I too believe that education is the key. The problem is there is not enough time to teach all of that in one 2 day session. I think a seperate 1 or 2 day course would be ideal. I would even be willing to pay for the class.

As far as the increase, I believe it is like anything else, prices go up over time. Pa is still one of the cheapest states to hunt in.

Cyclone is right...before we spout off without the education on the matter perhaps first you should research it. With talking with one of the PA chapter presidents' of the NWTF, they backed this stamp and I agree with it because the monies will go towards the birds. PA wouldn't be where it is with turkeys and turkey hunting without the NWTF and they (PGC) are not going to jeopardize their relationship with them for a chance at more money. In this case, the little extra money out of your pocket is going to the birds, if you don't hunt them, don't buy it. I think this will help the populations too by cutting out the weekend warrior who happens to shoot a bird by chance especially if they make it mandatory for a fall tag. I wouldn't care if our resident fee's went upward of $100, it's still cheap entertainment, a passion I'll never forgo and I've spent a heck of a lot more for less of a good thing.

DT, I teach at local Jakes programs and even tho I have no children, the reward was incredible with those youngsters. Well said.

Edited by - Rob/PA Bowyer on 01/16/2002 22:25:49

Im ok with the money going to the birds but the PGC says MAY be used for... Their history here is dismal. Where did furtaker tag money go? not to furbearers Did the tripling of the archery fees go to archery, I think not. How much of the bear $$ goes directly to bear programs? certainly not all of it. I would happily get off of more money if the PGC was a bit more accountable.

BTB, I absolutely agree with you. Accoutability is a need, we all know that but unfortunately for trappers, bear hunters and archery hunters, the PGC doesn't work hand in hand with them like the NWTF. We need to support the NWTF and quality organizations such as them. They do more for the PA turkey than the PGC and I trust their backing of a stamp.

The NWTF is a great organization and they have helped the turkey population in Pa. I agree I don't the the PGC will mess that relationship up.

but here is a question, with the extra money from furtakers, archery and bear licenses, what did everyone expect them to do to help those special interest groups?? I am an archery hunter and I don't know what that extra money could have been spent on to benefit me as an archer. Just curious???

What about those of us that aren't diehard turkey hunters? Why should I pay $5 more to hunt a bird that I can only hunt a couple days a year? The cost of liscence is already too high. I pay $16 for an archery tag, but I don't have any benefit from it. I'm allowed to hunt with a bow in a season designated to me...and muzzy hunters and small game hunters...and old & young doe hunters. Why pay more for nothing?

I saw somewhere that a pheasant stamp was in the workings...should I buy that to shoot one by chance on a small game outing?

I agree that the NWTF is an organization who has earned our respect. It just bothers me that the PGC has taken the cowardly route to gain increased fees. they hit the smaller groups one at a time instead of facing the accountability hurdles that come with a general license increase.

BTW just read a 1-15-02 PGC press release. They want a pheasant stamp now too!

Edited by - BTBOWHUNTER on 01/17/2002 10:53:38