Why are hunting license so expensive?

[Red_RaiderHTC]

Hmm. Just call the district biologist in your area and voice your concerns. I have seen ranches get their permits taken if they do not uphold the original management contract. After the first year it is the responsibility of the landowner to do surveys, and required management practices. Also TPWD is working on this issue of landowners getting permits and not managing. I was at a meeting last year that was discussing ways to force landowners to uphold their end of the deal.

[Hot4huntin]

Actually the price of the License will go up somewhere around 5% every year for the next 4-6 years, if i remember correctly. They wanted to go up 25-35% they year the recession hit, but they decided to do it over the next few years. If forget the #'s but I think i'm somewhere close.

I think they have seen a large drop in the # of lifetime licenses sold and will continue to do so. They will have to lower it to a more reasonable #. If it would drop down to $1300 i would get one for my son. Im still kicking my self in the *** about not buying it when it was $1000 for my son.

Texas is still one of the cheeper states to buy a license, yes I know it is cheaper in some other states but we are still among the most affordable.

The license fee was raised 5% for 2010-2011. Initially, a 10-15% was considered.

News Release
Media Contact: Steve Lightfoot, 512-389-4701, steve.lightfoot@tpwd.state.tx.us
May 29, 2009

TPWD Increases License, Boat Registration Fees

AUSTIN, Texas — The Texas Parks and Wildlife Commission has approved increases to hunting and fishing licenses, as well as boat titling and registration fees. Most fees will increase by five percent and the increases take effect with the 2009-2010 license year, starting this fall for recreational hunting and fishing licenses.

Hunting licenses will increase from $23 to $25, while the popular Super Combo all-inclusive license increases from $64 to $68.

Non-resident hunting licenses increase by $15 from $300 to $315, which also reflects a five percent hike.

Fishing packages will also increase by $2. The resident freshwater fishing package increases from $28 to $30 and the saltwater fishing package increases from $33 to $35.

The biggest increase in license fees approved by the commission affects lifetime licenses. The resident lifetime fishing and hunting licenses will increase to $1,000 and the lifetime combination license increases to $1,800.

"We have not increased the cost of a lifetime license for 12 years," said Gene McCarty, TPWD deputy director of administration. "Frankly, these licenses have been undervalued and could represent significant lost revenue over time if not adjusted."

Boat owners in Texas will also see increases in boat registration and titling fees. Boat registration, which are valid for two years, for vessels less than 16 feet in length increase from $30 to $32 and those in the 16-26 foot range go from $50 to $53. Boats 26-40 feet increase from $70 to $110 and boats greater than 40 feet increase from $90 to $150.

Other miscellaneous increases are primarily in the category of commercial licenses, including commercial shrimp boat captain’s license ($20 increase), resident commercial oyster boat ($21 increase), wholesale fish dealers truck ($28 increase), resident commercial crab fishermen’s license ($30 increase), non-resident commercial oyster boat ($84 increase) and non-resident commercial crab fisherman’s license ($120 increase).

The department received less than 400 comments related to the fee increases during the public comment period, the majority of which came from the TPWD online survey and by email, with only 16 comments resulting from a series of 19 public meetings scheduled around the state. Overall, comments ran more than 2-to-1 against the increases, citing bad economic times as the primary reason.

"Initially we considered a 10-15 percent increase but in this economy we know that is unrealistic and counterproductive," said McCarty. "But, it’s important to mention that this will just keep us even."

McCarty noted the fees for none of the special endorsement stamps were increased.

In addition to the fee increases, the commission approved a new administrative fee of $100 for reinstatement of any recreational or commercial license that has been revoked or suspended.

The commission also authorized staff to implement a drawing for a package that includes a lifetime hunting and fishing license and one-year subscription to Texas Parks & Wildlife magazine. Entry fee for the drawing will be $5 and will go on sale Aug. 15 wherever licenses are sold.