What's next, fees going up! SB5583

[Humptulips]

https://app.leg.wa.gov/billsummary/?BillNumber=5583&Year=2025&Initiative=false

Commission/Director gets to surcharge licenses to balance the budget. Eliminates the need for WDFW to beg for money from the Legislature.

[fishngamereaper]

Are we having fun yet ..

From the text of the bill..

[baldopepper]

Kinda like the proposed senior fees.

[KNOPHISH]

Sent another note, wonder if they are sick of my emails yet?

[Humptulips]

This is the more concerning part to me:

 NEW SECTION.  Sec. 18.  A new section is added to chapter 77.12 6
 RCW to read as follows: 7
 (1) The commission may establish by rule a surcharge on all fees 8
 authorized under chapters 77.32, 77.65, and 77.70 RCW by November 1st 9
 of each odd-numbered year if the commission determines that the 10
 surcharge is necessary to fund inflationary and other increased costs 11
 approved by the legislature in the biennial budget.

[duckmen1]

Ouch second deer license listed $82.80. There are some massive increases in prices. And yet we have more and more opportunities taken away, miss management practices, land given away from our state, and piece by piece our state trying to take away our hunting and fishing rights. Not surprising but where does this end with this state.

[trophyhunt]

It doesn’t end if people keep voting for demoRats.

[Bob33]

It sounds like they are doing away with "Buck" and "Bull" hunts and all male deer and elk permits will be "Quality"?

(4) Persons may apply for special hunting "quality" permits as provided by rule of the commission. The commission designates as "quality" hunts those that allow the harvest of buck deer, bull elk,
or allow the harvest of male big game species that are only available for hunting by a special hunting permit. The commission may authorize a special hunting permit for goat, sheep, moose, or other big game species not specified.

[trophyhunt]

It sounds like they are doing away with "Buck" and "Bull" hunts and all male deer and elk permits will be "Quality"?

(4) Persons may apply for special hunting "quality" permits as provided by rule of the commission. The commission designates as "quality" hunts those that allow the harvest of buck deer, bull elk,
or allow the harvest of male big game species that are only available for hunting by a special hunting permit. The commission may authorize a special hunting permit for goat, sheep, moose, or other big game species not specified.

I don’t see that happening, the wording is kinda confusing, but too much money involved in all the catagories to give any up.  In my opinion

[JimmyHoffa]

I guess since they figure everyone has that extra $25k for gun insurance, might get their cut too.  Except the bowhunters.

[Bob33]

Ouch second deer license listed $82.80. There are some massive increases in prices. And yet we have more and more opportunities taken away, miss management practices, land given away from our state, and piece by piece our state trying to take away our hunting and fishing rights. Not surprising but where does this end with this state.

The only possible bright spot for this massive increase in cost to hunters could be improved draw odds for those who choose to remain in the game. I suspect the number of special hunt permit applicants and hunters in total will decline.

[docsven]

It's all licenses. My WA business license renewal gsurprised me. It is easily 4X what it was even a few years ago.....
but it's nice to see all of those newer State-owned buildings sitting mostly empty down in Olympia

[Griiz]

Ouch second deer license listed $82.80. There are some massive increases in prices. And yet we have more and more opportunities taken away, miss management practices, land given away from our state, and piece by piece our state trying to take away our hunting and fishing rights. Not surprising but where does this end with this state.

The only possible bright spot for this massive increase in cost to hunters could be improved draw odds for those who choose to remain in the game. I suspect the number of special hunt permit applicants and hunters in total will decline.

It wouldn't surprise me to see sportsman and gun owners begin to turn their back on licenses, rules and laws as this state continues to increase costs and pass unconstitutional laws. Whether that be against the state or the federal constitution. At some point it will become, enough is enough and law abiding people will harvest what they want, when they want and will no longer be in the law abiding catagory.

[fishngamereaper]

Keep an eye on the removal of the $10 non reporting fee
Watch it got into the hundreds or even go criminal at some point..

[HUNTIN4SIX]

Keep an eye on the removal of the $10 non reporting fee
Watch it got into the hundreds or even go criminal at some point..

Always disliked that one, and never report and just pay it.  WDFW managed great populations in the past without it.  Its just a lazy tool for revenue and management.  With the rise of the communist in this state, most likely hundreds isnt far off.

[bigtex]

Keep an eye on the removal of the $10 non reporting fee
Watch it got into the hundreds or even go criminal at some point..

