Keep in mind, 17,000 non resident tags in Montana at 1000.00 or a bit more adds up to 17,000,000. Its all about the money. Unfortunately......

As a colorado resident. I'm okay with paying more for a tag if it mean capping the OTC tags. It's crazy how much people I run into compared to elk. For every 1 elk, I'm calling/running into 20 people.

@stalker7892

4 ай бұрын

Like any big government entity, they are wasting our money. Cost millions to introduce wolves. Now we can compete with them too.

@Fresh_Tracks

4 ай бұрын

I am good with increasing resident fees in my home state of Montana, also. We have a legislature that tells "Hell No" every time residents ask for a fee increase.

@timhansen2577

4 ай бұрын

As a nonresident otc archery hunter, I can agree with that 100percent. I quit trying in colorado around 2016 after 15 years. Times have certainly changed. Every dollar I spent was as far west of the front range as possible. I just wonder how it will affect the small, rural mountain towns.

@user-rw4qd7ev8x

4 ай бұрын

It’s a shame what Colorado has turned in to

@jdfield6160

4 ай бұрын

Like many other hobbies and Sports, it’s becoming for the rich only. The working stiff raising a family and working for wages can’t afford to go hunting out of state like we used to on our week or two vacation time. Let alone take his kids and teach them about hunting like how we learned because of the expensive tags. Hunting is more then about gouging the out of state hunters. Again this has no effect on rich folks who can afford the price gouging.

As a resident of PA I have realized that I will never hunt Elk in the westeren United States because of the cost. I can fly to Aferica and hunt 5 different animals for less that I can travel west to hunt elk.

@johnsimonelli9988

4 ай бұрын

I have to call you out on that. I am a PA. resident and hunt out west every year for Elk, Total cost including air fair, rental truck, license, Cost around $2800. What is the name of the outfitter you hunt with?

@sdslim6929

4 ай бұрын

I looked into it and don't think weaver is that far off, depending on the state. Some states require 1 to 200$ just to apply, and most you don't draw the first or even second year. @@johnsimonelli9988

@thedaventure

4 ай бұрын

Lol no you cant.

@steveweaver6738

4 ай бұрын

I did some qick searches and found airfare from pittsburgh to denver at $420, this did not include anything for extra bags. Truck rental for a week was $720 before taxes and fees, Hunting license was around $780. per your estimate that leaves $900 for the Guide, shipping meat and antlers home, tip for guide, and any other expenses. Guides I have talked to all want between $5,000 to $10,000 with about a 25% success rate. Would you be willing to provide the name of your travel agent and guide

@johnsimonelli9988

4 ай бұрын

Who said I was using a guide? Randy Newberg is all about public land do it yourself hunting, That's why I subscribed to his channel. I agree that it would be impossible to hunt with a guide for that kind of money, I hunt with the same one or two friends every year and we are running 50% that one of us as a group will get one Elk. We hunt Colorado or Wyoming every year. @@steveweaver6738

The biggest problem both non-residents and residents can fight against is outfitters and a seat at the table on legislative commissions. What a joke.

As a Midwesterner, the more & more the deck gets stacked against me, the less & less I care about supporting western hunting. Increasing costs & continually decreasing odds are bad enough. The not feeling welcome part though is what is really off putting.

@user-qk4qr2zg9h

4 ай бұрын

You are not a “midwesterner” to me. You are a fellow American!!

@Fresh_Tracks

4 ай бұрын

Your comments reflect a concern I share. How do we keep all hunters engaged in advocating for wild things and access to such? It is a very hard thing in this state-based model that has evolved in this country. But, it has been proven many times that when people are not longer connected to an activity through participation, they are far less likely to advocate or fund the resources essential to such.

@AC-ut8pl

4 ай бұрын

I agree. My last two elk trips out west consisted of my truck being keyed at a trailhead. Once in Montana and once in Colorado. I would never dream of doing that to a non resident truck in my home state of MN.

There are enough Rich guys that will pay any price to hunt as a NR, and the rest of us non-rich NR guys get shafted...more animals won't change anything. They will just give the additional opportunity to their Residents and only a small number of NR wealthy people will be able to afford to hunt in that State. This is the European model. Why mess with 100 poorer hunters, when 5 weathy guys get your the same revenue.

@sdslim6929

4 ай бұрын

That is what Bird hunting in my home state has turned into ---------

@matthewjewell7216

4 ай бұрын

Sounds like its most advantageous for you to figure out how to make more money and become politically active to keep what you love. Part time jobs and a Howl membership may save it

Used to support RMEF. Then one day it dawned on me, I'll never, ever get to go elk hunting.

@user-cs5up9qx8s

4 ай бұрын

😂😂😂😂😂😂😂 fr brother same here. My god people need to wake up.

@williamfeldner9356

4 ай бұрын

You know I really think that most of the people working for the RMEF in Missoula probably want to keep out nonresidents from hunting in Montana….. All these organizations such as RMEF, Back Country Hunters and Anglers and the like have really never fought for fair treatment of the nonresident hunter……. They just take your money pay themselves high salaries, have nice conventions and then use some money for conservation projects…….. What is really needed is an organization that gives the nonresident hunter a voice in license allocation. Most of the big game hunting is done on Federal Lands owned by all…. All these Western States are extremely dependent on Federal Funds to run their schools, hospitals, welfare programs , roads and on and on….. A shame they think so little of their fellow Countrymen……

@scottbrooks5662

4 ай бұрын

This would all make better since if it was only the states money taking care of 100% of the cost of the lands hunted in their state. However with most of the land hunted being federal then the cost of licensing should be 100% the same for each tag.

@hoyt7710

4 ай бұрын

​@@scottbrooks5662Yep!!

Above all else. I just miss the camaraderie that existed among “most” hunters when I was a young man. The increase in shows, gear, and access without the leg work…has unfortunately degraded what I always cherished most about hunting. I personally will not be back to most of these states….the prices and the people have gotten to bad for (me personally) to in good conscience continue to participate.

You guys are one of my favorite channels to watch. I don't disagree with what you have said at all. I have made the decision to stop hunting out west years ago because of the way it has all gone. It makes me sad to think I'm done but the reality is I no longer want to do the dance and pay to keep there fish and game afloat. It is time the residents foot the bill but we all know there will always be enough nonresident hunter willing to foot the bill. Keep up the good work guys. I will just hunt deer in different states were i can get tags easy and want me and my money and not look at me as a necessary evil. Darren

@WmE-Wisconsin

4 ай бұрын

Ditto... I got tired of playing the non-resident hunter game after 8 years of doing so. "Screwing the non-resident hunter" is an appropriate title. Bottom line is that you have to be rich to be an out-of-state hunter.

@OG_Outdoorz

4 ай бұрын

Eventually non-residents will not be around to foot the bill. Residents will have to. How then will the wildlife be affected. What would happen if USFW began to manage hunting licensure for all species on Federal lands and then issue licenses to whomever equally.

We have lived through the best times of hunting! I’ve been a nonresident elk hunter for 37 years and have watched it go down hill the last 5/8 years and it is so sad what it has become.

@josephindahl6388

4 ай бұрын

Alaska is turning out the same way. i never used to see out of state people showing up hunting in rented uhaul trucks, but now they are everywhere

@jimbobhavens8634

3 ай бұрын

Jason Day, I agree totally!!

