Wisconsin is once again going to review license fees for deer, turkey, and fishing. The last time this was visited was in 2003, and the concept was voted down.

I am not against an increase in fees, especially with the CWD issue, however, in 2003 the proposal was to increase resident fees substantially more than non-resident fees. If the DNR wants a 25% increase on fees, then it should be a 25% increase on all fees, not 25% for residents, and 2% for non-residents.

I contacted Thomas Hauge the Director up in madison for DNR and he stated that they shouldnt be increasing the Conservaton Patrons license fee. I sure hope not it just went up last year. Just like IL drove me out of the state with there increase
as a non resident I sure hope Wi doesnt as a resident. Pretty soon only the rich
will be able to hunt.


Peak
Live and Learn

That is the goal of every anti hunter! If they cannot get the guns, and if they cannot prevent it outright (Wisconsin has the constitutional amendment now), then they will win by attrition by making to expensive!

Doyle Wants To Raise Hunting License Fees And Vehical Registrations
I See.

It would be great if the bird watchers/bike riders, CC skiers, etc would have to pay money to be on the lands that we helped purchase/develop. It would be even better that at the entrance to every nature trail, wildlife preserve, or bird watching area that there were huge bilboards saying "The nature and wildlife that you will experience has been paid for by all of the wonderful hunters and fishermen in the state. They hope you enjoy your experience and that you support them in continuing to keep Wisconsin wild."

Yep, hunting is becoming a rich mans sport. You think the IL deer tags are bad now? they want to raise them to 4-500 dollars. Nothing like really trying to rip off you NR.

Its getting crazy............

bnhcomputing The fee increases have nothing to do with the DNR, it is the "wants" of our elected officials. Only the state legislature/govenor can increase license fees. License fees go dirrectly to the state, the state then decides what to give the DNR for operating funds.

The sad thing is that the tourism industry and snomobile lobby are alot stronger than any resident hunting lobby, and our elected officials know it. Wisconsin sells 40,000+ NR deer licenses total, gun and bow, 17,000 to MN residents, and about 11,000 to IL residents.

Wisconsin is the #1 P&Y deer state in the country by a wide margin, yet only charges $160 for a NR deer license. IL, IA, KS, MS, WA, AL, all have combined fees in the $300+ range for NR deer licenses. IL is now proposing fees between $400 and $500 for a NR deer license.

We pay high taxes in this state for good roads, parks, public lands. Illinois and Minnesota do not. Yet Minnesota and Illinois residents are flocking to Wisconsin in increasing numbers because we have payed to develope our infastructure in our own state.

17% of the Wisconsin population hunts, compared to only 3% in Illinois. If we unite, our elected officials will listen.