I'm done!

[WDFW-SUX]

I thought about this subject a lot before I decided to post and here is what I think about the commercialization of hunting and the increases in cost for tags and services.

Undoubtedly there are people that will not be able to afford some of the nonresident fees and will only be able to hunt in there home state and that is truly unfortunate.  However if people like myself and many other on this board did not waste the amount of money we do every year on hunting and hunting related products there would not be ANY quality big game hunting in north America. 

The Passion that people have for hunting and the great outdoors is the only thing that makes state wildlife lands possible, and funding of a majority of state Fish and Game departments budgets.

Tag fees and donations are the  reason that there is any acquisition of winter range and without that there would be no big game for anyone. If people were not obsessed with there RAM  SLAM  and willing to spend 200,000+ to do it there would be 2 or 3 huntable populations of Big Horns in North America.

 I know it sucks when the guy with 250K worth of gear pulls up to the spot that your family has been hunting for years and proceeds to ruin it but the reality is if he didnt care and spent his money on a sports car vs an Elk hunt we would all suffer.

[Coasthunterjay]

thats a good way of putting it passion........

[jackelope]

good stuff passion, thats the reason i can never understand why people piss and moan about the gov. tag hunts in the western states. thats great money to support the resources we sportsmen love.

[NoBark]

I think passion has some valid points but I think it's overstated.  While the money helps, it not the only money they are getting.  Important yes, but not as to say we wouldn't have "ANY" quality big game hunts. 

Jackalope, I use to feel the way you do until UTAH went over the edge. I sure as heck hope that what they did there is an indication of the future.

[Elknut1]

  Well, I just applied for WY, now will hit NM then apply for a Deer & Elk tag for a special draw for a great Oct rifle elk hunt. No big bulls there like some of you have taken, but a 320 class is possible, it's some very thick country too boot.

  Anyone who wants to seriously put in for ID let me know via PM & I'll hook you up with a very good unit for Bow or Rifle! It's all in the draw though, but it's tough to draw if you don't apply!

  I will agree though that I really hate seeing things get out of hand prices wise but what can you do? I'm an Elk Hunter at heart!! It would take an act of God to stop me from elk hunting each year. I must have a fix!! (grin) I must make sure my son fills his freezer, he's my number one inspiration in life!

  ElkNut1

[TheHunt]

I put in for Arizona, Utah, Wyoming, New Mexico, Montana and Nevada every year.  This year it will cost more which means I have to sell more firewood.  The cost of the trip to any of the Southern states is only about 1200 to 1400 dollars.  Sleep in a tent, only pay for food and gas. 

If your a penny pincher like me you can still pull it off.

[boneaddict]

Amen to all the above on this page.