I did it anyway. Went and bought my license with trout/salmon stamp.

[Nighthawk]

My back is worse than ever but even though I fear my fishing will be limited, or perhaps none at all, I still bought my license with trout/salmon stamp. As a youth I was always thankful for having a place to fish and fish to catch. That would never have happened without folks buying their licenses. Considering that those fees go towards our public fishing areas, conservation, stocking, youth programs and so much more I think it is $32 dollars well spent. I think we should look at these fees as an investment into to the future rather than a burden.

Do any of you think of the fishing and hunting license fees as an investment in protecting, conserving our natural wild resources? To me that really helps soften the blow of the fees.


....and who knows perhaps.....with a little good fortune.....I just might be able to go fishing.

[billhouk]

Nighthawk:
I have to agree with you. I'm not wealthy but, I do consider DNR fees to be contributions. I often fish other states and I will buy annual permits instead of the three day or seven day ones. I never know if I'll get back in the same year. The price diffrence is not so much. And, it is my contribution to the local fish management programs. In a few years (when I retire) I may (probably) change me mind.

[lastchance]

I do considerate it an investment especially in Pennsylvania. I've read that our state is one of the very few that gets no state aid to help run our Fish and Game commissions. I believe we rely solely on license fees for money.

[lonewolve]

Nighthawk,Lastchance
Hell id be all for paying more for my fishing and hunting licenses here in Pa,If both commissions would just set the price higher an get it over with they could quit whining how they have no money, its a wonderful privledge an pastime of two interests i extremely enjoy, we in the states are very fortunate to have all the access we do to our woods an waters...only have to look across the ocean to see how what we enjoy for a pittance is over there only avaiable to those with title or money be it in england scotland or europe, for most folks here if they had to pay to fish like they do overseas an with the beat system of things where you can only fish a certain section or hunt a certain area in a ceratian manner,maybe only dryflies never nymphs, or everything you land you have to keep ect ,they would be apalled let alone they would probably not even have the means to try or to access the great outdoors.God Bless the USA,we aint perfect but we are still the best place to live.
Tight Wraps & Tight lines
Rick Wallace

[Lotech]

I can't remember the last time I didn't have a fishing license. I'll have another one this year, at least for my state. Idaho is only about 4 miles from my home, and it's a beautiful place to fish. But, they want $98.25 for a year long license and with my budget that won't happen. That saddens me because a I love to fish Idaho. If given the chance to fish there, I'll probably opt for the one day license at $12.75 with a $6.00 each additional day charge. I wish I could pay more, because like you Eric, I consider it an investment in the future. Fishing is the one thing I enjoy doing more than anything else, and like you I choose to remain optimistic. Maybe that's why I still have my pontoon boat, knowing full well that do to my health, I may never use it again.

[Luke McLeod]

If I knew that the State of Illinois would not raid (read "steal") the funds of IDNR, I would be happy to donate more. I wouldn't want them to raise license or permit fees, because there are still those out there who must fish and hunt for their dinner. And yes it does happen, I know some of them personally. The problem here is that every time you turn around another crook politician has his hand in someones retirement fund, grant fund, cookie jar... (you get the idea.) Sorry to rant political. Luke

[Luke McLeod]

All that said, I do still wish that I had bought a lifetime sportsmans license when I was 14 and had the money in hand from detassling corn. Dad suggested it, but I was to eager to spend it on other things. Luke