One good thing about high non-res. prices is, it keeps our res. prices low, Some tag prices actually went down a few bucks this year for youths. They cut them in half, down to $8.50 for kids 6-15 to hunt one buck or doe, and only $3.50 for extra doe tags, and these same prices for non-res. youths aged 6-15. I like to see the kids get a break, and this means they can contribute the least expensive meat for the freezer, which is much needed by so many.
I just hate it that guys who have been hunting with me for years are being forced to stop because of tag prices going up. I know it's not just the tag prices, it's also the gas prices and lodging prices and gear prices and lease prices and so on. And I know that people will say that if they can't afford it they should stay home,and that will create a spot for someone else. It seems like there are always people with cash waiting to screw you out of every good thing you ever had when you are down. It's just very upleasant business for me to have to tell folks sorry, I can't lower my fees for you, pay up or move on. Don't like it at all!
Local economies where I live can really be helped by hunters coming in, and when they stop coming in all the hotels and lodges and outfitters, farmers and other businesses who count on them, have to stress themselves even more by lowering prices to try and keep them coming. This is less proffit for folks when their expenses are rising and they need the cash flow most.
I would think the Missouri Dept. of Conservation could help out by at least freezing the prices on non-res tags until things get better for tourism, and the hunting industry.