Keep hunting, fishing available to all

Editor,

I was amused at the price tag and the equipment needed for hunting and fishing. I can enjoy hunting and fishing with only the very minimum items for a good outing. My truck is worth less than $4,000; my shotgun, a Model 27 Winchester … vest, $87 … rifle, 1947 Winchester Model 70, $150 with sling and scope; $15 knife, field glasses of many years, $27. With these, I have enjoyed 64 years of successful hunting.

A modest raise might be acceptable. However, the FWP needs to monitor its spending practices and amend its enforcement policy. Both the State and USFWS have acquired thousands of acres of private land for wildlife habitat and public access. This, of course, comes with added costs of maintenance and taxes, all paid with dollars skimmed from someone's pocket.

The question of public access has not been given proper consideration. The State-Trial agreement signed in 1990 directs all revenue from these lands and private lands to the Tribes. That should go to the State to offset expenses associated with land ownership.

How can the State justify a raise when it's bent on giving it away? Not only did the State support the financial give-away of its own justifiable income, it did more. When a rancher refused to buy a Tribal permit to use his own land for hunting pheasants and bought an upland game bird and conservation license, where the proceeds went to the State, he was arrested by the State for not having a Tribal permit … The State has spent thousands of dollars in failed court costs in its attempt to give the Tribes money that should remain with the State.

All game birds, animals and fish belong to all citizens equally … To raise license fees as proposed will eliminate many poor family members struggling to survive and create a privilege reserved for the wealthy.

I recommend the State end the costly unenforceable State-Tribal agreement and limit wasteful spending … in balancing the FWP budget. Keep hunting and fishing a privilege for all, be he rich or poor.

Del Palmer

Charlo