License Fee's Increase Sept 1

[bigtex]

The proposed increase in hunting and fishing licenses has passed the legislature and has been delivered to the governor. The bill also does several things in regards to how money is spent. Currently all recreational licenses with the exception of razor clam, saltwater, and shellfish licenses are deposited into the wildlife fund (goes solely to WDFW), the three licenses I listed currently go into the general fund which funds just about every agency. This bill changes that, effective Sept 1, funds from razor clam, shellfish and saltwater licenses will go into the wildlife fund.

Effective Sept 1 the following license fees will change:
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•   The duplicate catch record card is increased from $10 to $11.
•   The dungeness crab endorsement is increased from $3 to $7.50.
•   All packages of the resident big-game hunting license are increased from between $36 and $56 to between $39 and $75, depending on the package purchased.
•   All packages of the non-resident big-game hunting license are increased from between $360 and $660 to between $396 and $780, depending on the package purchased.
•   The special hunt permit for goat, sheep, moose, or other big game not in a big-game license package is increased from $100 to $300 (resident) and $1,000 to $1,500 (nonresident).
•   The multiple-season big-game license is increased from $150 to $165.
•   The small game hunting license is increased from $30 to $35 (resident) and $50 to $65 (non-resident).
•   The combination recreational fishing license is increased from $36 to $45 (resident) and $72 to $108 (non-resident).
•   The saltwater recreational fishing license is increased from $18 to $25 (resident) and $36 to $52 (non-resident).
•   The freshwater recreational fishing license is increased from $20 to $25 (resident) and $40 to $75 (non-resident).
•   The temporary recreational fishing license is increased from between $7 to $8 (resident) and $14 to $16 (non-resident) and from $13 to $15 (resident) and $26 to $30 (non-resident), depending on length of temporary license purchased.
•   The charter stamp is increased from $7 to $8.
•   The recreational shellfish and seaweed license is increased between $7 to $10 for resident youth and $15 to $18 for non-residents.
•   The Columbia River salmon and steelhead stamp is decreased from $7.50 to $6 for youth and seniors only.

[lokidog]

So, where are our increases in opportunity?   

They cut back and back on seasons....

[bobcat]

Thanks for posting that. What about the 2nd deer tag permit? It was proposed to be increased to $70 or $80. Since I don't see it listed there, is it safe to assume it will be staying the same?

[bigtex]

Thanks for posting that. What about the 2nd deer tag permit? It was proposed to be increased to $70 or $80. Since I don't see it listed there, is it safe to assume it will be staying the same?

It will be staying the same, atleast for this year.

[bobcat]

OK, I guess now I can re-think my plans for this year. I was thinking I had to burn my points this year for the 2nd deer tag permit, since I'm not willing to pay $70 for it.

[washingtonmuley]

Total BS!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[bearpaw]

Increases are upsetting to me too, but we are still in line with most other states. Most states have had increases in the last 2 years. 

[oldleclercrd]

Well when the economy goes back to normal and the prices im sure will stay high for our licenses, I hope we can fund some more opportunitys for us!

[Elkaholic daWg]

 Resident OIL tags up 200%, but non resident only up 50%? Avatar change warranted. Bye bye Squatch

[rickc]

Doesn't this bill also increase special application prices. I believe that OIL, quality, and buck or bull hunt applications double.

[BOWHUNTER45]

Yeah need more people to go to these meetings like we had in Sedro Woolley ..it was all about this issue   ..about 75 to 100 showed up for a ( ROUND TABLE MEETING) AND WHEN ALL THESE GUYS SHOWED UP THEY LOOKED AT EACH OTHER IN DISBELIEF.....What I cant understand the economy sucks and not many working except government and state employees and they want us to pay more and like someone said earlier loose more opportunity than gaining ....just like me being a contractor everything cost me more but I am not exposed to raise my prices to make up for it .....Had three jobs as of last week and once I bid them I am down to one... And I am in no means the highest priced contractor on the block ... just want paid for what I know and do !! what hurts me is having two boys for a total of three licence which we buy every tag the state sales so come next year I may need to sell my house to go hunting ....lmao One more thing I have to say is ,they have blown this so far out of proportion on what hunting really means and to me it means only one thing  PROVIDING FOR MY FAMILY ...THATS IT ...This family depends on venison but to all the anti people its just killing the poor little animals ....

[Special T]

Maybe that is where Washingron for Wildlife can make an impact. What NH45 said is true, big numbers or organization could make a huge impact with these numbskulls.

[Tom Reichner]

Increases are upsetting to me too, but we are still in line with most other states. Most states have had increases in the last 2 years. 

In line with most other states?  I don't think so.  In line with other western states, maybe.  But compared to my native Pennsylvania, we are a rip-off.

Here's a line from the PA Game Commission's website concerning current license fees:
Resident Adult Hunting (age17 - 64) $20.70

This $20.70 includes regular (rifle) season deer hunting, all small game hunting, turkey hunting, coyote hunting, varmint hunting (woodchucks, crows, etc), and waterfowl hunting (of course, you also need the duck stamp for waterfowl).

[bigtex]

Increases are upsetting to me too, but we are still in line with most other states. Most states have had increases in the last 2 years. 

In line with most other states?  I don't think so.  In line with other western states, maybe.  But compared to my native Pennsylvania, we are a rip-off.

Here's a line from the PA Game Commission's website concerning current license fees:
Resident Adult Hunting (age17 - 64) $20.70

This $20.70 includes regular (rifle) season deer hunting, all small game hunting, turkey hunting, coyote hunting, varmint hunting (woodchucks, crows, etc), and waterfowl hunting (of course, you also need the duck stamp for waterfowl).

You cant compare Washington with east coast states or states with lower income levels. Thats like saying Washington's licenses are more expensive then W Virginia, well duh! Fee's are based on income levels, even citation fines are based on income level. For example a federal citation for underage drinking in W Virginia is $50, in E. WA it is $275, S. Cali it is $375.

[singleshot12]

So, where are our increases in opportunity?   

They cut back and back on seasons....

People are and will get tired of paying more for less real soon. With a poor economy, fuel prices etc. most middle class people are going to stop buying licenses to hunt and fish which = less money for the general fund wildlife etc.
Like someone mentioned above hunting and fishing should be all about providing for the family, and we are getting farther and farther from that each year. Pretty sad and disgusting at the same time. I know my kids are already discouraged.