possible licence increase

[tunrevir]

I don't mind paying a few bucks more but I also want to see fee hikes in kind for nonresidents. It costs a fortune to go to Iowa and deer hunt so I propose they do a tit for tat type fee system and get the non residents fees in line with what other states are charging. The fee increase won't raise much more money because the government outspends more then what they have on a regular basis. Ten years from now they will want to raise it again. Fiscal responsability and government don't go hand in hand and if they have more money they will spend more money.

Tunrevir~

[mrklean]

I'm glad they introduced the conservation license option. I've been able to introduce a number of friends to fishing this season who previously wouldn't give it a shot because they, "don't want to spend $17 on a license I might only use for 2 or 3 hours."

Easier to get newbies to give it a shot when it costs less than a movie ticket.

Plus, I almost never need to keep a limit of fish and my first-timer friends sure don't.

I buy my WI non-resident license every year to spend 5 or 6 days fishing in WI. You won't hear me complain about buying an MN fishing license. Heck, I buy my wife one every year and it NEVER gets used.

Thats how i got my gf to fish this year and we went out a ton, a few other friends did the same thing.

[mnbuckhunter]

It costs a fortune to go to Iowa and deer hunt

It'd be interesting to know how many non-residents actually hunt MN verses how many non-Iowa-residents hunt in Iowa. I'd guess Iowa's deer quality gets them a few more non-residents then MN but.... that's just a guess.

[Lip_Ripper Guy]

With a $6.2billion bill (government overspending) coming due, I would expect EVERYTHING to go up in cost. Unfortunately, a doubling of our fishing/hunting license fees will be but a drop in the bucket when it comes down to it.

There will be a proposal, as there has been in the past, for a "services tax". This proposal has included things like a tax on haircuts, attorney fees, medical services, accounting, real estate, etc. It will probably start in the neighborhood of 8-10%, and my guess is that they'll eventually settle around 6-8%. From there I would expect absolutely everything to be on the table, in terms of a tax increase. Gas tax, vehicle registration tax, sales tax, liquor tax, "sin" taxes, property taxes, etc.

All told, the state needs to come up with about $1200 in additional revenue for every man, woman and child in the next 2 years. Since roughly 1/2 the population will pay next to zero taxes, you can pretty much double that to $2400 over the next 2 years. Buckle up.

[south_metro_fish]

The article was talking about how they are predicting budget troubles come 2014. They also were talking about how they were going to be using the money and what % is going toward fish and hunting. It sounded like most if not all would be going to what we would want it to be going for. They were talking about how if nothing is done it might come down to cutting some of the programs that they have going, in my opinion that would not be good. It also was talking about how there has not been an increase for 10 years to counter the inflation over that period of time. Also how inflation increased how much they have to spend to do the same actives. They are looking for opinions and ideas from the public. One thing they are talking about is 3 and 7 day licenses. They want to know how much the public is willing to pay in the increase before people will stop buying they licenses because that is the last thing they want. The DNR doesn't seem to concerned yet but it seems other analyst are pretty concerned and want to get this on the table.

I for sure would not have a problem paying a few extra bucks if it gets spent the way they say its going to get spent, to make sure there is a good future for are wild life. You have to think of some of the extra things they are having to deal with and research such as invasive species. I am sure the money they got from the stimulus plans and auctions are being added in the the budget all ready, it is probably just delaying the inevitable.

[Hookey]

Last fall I was at Gander mountain and a local Cub Scout troop was there selling microwave popcorn. Not being big on popcorn I gave the Den mother ten bucks and told her to spend it on the troop as she saw fit. I then suggested she save it for a scout in need. But not on dime of it was to go to the popcorn program.

God it would be nice if we could earmark donations and trust in our Government to apply them where we want. Seems simple but when intent of these programs is to skim from the program and redirect funds it will not happen. Remember how we were sold a Lottery ?

I guess I would like to support it but my better instinct tells me little of it will reach the lake.

Here is a piece of the article:

License fees stable

There hasn't been a general increase in fishing, small game or firearms deer licenses since 2001. But costs over those 10 years, of course, have increased.

A resident fishing license was increased to $17 (from $15) in 2001. That year, gas was $1.45 a gallon and a movie cost less than $6. If the license fee had kept pace with inflation, it would cost $21.

"We're heavily loaded with expenditures for equipment and fuel," Simon said. "And those have gone up higher than the CPI [consumer price index]."

The same is true for the $25 firearms deer license. It was increased $1 in 2003, but that extra money went into a special account to pay for chronic wasting disease prevention efforts. To maintain the same buying power the $25 license had 10 years ago, it should cost about $31 now.

