Outfitting on Public lands

[birdseye]

We're almost into 2026....isn't it time to get the parasitic outfitting industry off our public domain? Their "fees" amount to pennies with an almost free leveraging of our wildlife.

 

[Straight Arrow]

Not an outfitter, nor ever hired one, as a lifelong older Montana DIY hunter and wildlife advocate, I have to acknowledge the positive impact to the hunting legacy, to wildlife management, and to acquisition and enhancement of wildlife habitat by the outfitting industry in Montana.
What apparently is viewed negatively regarding outfitters in "parts unknown" where you are located may be of interest ... so please explain your opposition to outfitting on "public domain". Thanks.

 

[wytex]

Might as well kick everyone off the public lands then, that use them to make money.
Land of many uses comes to mind.

 

[antlerradar]

Might as well kick everyone off the public lands then, that use them to make money.
Land of many uses comes to mind.

Why stop at money. Money is just a convenient way to measure and trade value. When I pick up a shed, shoot a buck or just enjoy the view, I am making making money off of public land.

 

[Salmonchaser]

Not sure where you’re getting your numbers, sure as hell wasn’t pennies for me up in Alaska, shit just in regards to bird hunts I had to pay 100.00 fee per dog. Didn’t matter if pointer or retriever.

 

[Forkyfinder]

We're almost into 2026....isn't it time to get the parasitic outfitting industry off our public domain? Their "fees" amount to pennies with an almost free leveraging of our wildlife.

Id prefer that the outftting industry do it on public lands and limited/capped, the way it is.

Outfitting and leasing of private land, especially that locks the public out, is more of my heartburn.

 

[2rocky]

Have fun clearing trail in the wilderness yourself. Trail crews are not in the budget anymore....
While you are at it why don't you pack in the bridge materials for the trail to where you want to hunt, or pack in the biologists that are monitoring the endangered species in the wilderness. Not to mention supplies for fire fighting crews.

Oh you didn't want to pack your bull elk of a lifetime out 20 miles to the trailhead on your back?
Oh so you are 75 years old and want to spend the money you spent 30 years saving for a dream hunt? Sorry no wilderness experience for you, you should have spent the net present value of $6,145.45 dollars on points plus all the gear and stock.

Remember National parks are Public lands too....All campgrounds, lodges, tours, restaurants, souvenir shops, etc are operated by concessionaires aka "outfitters" people or companies that pay a fee to the government to offer a service to the public...
Sorry you are going to have to buy your own snowmobile to see Yellowstone in the winter, or dog team if you prefer.

If it wasn't for outfitters, there would not be an outdoor industry. So much of the infrastructure for the public to access and enjoy public land depends on the symbiosis of private industry and public agencies. It's like saying people cant deliver products by vehicle on Public roads, or that private companies can't get government contracts.

Perhaps your goal was to state something so ridiculous to prove your point...if so I've fallen in your trap...Bravo.

 

[MTGomer]

I have a pretty negative view of the outfitting industry overall. Mostly because of their political lobbbying and the douchebaggery outfits like A3, Mossback, Lemon etc.

That said I’ve guided some people to some sheep with their once in a lifetime tags. People that would have either never killed a ram or killed a small immature ram without help.

 

[Gr8bawana]

We're almost into 2026....isn't it time to get the parasitic outfitting industry off our public domain? Their "fees" amount to pennies with an almost free leveraging of our wildlife.