As a non resident, you have to vote with your wallet. I've been traveling west to hunt for about 15 years, used to be a good deal, its still a great time, but after the 2025 season I most likely won't be back due to rising cost. I can spend a lot less money and have a better quality hunt closer to home. Don't like the price, don't pay it. Hopefully the residents of those states will get stuck making up the lost revenue revenue

@OG_Outdoorz

4 ай бұрын

They aren't smart enough to figure out who'll foot the bill. Most are self-absorbed and can't see beyond the end of their nose.

@Fresh_Tracks

4 ай бұрын

You make a good point. If one doesn't like the system, do as you have decided. Most won't do that.

@danieldavies2171

4 ай бұрын

I bailed out in 2023. Walked away from points in WY, CO, and MT. I'm done. Currently saving for Africa.

@fullysemiauto9190

4 ай бұрын

You’re correct on voting with your wallet but I think a more effective tactic would be to convince the nonresident hunting demographic to at least threaten a mass withdrawal from an organization like rmef who’s access initiatives disproportionately benefit the residents of western states we need access to lobbying power and money to make any meaningful change

@TheLegend-gz3bo

4 ай бұрын

I have 2 more hunts and then I will be done. Cant afford it anymore. Let the wolves finish ruining whats left.

Randy u make a good point if a guys can’t afford to hunt in the western states why would he donate money to help fight against anti hunting legislation

@Fresh_Tracks

4 ай бұрын

I share that concern. It is human nature that if you aren't engaged in an activity (for whatever reason), you are less likely to advocate for the resources essential to that activity.

@adamwiech4874

4 ай бұрын

I live in rural ny and love to hunt montana, wyoming, but man a general deer license was 968.00, crazy I pay it but just a mule deer hunt theough an outfitter is over 5 grand it makes it tough as a blue collar guy

@haroldbleemel8537

4 ай бұрын

@@Fresh_Tracks Very true. I didn't join REMF UNTIL I started hunting out west. Won't be long and I'll be a resident out west. I'm like Randy, I want to hunt and luckily, for me, I can work from anywhere. Many can't and won't continue to pay that fee.

@theoldhunter6090

4 ай бұрын

​@@haroldbleemel8537 Wait until you see the cost of living out there.

Demand is exceeding access to tags... the wealthy will always find a way. But the hunting heritage of our past is going away... in some cases quickly.

When do we get the "Social Media Has Ruined Every Aspect of the Outdoors, and We Lead the Charge!" Video from the Newberg crew? Marcus.. say "tag" again.

@user-rw4qd7ev8x

4 ай бұрын

This is 100% true.

@Dirtbagoutdoors-qh4nk

4 ай бұрын

Very true

@bigsteezer924

4 ай бұрын

not even close to true Look at the ethics of the fresh tracks and even meateater crew and compare that with crappy youtubers like Muley Freak. These are completely different worlds. Some content creators voice the importance for respect and advocating for the resource, especially our public land, others hunt private, take bad shots, lose animals etc and show a huge lack of respect. If you dont see the great benefit of some of these ethical hunting crews that preach respect for the animals, resources, and our lands, then youre blind or severly naive. There are good voices and bad voices, and Randy and crew is one of the greatest collective voices for advocating for the respect and protection of our wild animals and lands.

@Dirtbagoutdoors-qh4nk

4 ай бұрын

@@bigsteezer924 did Randy and his crew purchase your opinion like they purchase their hunts? Arizona has been ransacked by these, “influencers “. Every entity has gotten involved with the exploitation of Arizonas wildlife, your right tho the influencers aren’t our main problem, it’s the guides and game and fish themselves. Guides sending small armies of clients and guides camped out on waterholes for months at a time shooting everything that moves not recovering or executing ethical shots. Or even recovering animals they have to track. Game and fish taking payouts guest appearing on these influencers channels, cmon let you not be naive as well.

@patrickrheaume6984

Ай бұрын

@@bigsteezer924 While I partially agree with you. You're missing the point. That being that, SM has mostly damaged the possibilities for the average joe, or even the guy who might be able to come out and do a self hunt, not to be able now to afford too.

NRSA - Non-Resident Sportsmans Alliance. We need to band together and stick it to one of these states.

@Fresh_Tracks

4 ай бұрын

If these systems were not rooted in centuries of laws affirmed by the US Supreme Court and the 10th Amendment of the US Constitution, a lot of this would be different. A reason a lot of it has not changed is due to the fact that changing the US Constitution is a rather difficult task. But, if some think that is a good risk/reward, they should get after it.

@williamfeldner9356

4 ай бұрын

@@Fresh_Tracksthere is no need to change the Constitution, Congress can alter the Law. It is done all the time…. I am actually surprised that Randy is not more in the Nonresident Ball Park….. of course if he was, it would make living in Montana difficult…….

@patrickrheaume6984

Ай бұрын

@@Fresh_Tracks It has nothing to do with changing the Constitution, as I'm sure you are aware, a Montana Resident challenged the court over having to Buy a License. As Stated in the "Constitution "We the People have the right to freely hunt and fish in order to feed ourselves and our families. Because anything that might have been made law or even amended for that matter, doesn't make it right because of a bunch of money grabbers figuring out a way to extort more money out of the people, and paying politicians off to fit their agenda doesn't make it legal. with the exception of the Montana Resident, no one challenges this B.S.

@jimevans3040

21 күн бұрын

Stick it to the local hunters in that state. And you wonder why the locals don't want you there. I was born and raised in an area that was all draw, and nothing pissed me off more than going years without an elk tag only to see a pile of out of vehicles parked in all the hunting camps.

It’s always screw the nonresident til it comes time to beg for money to fight wolf legislation

Point the finger at non residents for any and all mishap but beg them for help when your state hunting opportunities are on the chopping block🙄 States should charge NR’s more and give out less NR less tags than they do residents but no matter what the resident hunters claim about NR’s, at the end of the day wildlife are the ones that suffer the most in the end.

Unfortunately when the states increase the tags this much then the hunters feel the need to make sure they fill them. Last fall in Wyoming all the non-residents I talked to shot spikes and forks. Nobody wanted to just eat an expensive tag so they made sure they shot something which affected the quality of the deer the residents saw. Also I understand that the animals are part of the states trust but the federal land isn’t. Maybe any hunter that hunts on federal land should have to pay a $1000 trespass fee. If the residents also had to pay a big chunk of money then a lot more could be done to help wildlife management. I think I’ll contact my congressman and suggest that. They love finding new ways to tax the shit out of people so I’m sure they’ll go for it.

As a former MT resident and now non- resident Montana wrote the Book on screwing non residents. Prices are outrageous.

@fullysemiauto9190

4 ай бұрын

Someone should start a nonresident hunter lobbying group the one thing we as the collective of nonresident hunters have is access to a huge number of people with a common interest to donate money towards plus it’s a demographic that’s proven it will spend money if someone could harness the collective buying power of that group we could get back some nonresident opportunity

You guys did a thoughtful exchange, thanks. The Arizona Game & Fish has been sued by the ‘Ariz. cattle growers assoc, insurance companies etc because of too many elk & has lost. I wish Arizona would really listen to our biologists and make according adjustments in the harvesting quotas & equipment use. Muzzleloaders and compounds have become so advanced that it really isn’t the same game anymore. I use to hunt elk with a recurve in the 1970’s and I had a blast. Never got one but sure had fun. Things change, great memories.

