It saddens me to see another tax added. I spent a portion of my working life in state government in programs that needed to be selfsupporting. It's a pretty difficult process. We found it easier to raise fees on those who didn't have a voting block in our jurisdiction. Hard problems that had easy answers were solved long ago. Equity in taxation, or fee setting, is an unsolved hard problem. When I moved to Virginia, I had a fit that I had to pay property tax in addition to registration and licensing on my car and my boat and trailer and my kayak that totaled over a grand. But it was where my wife's job went, so here I am. And yes i am whining. Every state finds a way to pay its bills.
For years, i had dreamed of hunting antelope and mule deer. As western states added fees that's fallen away. I gave it up on it several years ago. Partly because I live in a different financial world than the folks who can do these things, and partly from the unwelcoming comments directed at nonresidents.
I'm guessing the free market will sort this out. Here in virginia, the DGIF is concerned with declining hunter numbers to achieve whitetail management goals and at the same time, leasing costs are rising. No easy answer there. If my lease goes up again next year, I guess I'll be watching from the sidelines on that, too.
A piece of advice I got a long time ago, 'Suck It up cupcake, this too will pass.'
Blkfly
For the record, I introduced my kids ,grandaughter, nieces and nephews to the outdoors. A few shoot, one fishes, most of them love the outdoors but not one of them is interested in hunting.
Last edited by Blackfly1; 01/12/19.
