the DISCOVER PASS

[longstevo]

The Discover pass is BS.  Paying to hunt on public lands?

[Elkaholic daWg]

The Discover pass is BS.  Paying to hunt on public lands?

VERY TRUE, but what of those who are not hunting?

[Elkaholic daWg]

 just sent 10 messages regarding this and 2214

[lokidog]

I'm all for making those that use state lands pay for the maintenance and upkeep of those lands and access to them.  It is about time the non-hunting, non-contributing users have to pay their share.  If a hunting/fishing license is purchased, the WDFW one should work for DNR lands.  The only problem is lack of enforcement as mentioned earlier.  I hope that bill passes.

[fireweed]

To me SB5998 looks like a better solution.  It limits the Discover Pass to real developed sites like trailheads, campgrounds, and picnic areas.  It is a fee-for-service provided.  Not an entry fee to DNR land, like the current system.  This is better because EVERYONE (including tribal members) would  need the Pass to stay in a campground but could access timberlands for hunting, berry picking, etc. for free.  This would plug the tribal exemption (they can't be charged a fee for hunting).  It would also streamline the rules for a DP with the NW Forest Pass, and get rid of the nasty requirement of driving around with a huge yellow hangtag.  It needs more sponsors to get a fair hearing, though.

[PlateauNDN]

To me SB5998 looks like a better solution.  It limits the Discover Pass to real developed sites like trailheads, campgrounds, and picnic areas.  It is a fee-for-service provided.  Not an entry fee to DNR land, like the current system.  This is better because EVERYONE (including tribal members) would  need the Pass to stay in a campground but could access timberlands for hunting, berry picking, etc. for free.  This would plug the tribal exemption (they can't be charged a fee for hunting).  It would also streamline the rules for a DP with the NW Forest Pass, and get rid of the nasty requirement of driving around with a huge yellow hangtag.  It needs more sponsors to get a fair hearing, though.

Not trying to    but where are you getting this from?  In 5998, 5986 and the companion bill it doesn't state anywhere in either one of these that it applies to Tribal Members?  The Discover Pass does apply when for example if I went outside of my Tribes Ceded Area and attempted to enter DNR Land let say on the West Side then yes I would need the pass but when I'm in my Tribes Ceded Area this does not apply.

I've already spoken with the DNR, our Wildlife Program Manager and our Council Members in regards to the issues with the Discover Pass and as long as we (Yakama Members) are in our Ceded Lands this does not apply, everywhere else outside of the Ceded Lands it does.   

[fireweed]

Here's an article that lays out the problem

http://www.heraldnet.com/article/20110822/NEWS01/708229919

Seems like if they made the DP on a fee-for-service and limit it to parking at developed sites (SB5998) and not fee for access then the whole issue of special exemptions would be solved.  We wouldn't have to have all these exemptions--which just increase angst between groups.  It seems unreasonable for tribal members to expect free campgrounds with their associated services while exercising treaty rights, but seems perfectly reasonable to expect free access to the land itself.  Currently, do tribal members stay at state park campgrounds for free while exercising treaty rights neaby? 

[PlateauNDN]

I've read that as well and it's been put to rest pretty much due to the conflict that has and is occurring with the enforcement issue on Tribal Members.  I believe the conclusion was just distribute an established amount of passes to each Tribe and move on.   I have no clue if Tribal Members stay at state parks, I don't and probably never will?  We usually camp out near where ever we're going or sleep in the truck so I can't answer for anybody else on that matter.

[summit creek]

i wont buy it period i use to hunt elbe hills all the time but i live right in the midle of the stormking and skoocumchuck units ill just hunt here

[summit creek]

30 bucks isint that much money i live 7 miles from gmu 654 wich is all state land use 2 be 1 of my favorite spots 2 hunt b tails refuse 2 pay it so ill hunt around here in morton mineral area 4 free not getin my 30 bucks just wont support it period

[summit creek]

The Discover pass is BS.  Paying to hunt on public lands?

ur rite it is bs they want more money from the hunters no money back 2 the game and the hunting sucks any way 4 the most part do 2 poor game management