There are some ways the DNR could increase revenues without general fee increases, and the market research to be discussed at the Roundtable Friday and Saturday offers some ideas in possible license restructuring. The idea would be to try to capture part-time hunters and anglers with licenses for three, five or seven days.

[Camp Bob]

Anyone do the math on the lifelong license? If it's a good fit for you now, buy it and quit worrying about future price increases.

[pulleye16]

The article was talking about how they are predicting budget troubles come 2014. They also were talking about how they were going to be using the money and what % is going toward fish and hunting. It sounded like most if not all would be going to what we would want it to be going for. They were talking about how if nothing is done it might come down to cutting some of the programs that they have going, in my opinion that would not be good. It also was talking about how there has not been an increase for 10 years to counter the inflation over that period of time. Also how inflation increased how much they have to spend to do the same actives. They are looking for opinions and ideas from the public. One thing they are talking about is 3 and 7 day licenses. They want to know how much the public is willing to pay in the increase before people will stop buying they licenses because that is the last thing they want. The DNR doesn't seem to concerned yet but it seems other analyst are pretty concerned and want to get this on the table.

I for sure would not have a problem paying a few extra bucks if it gets spent the way they say its going to get spent, to make sure there is a good future for are wild life. You have to think of some of the extra things they are having to deal with and research such as invasive species. I am sure the money they got from the stimulus plans and auctions are being added in the the budget all ready, it is probably just delaying the inevitable.

Hey, somebody got it! Correct, the money isn't going to change "ANYTHING" and I think some people may be missing the point. The money is needed to "SAVE" programs already in place. Which brings up what PraireLakeLogJams said, where is all the money that the stimulus package, land sales (which bring in both money and property taxes) and others mentioned? These are all valid points as to where the money has gone!

But...I have no problem spending money to keep what I love doing. I find myself buying liscens and stamps I don't even use cause I feel it's money well spent...now I just need to figure out where its going (sorry haven't read the post with the article claiming where money is spent).

[deadeye]

To answer the original poster's question I will definitely pay the increase without whining.

The cost of a scoop of minnows has gone up since 01'.

The cost of a dozen crawlers has gone up since 01'.

The cost of a gallon of gas has gone up since 01'.

The cost of a quart of oil has gone up since 01'.

The cost of pretty much everything except the license has gone up since 01'.

Everything to do with fishing has gone up since 01 except the license. I think its pretty reasonable to pay a couple bucks more for a license. Expense reports and all that aside just the cost of gasoline should be enough to make the license fees go up. The CO's got to drive to the lake to get their job done and it costs more to do that than it did 10 years ago so we got to pay for it or loose it. Not to mention fisheries stuff, park maintenance, administrative costs ect, ect. So thats the way it is. Pay for it or don't do it!

[PrairieLakeLogJam]

Pulleye 16: Your Thinking is on Track and all sportmen and Women should start looking at the Mn DNR spending programs.

As Sportsmen & Women, "We" are a Monetary Force in Minnesota!

Mn Fishermen spend 3 BILLION of annual Fishing related retail sales just in this state, then add $350 MILLION in food and Lodging expenses.

The DNR is going in wrong the wrong direction with funding in many cases and overlaps other Government agencies with in the State and Federal.

The DNR wants to pay me the money that sportsmen Like YOU, pay them to NOT cut my grass next to our lake.. Really, I don't need the DNR to pay me for and Idea that would help the Quality of the lake. Give me the Education and Save the Cash for Stocking is exactly what I was thinking on this offer.

How about this program called, MinnAqua! This program is intended to connect Immigrant Cultures through another program (Southeast Asian Program) how to Fish! I think many Immigrant Cultures could Teach the DNR a few thing about Fishing! This is just the Tip of the Iceburg of Spending that is really Not needed IMO.. (This is all funded with YOUR fees)!

I happen to have a few buddies that are C/Os,,and it really makes me Mad that the DNR uses Can-Am Atvs that We pay for.. If the DNR really cared about its Budget, Why do they have to have Top of the line Atvs and why are they Not buying AMERICAN Atvs like Arctic Cat or Polaris and help Support our State Companies and the States Budget shortfall at the same time?

No way will I support any increase in Fees, and I must say the DNR Commissioner Mark Holsten (Mr Fees) lost his Voice and Power in the State Legislator and people like Me have Gained a Voice to say No!

[PrairieLakeLogJam]

Its EZ to point to the Obvious, but its much harder to find where Your Money is really being Spent. The DNR needs to have a Public Audit and then lets have a Vote on its Spending.. It simple Economics that if someting cost to much Not as many people will buy it, and it turns in to a Slow Death. Some people buy a Fishing licence just to go fishing once a year, some people will buy a fishing Now and can only use it until feb just for that onetime Ice fishing experience.

