Wildlife Management Area Out-of-State Fee?

[Danny Leigh]

The resident WMA stamp is $19. I also do not understand any reason why the non-resident fee is so high. I had an uncle that wanted to dove hunt on a GA WMA, but there was no way he was going to pay $73 just for a WMA stamp. Luckily, you do not need the stamp to fish all but one stream.(Waters Creek)

[Woolly Bugger]

What is the deal with the $73 fee for out-of-state fishermen. What is the justification of the high fee and how much does it cost for a resident?

Thanks,

[Flyguy]

I agree...this $73 is crazy...I hate to say it, but GA WMA isn't worth all that. As far as fishing goes Waters creek is the only place you need one and the are only open part time. Last I heard it was going down hill.

Keep the money!!!!



Flyguy

[Jeff Jones]

Well, it is a little high. I'm thinking $30 or $35 would be enough, but then again I don't work out the budget thingies for the state. On the other hand, do't forget that there are many WMA's that have fishing (other than trout) and hunting. And some very good fishing, too ! but $35 bucks would seem more reasonable to me !

[John Kind]

My guess is that the high price of the non-res WMA stamp is aimed at out of state deer hunters. While this is not much of a problem in north GA, I believe it is a different story in the southern part of the state.

It would be nice if they offered shorter length (cheaper) WMA stamps for out of state fishermen.

-JAK

[Bill Couch]

Wolly Bugger and others,
I spoke with Mike Hughes, Program Manager for Georgia's DNR License and Boat Registration Unit. He agreed the fees are high. They are set by the General assembly and originally were based on what other states charged Georgians for similar opportunities. John Kind may be correct; there are sportsmen in Georgia who press for higher fees.

I'll be glad to p****reasonable suggestions on to Mike H.

Bill C

[The Ole Man]

Bill
Why does GA allow Tenn. to charge us Georgians $51.00 for an all season, all specie license, when GA only charges them $37.00 for the same thing? Isn't reciprocal
fairness sort of out of balance here. Or does Tenn. just consider their resources to be that much better than ours? P****on to Hughs if appropriate.

[J Olliff]

Guys, you don't need a WMA stamp to fish anywhere except for Waters creek and on the Public Fishing Areas located around the state. The "high" fee is aimed at hunters. A WMA stamp is required to do any kind of hunting on a WMA. If you think Tennesse's high, you should take a look at out-of-state hunting permits in Florida.
During deer season, I am alomost run over by hunters from Fl anytime on Sunday afternoon. I think the population doubles down here in S GA during any hunting weekend. Not that I'm against it, our herd can stand the pressure, plus I know some really nice people from FL who are in my father-in-law's hunting club. One of them used to be a pro fisherman who has offered to guide us (for free) on the St. John's river.
The WMAs were meant to be primarily places for Georgians to hunt (and fish) who otherwise would not have the opportunity. After all, it is our tax dollars that go into aquisition and maintenance of these places. It's only fair that out-of-staters pay a little more than residents do. The same rule applies for other states.
If you are fishing anywhere in the state for trout (except Waters creek), you will need a non-resident fishing license and a non-resident trout stamp. Bill, PLEASE correct me if I'm wrong. That's the way I understand the rules.
I apologize for the ramble........

[Jeff Jones]

Maybe this should have been posted under the "general" heading. We may ( unintentionally) be putting the weight of all of our wildlfe concerns upon poor Bill. Bill "be" the fish man !

[Bill Couch]

All the information provided is pretty much on line. Thanks for the help.
Bill

[spinner]

Hello...I agree with high non-resident fees..Opening weekend of fish season we are over run by out of state anglers..A lot of them have no regard for the beauty of the outdoors..I have followed Illinois anglers on opening morning....Keep everything they catch and the litter train is crazy..No regard to the regulations...I might sound like I'm generalizing..Opening weekend of hunting and fishing....I write 2 to 1 citations to out of state hunters and anglers..spinner..

[HNeal]

Spinner,
Keep up the good work. The out-of-state fees are usually pretty painful, especially when it is you that is out-of-state but when you consider all, it's probably worth it http://www.georgia-outdoors.com/ubbngto/frown.gif

[bv]

look to w.n.c THEY HAVE NO CLOSED SEASON all the 'wild trout streams'meanning the ones that support reproducing populations. and if they don't delaied harvest. all the pretty signs they put on the trees denoting what regulations are in effect. we'er talhing new jobs for bills boys to get in volved in. think about it three forks on the west fork, the cohutta wma, all the hard to get to creeks, streams, and rivers that are selfsustaining should be 'or could be open year-round'. i mean have youlooked at a north carolina price latly? i get one every year. out-of-state $45 for everything.
keep your laeders straigth
bv

[bv]

look to w.n.c THEY HAVE NO CLOSED SEASON. all the 'wild trout streams'meanning the ones that support reproducing populations OPEN. and if they don't delaied harvest. all the pretty signs they put on the trees denoting what regulations are in effect. we'er talking new jobs for bills boys to get get to have with. think about it, three forks on the west fork, the cohutta wma, all the hard to get to creeks, streams, and rivers 'that are selfsustaining' should be 'or could be' open year-round. i mean have you looked at a north carolina price. i get one every year. out-of-state $45 for everything.
keep your leaders straigth
bv

[Jeff Jones]

Most of the streams you mentioned ARE year-round ( only the main creek out of three forks) There are tons of year-round streams now- I'm not sure - mabye I'm misunderstanding your post ?!?