Solid video. It's not only western states that have outrageous fees for non-residents. Look at Iowa and Kansas prices for whitetail deer hunting... Definitely need to prioritize residents. I don't complain about those prices because there are other options to whitetail hunt, like MN for $200. All about prioritization and making a plan.

What about all the federal land that my taxes have been used to buy and maintain? Give nonresidents cheaper tags only good for hunting federal lands and not state owned

@ryanring6577

4 ай бұрын

You are really going to be mad when you find out what else they do with your taxes. The little bit on federal land is nothing…

@williamfeldner9356

4 ай бұрын

The amount of money Colorado, Wyoming, Idaho, New Mexico,Montana and Utah get from the Federal Treasury is truly astounding. Look it up, the amount is available when you look up the States Budget. The Federal Funds needed to support the operation of their State often exceeds 30 to 40 percent of the State’s needs. Yet, these people can not find it in their heart to allow nonresidents 20 percent of the Big Game Licenses, even though most of the hunting is done on Federal Lands owned by all. These lands include National Forest, Bureau of Land Management Lands, National Monuments, Wilderness Lands. I find this situation PATHETIC. The only way to address would be to form a Nonresident Coalition that could lobby Congress and possibly fund a Supreme Court Challenge………. The Mule Deer Foundation, Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation and Back Country Hunters and Anglers will do nothing because they operate out of the Western States and will not upset the Apple cart.

People gotta realize getting rid of the non-res hunter isn't the answer. The vast majority of tags already go to residents, and non-res pay way more. I'm a UT resident and I still travel to other western states to hunt big game, and others to hunt phez & waterfowl. We shouldn't be hating on each other, push all that pressure on states to be financially transparent & and accountable, use the funds to grow public property & herds

@Fresh_Tracks

4 ай бұрын

Agree.

@nathanhawley9599

4 ай бұрын

We need to balance it then. For example, elk tags are allocated to non-residents based on the number of elk tags sold by their home state. The issue isn’t UT or WY hunters invading CO. It’s all the easterners and mid-westerners that are the problem. Non-residents shouldn’t have access to the best tags in the state.

@user-qk4qr2zg9h

4 ай бұрын

I wonder if all the revenue from hunters go back into wildlife and conservation?? No is the answer. Government takes advantage of hunters by using a significant amount of that money on other programs. Government to me sees the hunters as a cash cow.

@user-qk4qr2zg9h

4 ай бұрын

@@nathanhawley9599 I would call you “westerners” fellow Americans

@OG_Outdoorz

4 ай бұрын

Short sight view Nathan. Out of states pay their way in spades. Do you? Out of staters don't get a disproportionate number of the BEST tags. Where's your proof of that garbage statement.

The Pheasant hunting in SD is a perfect example. In 2002, non-resident hunters out numbered residents for the first time. In 2019, there were 43K residents and 64K non-residents ---- about 33% more non-residents. Wealthy non-residents willing to pay to hunt have taken over the ever larger farming operations that are disconnected with with resident hunters and only think of hunting as another revenue source. Commercial hunting and guides are a large part of this equation. I am sure it is the same way in other states for big game ---- I know it is here. We are limited to 8% of tags for non-residents for deer and antelope ----- the only thing keeping big game from becoming a commercial enterprise also, even though we allow unlimited archery tags for NR hunters.

This is a fair point, and I am on board with much of you discuss. A flipped perspective is that for years, and especially in recent years, Game Agencies, Non-Residents, and Hunting Media has been screwing over residents. Again, you make a good case, but you also represent a small percentage of hunters that hunt multiple non-resident states each year. The social-media-fueled increased popularity of western hunting has screwed over residents. It's hard to have sympathy for you (Fresh Tracks), when you realize that you helped make the bed your now complaining about sleeping in. Anyway, it is a tough problem. I think we're all interested in the greatest conservation outcomes with the greatest shared opportunity. The debate boils down to what does that look like. Thank you for talking about a difficult issue.

@Fresh_Tracks

4 ай бұрын

You make the incorrect assumption I am complaining or looking for your sympathy. I'm not; I have nothing to complain about and don;'t have any reason to expect your sympathy. I am providing information of how these systems evolved and how we got here. I know I represent a small sub-section who hunts (and has for decades) multiple states. I am able to do that in other states at the pleasure and generosity of that state. There is no requirement that I, or any non-resident, be given any hunting opportunity in those other states. That is why I always defer that states do what is best for their residents, first and foremost. As a non-resident, I will deal with whatever rules those states implement. Whatever state you live in, I hope you are engaging with your state officials to make sure they represent your interest as a Beneficiary (residents) before the interest of an outside Stakeholder (non-resident).

@ViegutJR

4 ай бұрын

In my initial comment, I tried to be amenable to your position. Given your response, to summarize, you spent years selling western public land hunting, making money doing so. Being paid to beg people to come hunt the west. Subsequently, western public land hunting has become wildly popular, to the point that it is now creating in-fighting within the hunting community. And while you've had the opportunity to enjoy decades of quality opportunity multiple state hunting, now that the conditions have become deeply competitive (or outright out of reach), your encouraging states to focus on their residents, and people will not be able to enjoy the same wealth of quality opportunities you had. You assisted in the issue you're describing. Tough look, man. And what's worse, you were paid to do it. How much can you trust your own perspective when you're is financially incentivized not to see it differently? Furthermore, your 'solution' more elk on the landscape. It is a half-measure. If that. You're still fundamentally misunderstanding that this is a finite resource, while the consumer base is growing. Will more elk on the landscape help when the population of the west doubles? Will the same opportunity exist? Will the same landscapes and habitats and winter ranges exist? Do you suggest that more habitat be generated at the same rate at which the population of the west is growing? Those are mutually exclusive ideologies. .@@Fresh_Tracks

@kylejones7786

4 ай бұрын

This is a step too far. Everyone who hunts knows, and has known that there exists other species of animals to hunt in North America. Further, that there are state regulations posted to hunt those animals made available to the public. Western hunting used to be just hunting and it was always a popular point of conversation in every hunting camp all through America as it was more to do with additional species vs landscapes. Additionally, there were publicly available information from Outdoor life, Boone and Crockett and Pope and Young and others that pre-date most if not all people reading this. Many of these sources were trying to save wild species by promoting them to not only hunters but non-hunters alike. Point is, social media and those who post isn't necessarily the cause of your angst to get a tag. Information was always readily available for those who wanted it. Disposable income and personal mobility is. The information was always available. People moving into Western States is the culprit. Increases in population put further demands on the wildlife. BTW, not everyone who moved to a State moved there for the hunting either. Those people built houses and in doing so removed the available habitat for the creatures that live off of the land. If you lost your secret spot due to some goofball publishing an address of where to find it, well that's a different story.@@ViegutJR

@ViegutJR

4 ай бұрын

I'm sorry, but this just isn't true. If there is no difference between information availability and advertising, why do marketing companies exist? At minimum, hunting media and social media have been a profound catalyst to increased popularity, and all subsequent issues, crowding, point creep, increased prices, decreased opportunity, etc. I'm sorry to hear you bailing them out. Conversely, I'd like them to start taking accountability@@kylejones7786@Fresh_Tracks

@ViegutJR

4 ай бұрын

I'm sorry but this just isn't true. If there is no difference between information availability and advertising, why do marketing companies exist? The truth is that hunting media and social media have been at minimum a profound catalyst to the increased popularity in western hunting, and are therefore, at least partial responsible for the downstream consequences of that, including crowding, point creep, increased prices, reduced opportunity, etc. It is unfortunate that you're so quick to bail them out. Conversely, I want them to take accountability. @@kylejones7786 Will @Fresh_Tracks continue to highlight comments that support them and not those with a different perspective?

