proposed hike in fed. migratory bird stamp

[angler903]

what do you think of the proposed jump for federal duck stamp? A bill was introduced to raise the stamp price from $15 to $25 by 2007 to $35 by 2015.

I don't see me paying that much to hunt. How many would still be able to afford duck hunting at that price?

I have only shot 2 ducks a year the past 2 years. If people are complaining about how many ducks they have seen and shot the past few years, how is the government thinking that there is enough people that will pay that price.

Maybe I don't hunt ducks as much as I use to but after the first week I drive around and don't see any.

Just want to see your views?

I just don't see raising the price that much is going to sell stamps.

[poutpro]

They could raise the stamp price to $75 dollars and I'd still be buying my duck stamp.

[Tom Wilson]

Here-Here, I'm with Pout Pro.

[lawdog]

I'll third that Pout. The money is for the ducks and the more there is, the more ducks you'll see, seeing less is a reason to do more to help them out, not less!

[AF-1984]

Think of it like this, a deer license is $28 for only 2 days(for some people) but a duck stamp lasts almost 2 months. Its really not that bad, in my opinion. Hunting is already expensive, whats another $10 or $20.

[Mark Christianson]

Yep.

Get out duckin even half a dozen times if the stamp is doubled from what it is today.

Pretty cheap entertainment.

Put it in perspective with what you get out of it, and an increase in all license fees is fine with me.

I cant put a value on the enjoyment I get out of hunting and fishing.

I am not saying I will pay anything, but an increase is in order in my opinion for more than just a duck stamp.

[Nova]

That's a $20 hike over the next ten years...that's not even a cost of living raise. I would have no problem paying that to help the ducks.

[LABS4ME]

The hike isn't just a "hike". It will be for repayment of a $400 million dollar loan to buy and protect habitiat/wetlands right NOW! So the stamp fees will have to go up to cover the repayment + interest over the next 20 years. Then there is always the chance that congress will forgive the loan or a portion of the repayment of the loan down the road minimizing the increase in stamp costs but still recieving the full benefit of the loan. This is what happened 20-30 years ago. When you take the cost of the stamp X it by the amount of people buying one today and factor in 1 increase over each ten years and you still will not even come close to the $400 million we will recieve right here, right now. I guess if we are even gonna have a decent shot at duck hunting 20-30 years from now, we need to put permanent protection on what habitat we can today. The Dakotas and Canada are seeing increased plowing and draining right now like other states experienced 30-50 years ago.... If this is the cost of doing so, I think most sportsmen would not have a problem paying $20 a year more to have the ability to hunt ducks and geese. Plus remember it will also benefit deer, pheasant, huns, rabbits, sharptails, prairie chickens and untold numbers of other game and non-game + help protect the aquafers in rural areas.......... Some guys will be short sighted and say I'm done hunting, but hopefully further thought will help you justify the increase. I did a little math for those who need to save up daily to cover the increase in cost..... 10 cents a day (yes a dime) will cover the cost of your stamp and your first cup of coffee going to the blind on opening day. You'll never even miss it. Put a jar on your dresser and every day throw a dime in there and you'll be covered for next season's stamp.

Good Luck!

Ken

[rogrod]

I will pay it mainly because the purpose is to do the loan to acquire more habitat now. I buy the stamps every year and don't really duck hunt at all. I pheasant hunt alot of the wpas. Expecially with the danger of crp losses on the next farm bill this needs to be done.

[Bushwacker]

A box of 10 shells can be over $20.00. Even the cheapest shells are at least $10 after tax. Gas to get duck hunting for most costs well over the license fee for a season. I am all for an increase as long as they use the money for ducks.

[Flick]

I'd be for it. I don't think it's gone up for quite a while now, probably before I had to buy stamps. If it starts getting up over $50 I think then it starts getting a little ridiculous, hunting is expensive enough when I'm going to school right now.

[Fish_Off]

The loan could actually be paid back with the price the stamps are at now. I'm all for a increase in the stamps though and I like most people will keep on buying what ever they tell me to buy in order to get out.

[hobbydog]

I hope they raise the fee. The cost to maintain/reclaim habitat as well as buy easments is high and is going to higher. Look at how many waterfowlers in the state and then look at how many belong to DU, MWA or Delta. A lot of deadbeats out there.

[Sartell Angler]

when the price of a stamp reaches the cost of a new gun, then it is time to start complaining....

aside from all the gear one must acquire as well as travel expenses, hunting and fishing is the cheapest entertainment around IMO

SA/wdw

[bigdog]

A $10 increase. Fine with me, make it more if it helps the ducks. Heck, most of us donate extra money during the year to DU, Delta and others to help the birds and if you don't, you should certainly consider joining us. I don't see how $10 or $20 over the course of a season is going to hurt many duck hunters what with the cost of gas, shells, etc, etc. I hear a game a golf cost's more than $25 at most spots and it sure seems a pitcher of beer is approaching $10 - now that is something to complain about.

[MuskyBug85]

a few years ago my bother shot a drake golden eye within a mile of where it had been banded in 6 years prior. Up by Bemidji

[Blackduck]

They screw it up and we pay for it!!!!!! To keep and maintain habitat?????? Habitat doesn't need to be maintained if it would have just not been messed with in the first place. That's why it WAS habitat in the first place. Just sit back and think about it. So many things went wrong on so many levels to cause the habitat to go bye bye. But, I will pay for their mistakes. Won't stop me. Hell, here in MN we have to pay for everyone elses mistakes on every level, because here in MN no one is held responsible for anything. Just throw money and excuses at the problem.

[lawdog]

someone sounds crabby...

[Sartell Angler]

he does have a point though...people rarely take responsibility for anything these days...just pass it along to someone else...

sa/wdw

[Blackduck]

Sorry, and I know It's Federal, not state. Yeah, I was crabby today.