These are great questions. The status quo is the problem. Somehow it must be deeply analyzed and systematically changed. The increased could help with this work. How does that work get done without an increase?
This is what some administration and public lean on though. It’s similar to what I’ve heard for years as a teacher. Well Nick, you didn’t go into teaching to get rich. Well Nick, you teach for the love of the kids… These statements are true, but invalid. There’s a reason the average teacher only lasts 3 to 5 years depending on the state.
The combo tag in MT w/o bear is $75… Economics requires some inflation. It should be analyzed and justified. What if there were more discounts? Based upon income?
This certainly isn’t defending FWP, because they are managing deer like it was a half century ago, and even though the state is blessed with an abundance of elk/field rats, they can’t seem to figure out how to manage them other than shoot them for nine months of the year.
A lot of Montana residents are knocking on my door and they are willing to pay for a product that is not so crappy.
Not trying to be antagonistic, but a few questions. Product? Are they paying the State or you for said product? I met a guy in Central Montana that had paid a $4000 trespass fee. It included a cabin and a week to himself on a ranch. Trespass fee? Hmmmmm
The main difference between private and public is that private landowners aren’t completely hammering everything that moves. That’s why they still have quality.
I don't take money, that said there are plenty of Montana residents that are willing to pay for better quality hunting and if I chose to I could likely find a Montana resident willing to pay thousands, even tens of thousands in a weeks time.
How can we get organized and work as a herd?
Are there already efforts? Well researched and written form emails for others to edit and send?
This is a very good point.
Just a swag, but Manage fish and game levels to provide the highest opportunity to Montana citizens. No differentiation between public land and private. Nothing about older age-class bucks and bulls. There is lots to criticize FWP about, but changing that goal is a tough road.
Still here, just reading and thinking. Interesting to see some many different views and expectations. I end up feeling that overall we have great opportunities in this great state. Edison once said opportunity is often overlooked because it wears overalls and looks like work. The challenge is what makes hunting so amazing.
Idk, I think 15 for deer and 20 for elk. General permits
What problem does increasing tag cost solve?
I recall in a recent Region 1 (MT) Town Hall meeting (Director, Staff, Commissioner(s), politician(s)) we brought up this specific point - RAISE RESIDENT FEES. We were informed they are unable to do such until another year or two(?) it's on a time frame for modifying the fees. Truth or not - is beyond me though that is the response to a public land hunter and those who agreed with him, including myself.
Looking at this from the outside I don't think the "problem" with management is caused by a lack of funds. It may be an arguable point but from many threads here it appears to be decision making, not lack of funds. If it was a simple revenue issue, then a fee increase might be the answer. If the simple answer is not money and the question appears to be management why tax the user? As stated before pay more get less.