Sucks that in the long run the animals will pay the price for our greed and stupidity. If the bill comes due and we can't play there will b no help.

You should touch on the impact of resident tag prices, and crowding. Residents often blame non residents for crowding, when in reality, most western states are allocating 80-90% of the tags to residents. So most of the crowding is in fact residents themselves. The fact that resident tags cost lest than a tank of gas - and you end up with a lot of people on the hills that don’t take it all that seriously. Residents should want to pay more. Both as a vehicle for better funding their resource, but also as a way to improve the quality of the hunts, and reduce the demand of people that are more out there to drink beer and camp than they are to truly hunt. But when a tag is $25 - why not go out and drink beer and camp, and hey if you see an elk you see an elk.

@OG_Outdoorz

4 ай бұрын

Watch Yellowstone wardens, generally it's native Montanans who wind up on camera, getting caught doing unethical hunting, trespassing and tearing up the environment.

@nevadabornhunter

4 ай бұрын

@@OG_Outdoorz when you have a 8 to 1 ratio of residents to non residents, You’re bound to get more resident bad actors by sheer volume. But no one wants to say the obvious. Resident tags are far too cheap, and that trivial barrier to entry gets a lot of people out in the woods that otherwise wouldn’t be there. If resident tag prices were something like $250 - it would better fund the wildlife, cut down on the casual crowds, and still be plenty affordable for anyone who wanted to prioritize it.

Well I would expect states to want benefit residents more than non-residents. However i think it’s away to limit licenses overall.

I enjoyed your discussion here regarding non-residents and residents. In Arizona there is currently debate regarding the auction or raffle of highly sought after Desert Bighorn Sheep tags. For your thought…I sent the following to the Arizona Game and Fish Department leadership, and Please Note: I’m not at all opposed to out-of-state tags, as I have hunted in a number of states beyond Arizona. I am opposed to the wealthy obtaining tags that residents should be acquiring: “Dear Leadership of the Arizona Fish an Game; Understanding that the Arizona Desert Bighorn Sheep Society (ADBSS) is actively working to obtain another Desert Bighorn Sheep tag in order to auction it and use the proceeds for sheep related conservation efforts, Please know that I DO NOT SUPPORT giving another sheep tag to the ADBSS or any other organization where the tag is auctioned or raffled. My reason(s) for NOT SUPPORTING any future sheep tags to ADBSS is rather simple and straight forward: It is currently taking 25 bonus points or more to have a reasonable chance to draw a Desert Bighorn Sheep tag for Residents of Arizona. Note that when I state “reasonable” the odds of drawing a Desert Bighorn Sheep tag, in most hunt units within Arizona, is far less than 5% of the applicants, and there are a number of Arizona hunt units where 32 bonus points still…STILL provides less than a 5% chance of drawing a tag . To put this in perspective, an Arizona, non-wealthy resident, has not only been purchasing a hunting license and sheep tag application or paying to acquire bonus points for 25 or 30 years or longer, all the while paying Arizona income tax, and Arizona sales taxes amongst a myriad of hunting related costs over those 25, 30, or more years. While I completely understand and do not disagree that the ADBSS has done very good conservation work that has benefited not only Arizona Desert Bighorn Sheep, I cannot support a tag to them when the aforementioned Arizona residents, which are many, and many, die or can no longer accept the physical challenges that come with obtaining an Arizona sheep tag. It’s just not right. Yes, it is only one tag, but that is one tag that some Arizona resident, who has supported the AZG&F for some 20 plus years, does not get. Where does this stop? We all know that conservation efforts are becoming more challenging with technology, climate change, accessibility, land fragmentation, and other factors affecting game populations that include Desert Sheep populations. Is the way-ahead to make more and more tags available to the wealthy? NO. The time has come to remember who…WHO is the AZF&G’s primary supporters, and to reward those residents with every possible sheep tag…amongst other game tags. There has to be other avenues of revenue for organizations such as the AZDBSS that do not include any reduction of tags for Arizona residents who year-after-year, decade-after-decade, have supported and continue to support the professional conservation efforts of the AZF&G. I humbly ask you to support Arizona residents over the wealthy.

@sdslim6929

4 ай бұрын

Our recently re-elected Gov. in SD did the same thing. She started with a "Governors" drawing for an elk, deer, buffalo and antelope tag ---- even available to non-residents, to raise money for Habitat. Next she went to three "Governors" tags. Then, she took 1 million out of the GF&P coffers for a "tail" bounty on predators --- that has been scientifically shown to never work --- and got rid of any GF&P biologists and managers that disagreed with her. Elections have consequences.

@markrossow9598

4 ай бұрын

@@sdslim6929 Providing coveted tags to the wealthy has to stop. If it doesn’t, eventually, you and I will get no tags at all. Let’s speak up on this…what can it hurt?

@sdslim6929

4 ай бұрын

@@markrossow9598 Agreed! The Pheasant hunting in SD is a perfect example. In 2002, non-resident hunters out numbered residents for the first time. In 2019, there were 43K residents and 64K non-residents ---- about 33% more non-residents. Wealthy non-residents willing to pay to hunt have taken over the ever larger farming operations that are disconnected with with resident hunters and only think of hunting as another revenue source. Commercial hunting and guides are a large part of this equation. I am sure it is the same way in other states for big game ---- I know it is here. We are limited to 8% of tags for non-residents for deer and antelope ----- the only thing keeping big game from becoming a commercial enterprise also, even though we allow unlimited archery tags for NR hunters.

Fifty year Colorado resident here. Former elk, deer & sheep guide for 20 years (1980-ish to 2000-ish) and a 'private' hunter for another 15-ish years and still counting. Have watched as the price for non-resident tags grew and continues to grow over the years. Doesn't seem, to me, to be slowing down the numbers of out-of-state hunters coming here. MY concern is that my hunting partner and I can't seem to draw elk, deer and pronghorn tags in or near our home area (touted as The Heart Of The Rockies by the local Chamber of Commerce types) for love nor money. For the past two years all we were able to draw was our seventh choice (out of eight total...4 in the primary draw and 4 choices in the secondary draw) for deer clear out in the eastern plains and these were antlerless, white tail only tags. Needless to say, neither of us filled those apparent after-thought, left over, bottom of the barrel tags. BUT...the local WalMart and our hills are filled with out-of-state hunters every fall right here around home. Hopefully, our banked preference points will help us draw some tags closer to home this coming fall. And, hopefully, we won't be forced to wait even longer to draw due to point 'creep'. To make a long story a bit longer...our perception is that Colorado residents are getting fewer tags in order to sell more tags to the non-residents. Based on our sample size of two, of course.

@Fresh_Tracks

4 ай бұрын

I am still surprised Colorado residents don't demand a better shake from their Public Trust of Wildlife. This year it went to 75/25 from 65/35, so hopefully that helps you draw as a resident.