It won't go criminal. Just this year WDFW is asking to be able to cite big game violations as infractions in-lieu of misdemeanors and gross misdemeanors.

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[steeleywhopper]

At what point do we deem Washington's Government Tyranical and use the 2nd Amendment as intended? How far do they gotta push before we the people get fed up?
Commenting on all the gun and outdoor stuff is getting absolutely rediculous.

[Skyvalhunter]

https://nwsportsmanmag.com/washington-senators-propose-sharp-fishing-hunting-license-fee-hikes/

[trophyhunt]

At what point do we deem Washington's Government Tyranical and use the 2nd Amendment as intended? How far do they gotta push before we the people get fed up?
Commenting on all the gun and outdoor stuff is getting absolutely rediculous.

I don’t think we will see that point, people are too easily ok with giving up simple rights anymore.  This country will not be the same in a short time.  Before you know it you’ll need a license to hike in the woods and pick up antlers.

[ghosthunter]

At what point do we deem Washington's Government Tyranical and use the 2nd Amendment as intended? How far do they gotta push before we the people get fed up?
Commenting on all the gun and outdoor stuff is getting absolutely rediculous.

I don’t think we will see that point, people are too easily ok with giving up simple rights anymore.  This country will not be the same in a short time.  Before you know it you’ll need a license to hike in the woods and pick up antlers.

Wait till they come for the guns.

[Ghost Hunter]

Kinda like the proposed senior fees.

   A Pioneer license like OR and WY have would be cool.  How many would qualify for 50 years or more?

[HntnFsh]

I would.

I have heard complaints on Ifish that Oregons pioneer license aint what it used to be.

[jeffro]

Stopped buying worthless tags in Wa years ago *censored* the idiots that don’t feed the elk in their yard

[Magnum_Willys]

I don’t think we will see that point, people are too easily ok with giving up simple rights anymore.  This country will not be the same in a short time.  Before you know it you’ll need a license to hike in the woods and pick up antlers.

Already need licence to shed hunt in idaho for nonres….

[dwils233]

Keep an eye on the removal of the $10 non reporting fee
Watch it got into the hundreds or even go criminal at some point..

It won't go criminal. Just this year WDFW is asking to be able to cite big game violations as infractions in-lieu of misdemeanors and gross misdemeanors.

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Kind of. It's only a few, low-level violations. considering that prosecutors only chase a handful out of everything that goes to their offices, WDFW leos are trying to make sure that the violations they submit actually get prosecuted.

[Elkaholic daWg]

Kinda like the proposed senior fees.

I was noticing that. I might save $$. They will more than make up for it on the property taxes

[Ridgeratt]

But how many people hunt and fish compared to seniors who live on a fixed income. That are just surviving right now.  Before the new tax bill shows up? I'd guess there's more elderly people who don't recreate.

Not to mention the rate increase for utilities.

[Stein]

A resident elk tag in WA is $60, in MT it is $20.  I guess the commission thinks that hunting is 3x better here?

It's pretty clear what will happen, the commission will use the cost to limit hunting and/or use the extra money they can raise to do something they probably shouldn't do.

[MADMAX]

But how many people hunt and fish compared to seniors who live on a fixed income. That are just surviving right now.  Before the new tax bill shows up? I'd guess there's more elderly people who don't recreate.

Not to mention the rate increase for utilities.

Ive been retired for 10 years
Myself and my buddies all still hunt and fish
You think if you had to pay Medicare, you’d be eligible for a discounted hunt/fish license
Jeez

[chukardogs]

Anyone ever heard of supply and demand? Montana's human population 1.2 million vs Washingtons population at 7.9 million. Throw in the fact that Montana's Elk population is 141,000 vs Washington's Elk population at 50,000. We're lucky they're not actually using those numbers because it would probably be 100 for an Elk tag in Washington considering just the human population difference.

[Ridgeratt]

But how many people hunt and fish compared to seniors who live on a fixed income. That are just surviving right now.  Before the new tax bill shows up? I'd guess there's more elderly people who don't recreate.

Not to mention the rate increase for utilities.

Ive been retired for 10 years
Myself and my buddies all still hunt and fish
You think if you had to pay Medicare, you’d be eligible for a discounted hunt/fish license
Jeez

Good on you Max. I also have been retired for several years But thinking outside of the box how many elderly and seniors do you know who don't fish or hunt. Along with those folks who live on a fixed income and are watching their money to afford mortgages and power bills.

[Ghost Hunter]

But how many people hunt and fish compared to seniors who live on a fixed income. That are just surviving right now.  Before the new tax bill shows up? I'd guess there's more elderly people who don't recreate.