Keep the licence cheap, more people will find Fishing and the next thing you know they will be out buying a $20,000 Boat and a $10,000 fish house and will be skipping that vacation down in Mexico.

Even people with Money, You will find its hard for them to drop $17.00 on something new.

In the end the DNR will lose Cash Customers, I for one will never drop that extra $7.50 x 4 for them Walleye Stamps if the Fees go up. Ya See?

[Slabasaurus]

MinnAqua is geared towards the education of new/young anglers... and has to do with angling/ecology/conservation/stewardship of the outdoors. I for one think that's a good deal, and something the DNR should be heading up. They know the most about the state's natural resources (hence DNR), they should be the ones heading the educational efforts around said resources.

3 fast food combo meals

3 movies at the theater

1/3 tank of gas in a 2006 Passat

All of the above cost more than 17 dollars when all is said and done.

a nominal increase would do little to deter new anglers, it would do little to nothing to discourage existing anglers from renewing. Simple break even analysis could determine an acceptable price point for licensing, I am sure they've done it before.

Now that I've said all this stuff... I do agree that we need to look at spending more closely. But I'm more concerned with other areas of the state spending irresponsibly.

[BigDogRob]

[PoorWordUsage] stuff at a store and spend more time sitting and relaxing some other way! Plain and simple We wonder why the costs of everything goes up? Well, When Tom, Richard, and LeRoy start saying they will gladly pay dbl or more to do what they are now... Good for them then prove it and start donating it to each and every liscense you purchase... Heck, even if they bump deer liscenses I would gladly see that all these so called "legal poachers" who but up every bonus tag they can get charged triple for each liscense well then again why not charge them $100 for each extra liscense. I'm not complaining on how many deer there are since I have passed up on deer for the last several years and sometimes not even shot some just to sit in the woods for the peace and quiet we get just before the sun comes up. Except for the idiots that are noise shooters when you still couldn't count your fingers...(in front of your face) I am figuring that this is just like the whole deal with the walleye stamp that we "don't" need to buy right now... I do see that becoming a manditory soon... I just don't agree with all these price jumps when the economy is in a total state of denial that we are not getting any better and the gov't is fudging #'s to make it seem better... Maybe we should worry about getting america working again before raising rates even more.

[DeeJ]

So...Why do I even have to pay for a license? If it's "Such a small amount dollarwise...", the state doesn't need my chump change. Why bother charging it at all?

Nothing personal against anyone, I just cannot fathom volunteering more $ to the state...What's it been 2 years since the clean water act and the walleye stamp? The price might be fair, but rest assured you're making it up somewhere so you needn't have a guilty conscience!

"It's not hard to separate a fool from his money".

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[TooTallTom]

Hey Rob,

I am willing to pay what is asked of me because, as has been said before, the license price simply hasn't kept pace with inflation. I don't mind paying more but, like many others, I want to see that the money is well-spent. Complaining about the increase in the cost of a license doesn't do that. Cutting off additional (or increased) revenue sources doesn't do that. Contacting your local representatives might do that.

Also, I'm a guy who always buys the bonus tag available in my area. I tag at most one deer for my use each year. I'm no poacher, legal or otherwise, and I'd appreciate it if you didn't call me that. Where I hunt, the deer herd was killed off in 1996 and 1997 (I think it was those two winters, but I might be off by a year.) due to an overly-large deer herd competing for food, a big wolfpack to prey on the herd, and a harsh (temp and snow depth) winter. For multiple years, we were a bucks-only area because the deer herd was too small. The DNR apparently feels that the herd is too large in many areas of the state, or they wouldn't be selling bonus tags. Seeing lots of deer every year which you can pass up on is not necessarily a good thing.

If you have that many deer in your area, maybe you SHOULD be buying and filling multiple tags FOR THE BENEFIT OF THE DEER HERD. Don't want the extra venison? Donate it to a food shelf. You're absolutely right that the economy isn't too hot right now, and there are probably people in your community (maybe people you know, or even are friends with) that could use the help. Next season, I'd encourage you to spend a couple extra bucks, and help out both your community and your local deer herd by doing something you love. Spend some more time in the stand (Tell the wife you're helping to feed the hungry--great excuse, right?) and shoot an extra deer or two if you can.

[muskE]

A lifetime license protects you against inflation if you're that concerned.

