Montana Combo Licenses

[Buschingc]

I'm hoping that this isnt a duplicate thread, but Im absolutely furious right now.. I just got an email that stated, Montana's Combo Licenses when from $643 to $912 for Non Residents. I know they went from 11,500 to 17,000 combo tags, which greatly increases the drawing odds...  I'm not going to be able to apply for Montana anymore..Hunting is turning into the Rich mans sport.. This is an absolute joke.. I'm so fed up with Washington State and how its all about money, now I cant even apply for Montana...  Hunting is all I think about for most of the year. I'm almost to the point of giving up with big game hunting in general.. If it wasnt for my points with Washington, I wouldnt give them another $%@#$ dime... I hope this back fires and Montana looses alot of money.... Im sorry for ranting and I hope I'm not the only person that feels like this...What are your thoughts?

[270Shooter]

Not sure why they did that, I'm sure they wont seel all of their lisecnes, They still had left overs this year. I really think that they are going to lose money becuase of this. I'm not sure if I will apply there next year or not.

[longknife]

Friend guides in the Bob Marshall Wilderness, what a blow to the guides, and outfitters!!!

[Bob33]

Approved by the voters as I161.  The sad truth is that all western states are now run by anti hunting liberals from the big cities.  Washington has Seattle; Oregon has Portland; Montana has Missoula and Bozeman.

http://sos.mt.gov/elections/archives/2010s/2010/initiatives/I-161.asp

[wayner]

I heard idaho is thinking of doing the same

[BLKBEARKLR]

I still dont think it is that bad.  I think it would be better if there were not so many issues with the wolves. But I will be paying it next year if I get drawn, lot better hunting and the season is a heck of a lot longer than here.


Joe

[LittleJohn]

I will also be ponying up the extra $$$. I can't help but hunt Mont. Its Gods country and in my blood. Or I could just move there and pay 50$$$ for everything

[Craig]

I think the whole thing is BS but I am going to pay the extra $$$. Montana is a fun place to hunt. I'm not sure they will sell out this next year. It will be interesting to see if it opens up any more block management land of if landowners will be pissed and close up their land. I know some landowners are not happy right now. It will probably take a couple hears to play out.

[FSTaxidermy]

pretty much how everything is going, you want to play your going to pay Almost all states and Feds are scrambling for your money, they are broke!  We are going to be under pressure for some time to come.

 I hunted in the panhandle in Idaho for 15 straight years and finally quit when many of the Elk were killed by hard winters and wolves.  If the hunting was excellent then I believe it might be worth going back again?

I feel bad for the guides and small businesses, there were many hunters that canceled there trips this year due to lack of work/money. I believe the price increase will continue to put more financial pressure on them and drive them out of business.  Who wins?

[mazama]

What animals animals do you get to hunt with combo tag.

[Black Ghost]

Too bad we can't send a message and ban together as a group.  I don't mind slight increases.  But $300 give me a break!  If for one year, their sales drop by 50% or more that would send a strong message.  I know this was at the hands of Montana voters, but the legislature should be forced to act if funding is snapped!!!!  It is not just about the license's but the economics we as out of state hunter's bring to the region (motels, eating out, shopping, gas, etc.)

[huntnnw]

Deer and elk..

Why do people keep saying the guides are screwed?? 12500 tags last season...couldn't sell all of those! Anyone who wants to hunt mt next year will! Hire a guide if ya want one...and save $200 from the guaranteed tag price last year lol.

[Wea300mag]

I've hunted MT approx every other year for the last 20. With their new pricing I'm going to let them keep their license.

[Bob33]

Deer and elk..

Why do people keep saying the guides are screwed?? 12500 tags last season...couldn't sell all of those! Anyone who wants to hunt mt next year will! Hire a guide if ya want one...and save $200 from the guaranteed tag price last year lol.

Because they are screwed.  Out-of-state hunters can no longer book a hunt years in advance with the assurance they will get a tag.  Some outfitters book hunts three or more years in advance, because hunters need that much time to plan and budget.  Their year rolls around, and they're assured of a tag.  Not any more.

[Phantom Gobbler]

Montana and a few other states need to take heed and reconsider these tag rate hikes, we are in a great recession!!