@Randy_Savage_ohyeah

4 ай бұрын

I agree with your assessment… didn’t draw not one tag last year. Picked up an elk tag in re-issue. Yet the elk spot I normally hunt typically has more non-res hunters than residents.

I think residents of western states need to also realize that any resident in the east or south will spend thousands to hunt in their own states due to being private, mostly. $25 tag to hunt on federal land is dirt cheap. I think residents need to pay more and realize how good they have it.

@Fresh_Tracks

4 ай бұрын

I advocate for higher resident fees all the time. I would say that puts me in the minority, a very small minority. We are completely blessed to have the hunting we have for the small fee we pay, yet some complain that our current fees are too high.

@Randy_Savage_ohyeah

4 ай бұрын

People chose to live where they live… their choice 100%, so they get what they get with their decisions.

@user-qk4qr2zg9h

4 ай бұрын

The sad part is if you think as a resident your “government “ is prioritizing you, then you’re wrong . They prioritize money period, right now the non resident pays the cost but eventually the resident will start paying the cost then, only when it affects the residents wallet will they turn their focus from the pest nonresident to their “government “ that looks out for them 😀

@danieldavies2171

4 ай бұрын

This👆

@carlfisher6472

3 ай бұрын

I would pay any amount to make sure hunters from the east or south stayed home and only hunted their semi-tame whitetails.

I think the comment about the non-resident lobbying group is the way to go. If all non-residents choose to not hunt MT for just one year things would change quickly. 17,000 tags at $1200 per tag is around $20mil in revenue. No way a state can just make up that loss.

@OG_Outdoorz

4 ай бұрын

How about 2 year moratorium. BUT, who would be the voice of reason to build THAT big a constituency!

I think this conversation would of been really good if it also had someone on the panel who is more of a subsistence hunter and not using hunting for clicks or netflix specials.

I remember when the hunting industry told us that hunting was not being passed down and was in danger of dying out. Man I missed those days. Plenty of tags back then. I thought of deer and elk meat more as a subsistence thing one could rely on. And you didn’t encounter nearly the hunter pressure out there. Now good luck getting a tag and even if you do you end up feeling like the woods are as crowded as the state fair. It just kills the enjoyment.

Randy’s story about $25000 pay cuts just say he could afford to take that pay cut, where most can’t.

Just makes me realize how complicated things are for hunters in the US with its private land/public land ratio and its many states compared to here in Canada with our vast tracts of public land and fewer governing bodies. I'm a 'hunt only in my local area' kind of hunter and hunt what is available locally. I've always thought this is how it should be everywhere. But opportunities for some in the states must be very limited for people unless they apply for non resident licenses. Pretty blessed here in BC.

$1,321.93 for 2024 for a big game combo incl. the hunting license, archery permit, and other required fees. I have hunted Montana as a non-resident for 2 decades. The cost is starting to get restrictive and the number of bugling elk has certainly dropped off over the years.

So many small towns would be at great risk of going out of business if it wasn't for non-resident hunters supporting them.

@K.Fulkerson

4 ай бұрын

Exactly! So many of those small towns and businesses are barely hanging on and depend heavily on nonresidents. I’ve even heard Montana residents say they don’t want tourists of any kind, especially non resident hunters. That’s intelligent.

@cope4288

4 ай бұрын

Yawn…

@provasquez6969

4 ай бұрын

Move to the small towns you’re talking about and help the economy in that way. Then you’ll be a resident hunter and it will be a non issue 👍

@jaydunbar7538

4 ай бұрын

@@K.Fulkersonya same thing is said everywhere, I hear it in MN all the time about fishing. And those towns only exist because most of the town caters to those out of towners dropping massive amounts of cash to go fishing

@OG_Outdoorz

4 ай бұрын

​@provasquez6969 you all hate out of staters, who you kidding.

The scotus case Randy referenced doesn’t seem to hold much sway with state control of game when the fed BOG runs most of AK in contradiction to state regs.

@Fresh_Tracks

4 ай бұрын

Currently, it sure seems that way with the recent decisions made. Most attorneys would way it does hold sway if hunters force that position through legal action.

Great Podcast Marcus and Randy. Take care of your residents make sure they have the rights to provide for there families. They need to raise the nonresident price until they don't sell out of them. They sell sheep tags for 3/4 of million for 1 sheep. Most people today put in for all different state's for Deer and Elk. God's Blessings on all your adventures MARCUS what laptop are you using Thank you

I agree with the moose/sheep/goat tag. WV does something similar but they give away lifetime licenses for people who buy early.

They really ought to be careful about pushing out non residents because they are actually paying for a lot of the fish and wildlife, not the residents.

@patrickrheaume6984

Ай бұрын

Well you're correct for the mere fact of the price of any license, Hunting fishing ect, non-residents contribute more the the Game and Fish Department, let alone food Hotels ect...

My observation after hunting multiple western states for 20 plus year is that the introduction of KZread hunting channels has been the number one problem when it comes to overcrowded public land. In the last 5-10 years it has gotten ridiculous. Maybe it’s a coincidence but I truly don’t think so. I know this is an unpopular opinion, but it’s the absolute truth.

@gregphelps4151

4 ай бұрын

You hit the nail right on the head with what you’re saying there back in the day when I was Idaho resident before all this KZread channels you used to be able as a resident buy a nonresident elk tag because they wouldn’t sell out but you had to pay The nonresident price and now they open it December 1 for all the non-residence to buy tags and a lot of these people have money they fly out there that’s how much money they spend just to try to get ahead of everybody and get a tag. They fly out there and go right to the fishing game or to the stores and get them. Cause when my brother was in the room just this last December to try to get a tag there was like 40,000 people in that room waiting to get in to buy a tag that’s a lot of people for what tags they are putting out for nonresident.

Do you think as a resident hunter 25 bucks for an elk tag is helping preserve the future of elk hunting? I’m all for states rights But when there is such a difference in the price of the tags for resident/nonresident. It doesn’t make sense. A resident will pay more for a steak dinner than an elk tag. Lol

@user-fk7gi1eo4y

4 ай бұрын

But as you say that the state you reside in charges non residents more than they charge you ? Don’t go if you don’t want to pay it

@user-qk4qr2zg9h

4 ай бұрын

@@user-fk7gi1eo4y. Again. A state has the right to take care of their residents. All I’m saying if I lived in a state in the Rockies I would be willing to pay more than 25 dollars for an elk tag. You will pay more to be a member of the RMEF than a tag. I go to Colorado yearly and spend 10 to 12 days. Spend 3 to 4K for the experience. 760 for a tag. And a resident around 50 dollars. In Montana even more of a difference. Are you a resident in a western state?

@user-fk7gi1eo4y

4 ай бұрын

Idaho and I bought a non resident tag last year at nonresident price guess what I never filled that tag I so I guess I support my fish and game.

@user-fk7gi1eo4y

4 ай бұрын

Are you supporting the Coloradians for responsible wildlife management to fight the voting ballots this November

@user-qk4qr2zg9h

4 ай бұрын

@@user-fk7gi1eo4y I’ll support any state that helps preserve hunting rights including Colorado

From a management/tracking perspective the OTC tags in Colorado are a nightmare. I mostly support the elimination of OTC tags for non-residents (first) so that we have a better understanding of who is hunting where. Some units are immensely overcrowded in Colorado because a large majority of OTC tag holders are hunting in only a handful of units. Tags need to be limited for that reason alone. Tag allocations, fees, preference point creep etc. are all secondary until we can understand the use of individual units better.

