alwyshntn,
yes I am a NR. And to be fair, I should point out that even though I am a NR I work with an Ill oufitter and bring him hunters. Basically, it pays for my annual hunting trip to the golden triangle. I was using that example as an extreme. I realize that all NR's spend money in the state whether they employ an outfitter or not (some more yhan others).

As Big Country said, I'd love to buy a new 4wd pickup for $6000 and I'd love to hunt Illinois for free but the days of both are gone for good. It's not the fault of NR's or the outfitters. It's just the way things are going. Paying to hunt is commonplace in many areas of this great nation and it's getting more common every day.

This whole plan was pushed by a small special interest group, the largest 15-20 outfitters in the state. The prevailing attitude was leave prices alone.

"The world changes constantly, that is the sad truth.
In 1978 I bought my first brand new 4WD pickup truck for $6000.00
In 2003 I bought my latest new 4WD pickup truck for...$41,000.00 "

This is the sad attitude I hate to see any hunters take. You cannot compare the typical inflation rate to what these deer tags are doing. Besides that, a typical pickup from 2003 has way more technology and basic features than one from the 70's! That is really a bad comparison. This rate increase blows away any inflation rate. We are talking about a 1,000% increase over the last 15 years. This is taking the sport to a completely different market strategy, to one operating entirely on a supply/demand basis. What sucks is that this is precisely how hunting was transformed in Europe, where now only the wealthy hunt. Other states will penalize Illinois residents. This propogates the screw one another attitude, and promotes an isolationist economy. All of us hunters lose. To pass it off as inevitable is truly negative. Write your legislators and complain. Don't let this happen in your state because what goes around, comes around. It benefits none of us. That is not an opinion, it is a fact.

OK Zim, just who do you want me to call?

I tried the calling/e-mailing deal several years back when the ILDNR decided to go the BPS call in route. Brent Manning did not want to hear anything.

Is it the ILDNR or the good folks in Chicago that I should be calling?

You are telling me that 15-20 outfitters got the Illinois state government to raise the NR tags?

I miss the days when I could stop in any little mom and pop store to pick up my NR tag for a measely $126.00

But I sure don`t miss it enough to boycott my hunts in Illinois. Tell me where I should start to make this better?

State government did this increase thing, and you ain`t gonna beat `em.

Even if you could...they don`t want to hear from me......I don`t live in their state....

That is not correct and simply does not make any sense. Why would an outfitter want to jack up prices knowing they will lose clients due to the increased fees?

I have spoken to many outfitters. None of them support the increase in fees. This is our State government at work increasing state revenues without taxing Illinois residents.

The outfitter tags are the result of a handful of outfitters who got the attention of the DNR Director and it's legal team. Originally, the DNR proposal had a two-tier system where they would charge the outfitted clients a much higher rate than those who went through a lottery.
Tag fees were supposed to be much higher but instead will be increased over a 3 year period.

Thankfully the Farm Bureau, along with other groups and individuals brought some sanity to the situation and persuaded the legislators to lower the original fee structure. Hopefully the legislature will do something next year that will maintain the present fee structure(or drop it back to last year's level). We have a number of Illinois hunters that hunt out of state. They are not gonna like paying reciprocal fees and will raise cain.

LLBUX,

"That is not correct and simply does not make any sense. Why would an outfitter want to jack up prices knowing they will lose clients due to the increased fees?"

That is correct. Let me clarify. The small group of influential outfitters that pushed the outfitter draw did NOTHING to oppose the proposed price increase when they most definitely could have. It was all happening at the same time. They did not because they did not care. Their clientel is upscale and an increase would not impact their business. If anything, it would benefit their clients getting tags due to less DIY competition. Let me point out this was a small goup of the wealthiest outfitters. All they cared about was getting preferential entitlements which is a bunch of BS. They should be stucturing their business around game management, not the other way around. If they don't like the rules, don't get in the business.

ZIM-

I PM'ed you.

The Illinios DNR does not have any thing do with IL deer management ..... Illinois deer herd is managed and controled by the "Illinois Farm Bureau" ...... You can call them now.

Well, there you have it![:@]

No wonder I never get anything accomplished? I never deal with the right people.[&:]

I can see it makes sense now though.....seeing how Illinois GROWS big bucks!!

Thanks for the heads up dude....

Because as I have said in many other posts, the state should not be involved in subsidizing outfitters. A non-resident hunter who hunts on private land or public land and doesn't use an outfitter should have equal opportunity to obtain tags as a non-resident who uses an outfitter.
I've met some non-resident hunters in my area and have no problem with them. In fact they were more respectful and are probably much more ethical than some resident hunters I know.

Let me give you a hint about Farm Bureau............I've been involved and crossed paths with the organization many times. Although I grew up on a farm and helped farm in Indiana, its the same Farm Bureau. They do help farmers on some issues but they are a huge business and have many interests. Farm Bureau likes to control things and although they would like you to think they are ALWAYS working in the best interest of farmers........it ain't always so!!

Cougar Mag I would just like to say THANKS for having a open-mind about us NR. I know alot of people have different opinions about NR in all states but I have been very fortunate in running into great people not only in IL but also IA and KS. In the end we are all outdoorsmen who love the opportunity to get out and enjoy it. Hunting has become a product so to speak that everyone is trying to capitolize on. I would like to see us all (midwest states) get on a even playing field as far as price goes and make it possible for all people to have the opportunity to enjoy what we each have to offer. I'm not saying open the door to unlimited tags (which we do in MO) but incorporate a lottery drawing and make it affordable for all. May not be the right approach but its just a thought.