If the states received zero federal tax dollars or subsidies for the management of the game and lands within that state, or if the land within that state was wholly state owned with no federal lands or management, I might buy the argument that non residents have no say. The reality, however, is quite different.
Not really. The reality is, you have no say in how the CP&W conducts its business and how much it charges for tags unless you're a resident, which is how it should be and it works both ways. Although you do have the vote with your feet option.
Once again, the federal land is accessible to you but the animals are a public trust resource "owned" by the people of Colorado. You are not entitled to have a say in how our state agency manages them.
Again, I completely understand the established thought process, and whether or not I agree with it, its the way it is. I also understand that arguing, or even debating, this approach is fruitless, as the only opinion held with regard "Pay it and be glad we let you, or stay out."
The sad reality is that I would absolutely love to pay it....year after year, when in fact, the more they raise the costs, the less likely it becomes I will ever be able to hunt out west, and even more unlikely my son will. OTC is still an option, but not for mule deer in many places. In the end, big game hunting is a luxury, and will remain as such as long as there is money in it.
