If it's put up for a vote by residents, I'm sure it will pass. Can't blame a resident who wants a better shot at limited tags. It will hurt the game department as non-resident licenses make up the majority of the budget, so residents will have to shoulder the burden in fees. Look at how much they fleece non-residents now. Probably hurt the hospitality industry (outfitters, motels, bars, & stores). That's one of the reasons they have the silly outfitter needed for wilderness areas, to provide income for outfitters. But if you believe in states right, they certainly have the right and should do what they believe is best for their citizens.
I feel the same way. And you're exactly right. The state has the right to do what they believe is best for their citizens. But I/we, as nonresidents, can also choose to spend what amounts to large sums of money, elsewhere. There's a huge potential for the state to loose not only financially, but a large amount of tourism and service related jobs if this bill passes.
I don't mind so much allocating more tags to residents. But to have the remaining lucky nonresidents pony up with increased tag fees for the states ensuing financial shortfall, is BS.