Since almost all big game hunting takes place on Federal Lands owned by all, a fair portion of the licenses should given to nonresidents, say 20 percent. This portion gives the resident of the States in question 80 percent of the available licenses. The only way to get this changed is to address it in Congress or through the Supreme Court. George Tallman sued the Western States and won in the Supreme Court. He sued on the basis of the Commerce Clause of the Constitution. However, because Congress has absolute power in regulating Commerce it was reversed. Harry Read introduced an amendment into the Defense Appropriations Bill which had to be passed to fund Afghanistan and Iraq Wars. The amendment was never read in Congress. Given that discrimination against nonresidents was once won in the Court, it remains that bringing a case on some other grounds will not produce a win for a more fair distribution of licenses. The other avenue is to address the issue in Congress and have them write legislation that stops the discrimination of nonresidents on their own land, from hunting big game. Remember there are 10 States where most hunting takes place, but there are 40 other additional States able to vote. All this takes an organization and money. Perhaps a Nonresident Sportsman Alliance. There are a lot of Nonresident hunters, a donation of $200.00 each might due the trick. I have talked to Tallman about his Supreme Court Case, he thought it might cost about $1,000,000 in legal fees. It would take 5000 hunters to reach the dollars needed, to hopefully address this allocation problem….. Think of all the money you spend on applications, what is another $200.00 to help increase your odds of drawing and finally ending this disqusting discrimination on land owned by all…….

As a Wyoming resident, I believe you outta staters need to challenge the wilderness rule again because I think it’s bs. You all can hike camp and fish but no hunting. There is this entity in Wyoming called WYOGA. Wyoming Outfitters and Guides Association. Non residents can forward all price increase complaints to them as they were the driver of those increases. The thought was make it expensive enough that a nonresident would hire an outfitter to get their moneys worth. A lot of the game and fishes decisions are driven by that association. Another thing WYOGA wanted to do was flip the allocation percentage for regular and special nonresident tags. Wildlife/hunting bulls also go through the Travel/Rec committee which all they are worried about is dollars collected by hunting. I do my best to contact my legislators when a horrible bill is on the table but I feel my input falls on deaf ears. I’ve gotten real frustrated in the last couple years in regards to hunting in my home state. Another issue that I believe has been a detriment to all hunting is influencers. They’ve monetized hunting way more than the outfitters have. I’m ranting now, goodnight.

Would be interested to hear your take on Colorado parks and wildlife staff recommendation to eliminate all resident and non-resident OTC archery tags for 2025. As a resident archery hunter I was planning to burn my points this year but considering the possible change to draw only has made me think twice about saving them for future use.

@Fresh_Tracks

4 ай бұрын

My take is that Colorado should do what is first and foremost best for its residents. We have a state-based system and those Colorado residents are Beneficiaries of the Public Trust that hold Colorado wildlife. I, as a non-resident, am only a Stakeholder. A big difference between Beneficiaries and Stakeholders. Trustees must prioritize the interests of the Beneficiaries. If CPW and the Commission think that changing OTC archery elk is in the best interest of Colorado resident hunters, then that is what they should do. As a non-resident, I will adjust accordingly.

@jordanellie900

4 ай бұрын

@@Fresh_Tracks Very true, we will all have to adjust accordingly. Im thinking that move will force the point buyers/holders that used to buy a point and hunt OTC into burning em if they want to keep hunting. Everybody jumping in at the same time could cause some major point creep over the next 5 years which really devalues everyone’s accrued points across the board

Idaho has just introduced House Bill 587. Where all OTC tags for nonresidents will be a draw and no longer Over The Counter. Honestly as a resident of Idaho I would have no problem with this. Other western states i have hunted have something similar.

@Fresh_Tracks

4 ай бұрын

I think that is a good thing. Given how chaotic it has been, starting in 2023 I've just bailed on that Idaho General Tag chaos that unfolds on December 1 of each year. I get why ID residents aren't too worried about fixing a big headache that only applies to non-residents. If it gets fixed, I might jump back in. If not, I have better things to do on that day.

@dhodgkiss

4 ай бұрын

It is so chaotic! And honestly I’m not sure what the fix is. I hope it makes it more fair. I do not mind non resident hunters! For me it allows maybe new hunters to experience something amazing for ex, rutting bulls in sept. I am all about getting friends and family out in the outdoors sharing what I am passionate about.

@jamiebaker1035

4 ай бұрын

So you're getting rid of your Black Friday sale? Shit what will the Idaho game and fish do for the rest of the years given it works about 5 days out of the rest of the year!!

Non-resident hunters in Washington will spend 900 + for a combo license and tags and are only guaranteed a draw point on a permit application. It can take 10+ years before you draw a permit.

Good on Colorado. Theres way too many people hunting in the woods to be honest especially in OTC units. I am so glad they eliminated public land OTC in the NW units (mainly bc of winter kill). TBH I hope they eventually eliminate OTC bull elk in the future. Its insane. Last 3rd season I was hunting deer and had a car full of 5 dudes from Texas drive up on me all looking for a bull to shoot in a bad elk unit. Thankfully I had already shot my 160in 4x5 muley and we were just finishing packing out my friends first buck so we were getting out of there.. Its gotten comical. I didnt talk to a single resident hunter on that hunt, and talked to probably 15-20 people from Texas, NC, Utah, etc...I am 100% for doubling tag prices for residents..

Marcus, you should try a social experiment. Hunt only in your state for the next three years and tell me how that works out for you. I also wanted to say that as an NR There are states in the west where residents are more likely to have greater opportunity and success to Hunt elk out of their home state.

As Randy said "The demand is there".... Its basic economics. If demand goes up and supply goes down, the price is going up. Elk hunting in Colorado is elbow-to-elbow in the OTC units while the price for a nonresident tag continues to rise. I have been accumulating points for 6 years at approximately ~$100/per year. I am applying for a draw unit this year. If I draw, I am looking at another ~$800 for a grand total of ~$1400. (And I only have a 10% change of being successful). It is going to be "one and done" for me.

As an Arizona resident it's insane how long it takes to get a tag. People can't understand why I apply for NR tags in other states every year. You can't catch anything if you don't bait a hook! On the same token, it's getting really hard to support other states "Wolf" issue if I'm never going to get the opportunity to hunt there. This has always been a touchy subject in many states and I'm not sure what the best answer is but it's getting worse every year, state by state. Thanks for covering this issue and I can't wait to see what's next. P.S. $25 for a resident Montana elk tag is insane... be sure to thank those 17k out of state hunters every time you see one.

Complicated issue. I tend to side with the states even though it negatively affects me. I grew up in Idaho but had to move away for work and now I play the non resident game if I want to hunt there. Because of my passion for hunting Idaho I will take any opportunity I have to move there. Like Randy said, he took a $25k pay cut to live in Montana so he had resident access to the hunting and fishing. While not feasible for everyone to move to a state they want to hunt for reasonable prices, it is kind of the reality.

As a nonresident hunter.I’ve noticed the decline in the deer population and increase in cost in Wyoming and especially Montana. The games played with residents ,ranchers and outfitters. The shit gets old and for those reasons I’ve pulled the plug on hunting those states.

Id love to see the residents pick up the financial bill by continuing to limit non residents.

