because other states like Washington Oregon and California fail to actually manage game. Maybe it’ll get hunters to start putting fire under their own departments ass instead of saying “I’ll just hunt out of state and not buy tags here”
Sure hope I draw a gen tag this year. I guess I’ll focus on other states now, too bad.
Quote from: Iveexcaped3 on March 12, 2022, 06:07:59 AMYeah it sucks but at the same time why should Wyoming, Montana, Idaho, Utah take on the burden because other states like Washington Oregon and California fail to actually manage game. Maybe it’ll get hunters to start putting fire under their own departments ass instead of saying “I’ll just hunt out of state and not buy tags here”That's true. But TBH hunters in WA are CA have no influence over larger wildlife and habitat issues. We just don't have a big enough voice here.It is a frustration that much of the NonRes hunting in those states occurs on federal property, that belongs to us as much as the residents. WY has been gradually putting the screws to NRs for a while, starting with the guide requirement on wilderness
If they make the same change to Deer elk and antelope it will cost them a fortune. Hopefully they don't, I would be done and have to eat a decade worth of point fees