Not to mention the rate increase for utilities.

Ive been retired for 10 years
Myself and my buddies all still hunt and fish
You think if you had to pay Medicare, you’d be eligible for a discounted hunt/fish license
Jeez

Good for on you Max. I also have been retired for several years But thinking outside of the box how many elderly and seniors do you know who don't fish or hunt. Along with those folks who live on a fixed income and are watching their money to afford mortgages and power bills.

Wait until HB 1334 (Property tax revenue growth limit) goes thru.

[MADMAX]

But how many people hunt and fish compared to seniors who live on a fixed income. That are just surviving right now.  Before the new tax bill shows up? I'd guess there's more elderly people who don't recreate.

Not to mention the rate increase for utilities.

Ive been retired for 10 years
Myself and my buddies all still hunt and fish
You think if you had to pay Medicare, you’d be eligible for a discounted hunt/fish license
Jeez

Good for on you Max. I also have been retired for several years But thinking outside of the box how many elderly and seniors do you know who don't fish or hunt. Along with those folks who live on a fixed income and are watching their money to afford mortgages and power bills.

Wait until HB 1334 (Property tax revenue growth limit) goes thru.

Be lucky your not in Kitsap county
Property tax’s are ridiculous here
Like a freaking house payment per month

[MADMAX]

But how many people hunt and fish compared to seniors who live on a fixed income. That are just surviving right now.  Before the new tax bill shows up? I'd guess there's more elderly people who don't recreate.

Not to mention the rate increase for utilities.

Ive been retired for 10 years
Myself and my buddies all still hunt and fish
You think if you had to pay Medicare, you’d be eligible for a discounted hunt/fish license
Jeez

Good on you Max. I also have been retired for several years But thinking outside of the box how many elderly and seniors do you know who don't fish or hunt. Along with those folks who live on a fixed income and are watching their money to afford mortgages and power bills.

I’m one of those folks too but can’t get a senior hunting license for a few more years

[Ridgeratt]

Realize that your situation could change overnite, You might be in good health right now,

[MADMAX]

Realize that your situation could change overnite, You might be in good health right now,

You never know, your right
And yes I know it too
There by the grace of God go I

[Special T]

Nobody likes increased prices. Question is this. Do sportsmen Want an increased say in WDFW management?  Many in the department already don't view us as thier main funding source.

If we see a turnaround in the Commission  with Ferguson clawing back some of inslees bad appointments shouldn't we reward that? Something to ponder.

[CedarPants]

Nobody likes increased prices. Question is this. Do sportsmen Want an increased say in WDFW management?  Many in the department already don't view us as thier main funding source.

If we see a turnaround in the Commission  with Ferguson clawing back some of inslees bad appointments shouldn't we reward that? Something to ponder.

Is there any precedent in this State showing a direct correlation between the amount we pay in hunting/fishing licensing fees and the amount of say we have in WDFW management? Or for that matter, any State licening fees and our say in management of anything?

[Tbar]

Nobody likes increased prices. Question is this. Do sportsmen Want an increased say in WDFW management?  Many in the department already don't view us as thier main funding source.

If we see a turnaround in the Commission  with Ferguson clawing back some of inslees bad appointments shouldn't we reward that? Something to ponder.

Is there any precedent in this State showing a direct correlation between the amount we pay in hunting/fishing licensing fees and the amount of say we have in WDFW management? Or for that matter, any State licening fees and our say in management of anything?

Post merger it has been clear that the game department is gone.  Staffing reflects this as does funding.  That said I feel like all is not lost and there is still some attention to the consumptive users.  Not sure if it is equal to,  greater than or less than 16%.

[dreamingbig]

Nobody likes increased prices. Question is this. Do sportsmen Want an increased say in WDFW management?  Many in the department already don't view us as thier main funding source.

If we see a turnaround in the Commission  with Ferguson clawing back some of inslees bad appointments shouldn't we reward that? Something to ponder.

Is there any precedent in this State showing a direct correlation between the amount we pay in hunting/fishing licensing fees and the amount of say we have in WDFW management? Or for that matter, any State licening fees and our say in management of anything?

Post merger it has been clear that the game department is gone.  Staffing reflects this as does funding.  That said I feel like all is not lost and there is still some attention to the consumptive users.  Not sure if it is equal to,  greater than or less than 16%.

It is clear there is no voices of reason left on the big game side.  They have catered to special interest groups that are not hunters.


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