Depressing AND pragmatic Randy

Good discussion. Raising prices definitely restricts the amount of places the normal working Joe can afford to hunt out of state, so it is becoming a reach man's game and unfortunately, that's just the way it is.

I drew a moose tag in North Dakota when I lived there when I was 16 was successful but parents moved from there though to Wisconsin think imma have to move out west as soon as I can afford it hate it here so much

We're All going to be paying non-res prices when they figure out they can generate 10x more revenue than they currently are.

Randy: Are your licenses and tags deductible against your enterprise/corporate tax or personal income tax?

@williamfeldner9356

4 ай бұрын

Since it is a business, yes his expenses are all tax deductible…….

@williamfeldner9356

4 ай бұрын

Do you not ever wonder why Randy is not more pro nonresident, since he holds himself up as a PUBLIC LAND ADVOCATE………….

@cynic6964

4 ай бұрын

William, I do not wonder at all. My tax deduction question was actually a rhetorical one meant to make viewers think more critically about some of the things that Randy does not say. Perhaps he surreptitiously supports the initiatives because license/tag cost is not such a factor for him because it is a business write-off. Sincerely, William

@cynic6964

4 ай бұрын

@@williamfeldner9356 William, I do not wonder at all. My tax deduction question was actually a rhetorical one meant to make viewers think more critically about some of the things that Randy does not say. Perhaps he surreptitiously supports the initiatives because license/tag cost is not such a factor for him because it is a business write-off. Sincerely, William

States like Wyoming don't want Non-resident in their states, but they do want is NR hunter dollars pouring in for ridiculous fees yearly. They want NR hunters stuck in an endless cycle of buying licenses or bonus points. While resident hunting fees are often times 20 to 30X lower...I'd just say it after I do get my tags in certain states... They won't get another cent of money!!! So good luck making up the revenue gap!!

@josephezell8372

4 ай бұрын

Yet they sell out every year. Supply and demand simply.

@Fresh_Tracks

4 ай бұрын

Given the state you use as an example, Wyoming, has 180,000 non-residents in their elk point system, and they only award 8,000 non-resident elk tags per year, it will be 20+ years before Wyoming sees much of a revenue hit from us non-residents opting out of their elk system. They have a great product and the demand will always be there, so residents are going to be forced to make up a funding gap anytime soon. They have a powerful outfitting association that lobbies for high non-resident fees, knowing that slants the table toward their non-resident clients and against the average non-resident who is going on their own.

@jamiebaker1035

4 ай бұрын

Just so you know, I have 12 points for Elk in Wyoming. I'm sitting on 22 points for Sheep and Moose. I started playing this long-term drawing game nearly two decades ago. So I should be in the top 5 to 6% overall for Elk in Wyoming. I foresee a rush of people trying to get tags in the next couple of years due to the price increase. I'll accumulate a few more points given the population decline due do to the winter kill of 2023. Which should put me in great shape for a good tag moving forward. There are less than 600 people ahead of me for a Sheep tag and 399 people with more points for a Moose. So I'm solidly in the top 3 or 4% overall! That puts me ahead of the curve by a lot. I just turned 50 so my odds should only get better each year statically speaking! NOW AFTER I GET ANY OF THOSE TAGS, I'M NOT GOING TO START OVER AND GO TO THE BACK OF THE LINE AND GIVE WYOMING ANOTHER 20-PLUS YEARS OF FEES AND BUYING PREFERENCE POINTS... I have about 340- 350 total points built up across several states for multiple species. So I planned on doing a lot of hunting in my 50s.... @@Fresh_Tracks

Yes, keep limiting the out of staters. They are purchasing our local opportunities. Every state should have their own objectives.

@K.Fulkerson

4 ай бұрын

Sure, no way those small towns and businesses could use that money that you’re never going to spend there.

@OG_Outdoorz

4 ай бұрын

Very, very shortsighted aaron.

We are racing to a feudal system of hunting. Only the king and his nobleman will be able to enjoy hunting.

In Boston, our fore fathers threw the tea into the ocean before they would pay the ridiculous tax on tea, Soon we will just throw the license away.

I understand the nonresident quotas, but the cost of these nonresident tags are to the point that young nonresidents can’t afford them.

Wildlife is a commodity, it's about money.

Unfortunately we can't put more animals on the landscape. It would have to happen naturally. Development is also consuming the landscape.

The non resident tag fees out west are down right ridiculous. My home state of Minnesota charges non residents $185 for a deer tag,compared to a non resident deer tag in Montana which now exceeds $700!! Are you kidding me? $700 to shoot a damn deer?!

@jwint563

4 ай бұрын

Compared to the cost of actually living in the western states, $700 is a bargain.

As someone who used to live in a western state with a strong elk population but is currently a resident of a state that has so few elk im more likely to win the lottery than draw an elk tag, I fully believe that Western states should prioritize resident opportunity over non-resident, even if it decreases my opportunity. However, I am strongly against the heavy price increases for tags. This just makes hunting unavailable to your average person that doesnt make lots of money. I would rather see states cap nonresident tags and make them a draw than see a general elk tag that costs $1,000. It is starting to look more like the european model where only the wealthy and connected could hunt game, which disgusts me.

Soon we'll be at the point of hunting being a "Kings" pleasure. Personally, I bailed out last year. No more buying a non resident license just to enter the draw. Keep your elk. I'm going to suggest to my legislature to increase non resident fee's to the disparity level of the state the non resident hails from. If MT charges 40 time as much for a non resident tag as TN, then they should pay that much for a tag. I'm done with it.

Thanks

Nonresident Fla fishing license should go up 1000%

If the price gouging keeps going and the tags keep getting harder to draw it will be the demise of the hunters caring about other states and ultimately hunting will die. These legislatures are packed with non hunters and they are playing the long game to kill it. It's very sad to say and it breaks my heart but there are already states I could care less about what happens there.

I think the biggest issue with that $1 earned in one state is not the same as $1 earned in another. If you live in some of these western states you likely do not make the same amount of money if you were to do the same job in the state of California or New York. The west has long been called the playground for rich east and west cost city people. The price of activities for outsiders needs to be higher just to keep things even and to keep locals from being pushed out of the activities in their home state.

What are your thoughts on Colorado eliminating the OTC archery elk tag? My understanding is that limits the number of non-resident archery hunters just like every other draw tag. I'm a Colorado resident, and I've been so disgusted with the number of hunters in certain areas, that I've basically limited my hunting to areas that I have private land access to.

Hunters are the primary drivers of conservation and it’s overwhelmingly because they have a vested interest in the wildlife. Remove access and you remove nonresident hunters and their concern for your wildlife or problems. Here in my state of Virginia bear hunting houndsmen have lobbied and got bear season closed during deer season which effectively robs any hunter with limited time to hunt, the opportunity to take a stumble on bear despite being required to purchase a tag for bear to get their tags for deer. The same houndsmen are constantly under attack by non hunters to restrict or end their hunting but they have reduced the number of their fellow hunters who will care about their problems in the future when someone is trying to restrict their access.

It’s not about opportunity anymore. It’s about money. Make more money. Hunting is for people with money or be quiet.