[PrairieLakeLogJam]

TooTallTom:

I am willing to pay what is asked of me because, as has been said before, the license price simply hasn't kept pace with inflation. I don't mind paying more but, like many others, I want to see that the money is well-spent. Complaining about the increase in the cost of a license doesn't do that. Cutting off additional (or increased) revenue sources doesn't do that. Contacting your local representatives might do that.

TooTallTom: Looks like you live in MPLS, I bet Old Taxen R.T just loves You!

Just so you know, INFLATION is Not something that just happens, It is caused by Government spending chipping away at our G.D.P and Taxation.

If the Government takes a Dollar from you or I, that is one less Dollar we can spend on Goods (Bait, Tackle ect) and on Services ( Ice House Rental, Auger Repair ect)and in return there will be no need for as many Goods/Services Companies and that would result in Less Revenue for the State in Income Tax and Sales Tax. So what does the State do to make up the Loss from its own actions? Increase Fees!

When I think about Taxes and Fees, I don't think about myself.. I think about the NEXT GENERATION of Sportsmen and what kind of Obstacles and Fees they will have to PAY to drop a line in the water! The way its going, in 50 years this will be an Exclusive Sport for the wealthy only! Better Call the TAX LEAGE of Minnesota and see what they know about the DNRs Spending Habits.

[Hookey]

It is interesting that we have people willing to donate and no process in place to make a donation. Here is food for thought and maybe someone reading this has a contact in the DNR office that would be willing to work on this suggestion.

For all those wanting to give a little extra for the DNR.

I would suggest you contact the local office and make arrangements to meet them at a gas station and help pay the cost of filling up the tank of their state vehicle.

I am not sure it is possible but it would be away for you/us to donate to the cause and help avoid the need to raise fees.

Here is the challenge. Provide proof of purchase and that it actually went into a DNR vehicle and I will donate twenty to my local office.

(one time for now I ain't rich)

If the State and local offices can accept a donation in this manner and provide confirmation that they actually received the donation we can start a post and track donations gathered as a result of this challenge.

We would all know exactly where the money went so maybe many would be willing to donate in this manner. This could prove to be quite newsworthy and open a few doors as well.

This would give all the 'I would not minds' to be listed as 'I dids'.

[TooTallTom]

Hi PrarieLakeLogJam,

Well, so far no cards or boxes of chocolates from old R.T. I'm beginning to think he doesn't even know I exist... Seriously, though, I generally don't have much faith in government, but they do provide some services on a scale that it's simply not realistic for me to provide for myself. I know that there's waste, but there's waste in everything in the world from digestion to internal combustion engines. That doesn't mean I'm happy about it, just that I really don't think it's ever going to go away.

Inflation does kind of "just happen" it's a pretty natural economic process that results from changes in demand and/ or supply. One way inflation can happen is if there is an increase in the money supply. (One example would be people making higher wages.) When there is more money for people to spend, there is increased demand for goods. If the supply is limited for some reason, people pay a higher price for those goods. That's inflation. Check out the Wikipedia (I know, it's Wikipedia, but it's a good start.) http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Inflation

I don't understand what you're getting at when you're talking about taxation and money in the private sector. You seem to be saying that, when government taxes us, they are out money in sales tax and that's less revenue for the state. The thing is, though, that they have the money that they took from us in the form of income or property taxes. They don't need the "lost" dollars in sales taxes because they already have them.

I do agree with you wholeheartedly that having people watch how the government is spending our money (and it is definitely ours) is a good thing. And I'm glad that there are passionate people doing it.

Have a good one.

[TooTallTom]

Hookey, I like your idea. But, I'm scared of all the forms in triplicate we'd probably have to fill out just to fill a state truck with gas.

It does make sense though. It's a good way to cut out administration costs, and know that the money isn't being spent on things that aren't directly useful to the folks in the field.

[drakerebel]

After reading this display of postings regarding how people would gladly pay more for liscense and this/that, you should step back and look at what you're saying.

If gas went to $10/gallon...guess what, i'd pay it since it surely beats walking in the minnesota winters...but i wouldn't do it with a smile. Sure, it's better than $20/gallon but it's a far cry from $3.xx/gallon that it is now!

I'm gonna have to side with the others saying that: if it needs to be increased...and i emphasize NEEDS TO BE...then guess what, my pocket book will probably find a way to pay for this enjoyment. But it will come as a breaking point for others as mentioned above, which is sad. I side on the fact of, "does this increase NEED to happen", is there no other way to cut trim to balance the ship. it very well may be that the answer is "no" and it's just a fact of life and costs go up, but good grief...make sure that it is a definite rather than just pulling down your pants and handing over your wallet to say "sure, take whatever you want"...cause reality is that they very well may.