I think in a lot of cases hunters would benefit from more private land tags land owners should get tags but for their specific piece of private land only help push some of the animals hiding on private off

I live in north idaho and have gotten very disgusted at the quantity and quantity of the big game. I have seen seasons when there was almost no local hunters and everyone I seen was out of state. I feel that there is not enough game for the amount of people out there hunting. There are people who by bear tags and hunt with a friend or family member who has deer and elk tags .And thay are helping fill the deer and elk tags and it is helping destroy our herds. We the hunters have to do the right thing and manage our game and hunting heritage for the future generations. Also target wolves more make it a priority.

I say that ALL Federal lands, nationwide have hunting licenses issued and managed by USFWS. That way the land and animals get managed equally and fairly for everyone.

@Fresh_Tracks

4 ай бұрын

So, the 10th Amendment of the Constitution is merely one of convenience? The US Supreme Court ruled otherwise.

@nathanhawley9599

4 ай бұрын

This is a really dumb idea

Well one day when the tags are extremely expensive and the game is scares there won’t be enough support for the actual animals. It will turn into each state throwing their own sheep show to try and raise funds for the few animals. Once I cash in some points I’m pretty certain i will discontinue hunting that state and species. It’s purely financial for most average people. They will continue to have lots of people apply for the time being but the long game doesn’t look great.

So what happens if you live in one state and work in another paying state income taxes in that state? Should you get some kind of resident benefit in that state? The only difference between you and a resident is a driver's license and voter registration....

Wouldn't surprise me to see even more people moving to Montana. Then qualify for resident pricing

@Fresh_Tracks

4 ай бұрын

It happens a lot, in all western states.

@user-qk4qr2zg9h

4 ай бұрын

@@Fresh_Tracks it’s sad to see such a great resource like western big game hunting become so controversial. I remember the first time seeing the Rockies, such a humble experience. Now seeing how hunters at each others throat over the right to get to experience the beauty and freedom is sad. For the love of money is the root of all evil. I enjoy the shows y’all provide for guys like me who can’t hunt as much as you do, but this issue will continue to go downhill. Good day

So is that $25k salary cut due to higher Cost of Living in Bozeman versus the rest of the country or that salaries are down that much, because I have a suspicion that today the salaries are higher due to the higher Cost of Living in Bozeman... Just a guess

@Fresh_Tracks

4 ай бұрын

That’s the actual pay cuts in 1991, when Bozeman was a cheap place. Everyone was leaving. Thats how badly we wanted to hunt elk every year and live with tons of public land out our back door.

@chrisgreen359

4 ай бұрын

​@@Fresh_TracksSo $25k total because the average salary for an entry level accountant was approximately $25k in 1991. I'm not judging cause I moved away from "home" when I got my first job to be able to do my preferred work that I did for much less than I could have made. I've made significantly more at this point, but I get taking a pay cut for doing what you enjoy.

@OG_Outdoorz

4 ай бұрын

Randy, it sounds as though you are lamenting that fact. Yet, you are doing a dall sheep hunt, that on average costs between $25 - $30k. Woe is me comes across as a little disingenuous. I dare say you pay very little to go on all these hunts, that many of us never will. Just my opinion.

@jimsomerville3924

4 ай бұрын

@@OG_Outdoorz I certainly didn't take his comments as him seeking sympathy. He brought it up when Marcus and him were discussing personal finances and impact of raising fees on lower income residents. He used his experience as a point of comparison that wages in states like Montana are often much lower and many do not have a lot of disposable income.

My problem is when like Georgia, I own land, pay my taxes and I still have to purchase a nonresident license to hunt on my own property because I live in Florida.

I think alot off hunters are pissed off on these hight prices and would rather take a chance on getting caught poaching and pay the fees The overall cost if you hunted 10 years and got caught would be cheaper

The NRA will be lucky to get that money back !

Being a resident in a western state, our elk hunting is getting worse and worse. Less animals and more pressure. If non-residents don’t like the new rules coming, then move to that state and pay taxes there. As an elk hunter, I’m all for more animals and less pressure.

So not only does this effect someone from coming to Montana to hunt, it also depletes, or can deplete tourism. For the fact of , of I can't come out to hunt, then I'm not coming out to Yellowstone, snowmobiling fishing ect...

Hunting shows like this are another reason, hunting for money. Lawmakers are not blind, they know these movie makers will pay whatever it takes.

well, how come the federal government is and can influences states management, specifically wolves??

Geez guys. Maybe our Provinces should start charging Non-Canadians (NCs) a lot more for hunting our public trust wildlife because NCs pay neither Canadian Federal nor Provincial income tax.

reciprocate fees, you want to hunt another state, you pay what your state charges! period, simple!

Hunting is no longer a for everyone. It's just for the ones with money

I am 800% for screwing over non residents. I am a resident here. This is my home and I should have priority. For many or most hunting out of state is not possible for many reasons. I mean you yourself and Randy personally camp in the exact same place I camp to hunt coues deer. Where there was once hundreds and hundreds of left over tags in those units there is now none and the draw odds have become low enough that for the first time in my life residents are not drawing those hunts. This is directly a consequence of the AZGFD and Randys efforts to advertise hunts down south. Now we have lost opportunities in the draw and otc archery. I believe Randy recently blamed this on drought conditions but I do not agree. I blame this on influencers selling heirloom knowledge by means of apps like Gohunt and platforms like KZread to "hunters" similarly to how a corporation sells product. I hope AZ who has just begun to regulate non residents like how they just did with archery otc tags continues to regulate them even more aggressively. Most residents feel very protective of their natural resources and want them to be protected from influencers who exploit good opportunities that residents have enjoyed for generations. This information should never be sold. It is cherished by we who love it and the only way it should ever be handed over is by hard work, friendship, and love. Hunting is not a product. It should never be for sale. And residents should priority and favor in their state of residents.

Shouldn't we all as hunters be happy to help fund conservation and save hunting? Why do Resident hunters get so upset about the idea of paying more for their tags if it goes directly into the herds and landscape around their homes?

@Fresh_Tracks

4 ай бұрын

Good question. I'm willing to pay more as a resident, but according to our legislature, I'm in the minority.

Ok, so how do we put more elk in the hills? Do a podcast on specifics that we can do immediately to put more elk in the hills.

@Fresh_Tracks

4 ай бұрын

We do that in lots of our content. We do videos on fence pulls in migration corridors, testifying at legislative meetings, participating in policy councils, raising funds for access and habitat improvement, and other hands on work. There are multitudes of ways one can use their time, talent, or money to help put more elk in the hills. We can do all of those things starting today, though the increases in elk doesn't happen overnight. We have examples to show it is possible. The citizens of Kentucky did just that. In 25 years they went from no elk to 13,000 elk. Took lots of works, time, and money, but they were undeterred. Nevada went from a statewide population objective of 3,000 elk in 1985 to over 12,000 elk now. Again, time, talent, money, and advocacy applied over decades produces results. A lot of it depends on where one lives. For many, hands on projects are geographically impossible. For some, they prefer to raise funds. For some, they will engage their elected officials to enact policies and budget priorities that give priority to habitat and access. The list of possible ways to help is long, often dependent upon where one lives, their time to engage in policy/process, and their financial situation.

@user-rw4qd7ev8x

4 ай бұрын

The problem is that if there are more elk in areas, certain KZread channels will make a detailed video on where and how to get tags and access to those exact areas

Do you want larger herds then you need to sell less resident tags, they're most likely to fill them and multiples. Instead sell more non-resident and a cheaper cost. Yes you're going to flood the mountain but they don't know what they're doing 80% of them are going to go home empty anyway