Trout Stamp $ increase to get things done

[SHAWN]

Bill,
What would it take to get the price of trout stamps raised in order to better fund the DNR and trout habitat improvement. If possible, how could we keeps those money hungry SOB's in the state government from stealing it and using it for non trout fishing purposes. I know that the majority of trout fishermen out there wouldn't mind paying just $5 or so more for a years worth of unequal enjoyment.
Shawn

[NightOwl]

Hoot- again I am with you. I would also like to find out what it takes to ge the fees up-ed. Imagine that- someone asking to pay MORE to the Govt. http://www.georgia-outdoors.com/ubbngto/smile.gif But, if that's what it takes, I would gladly pay $10 or $15 for a stamp/per yr. The trout and the experience are DEF. worth it.
NightOwl http://www.georgia-outdoors.com/ubbngto/smile.gif

[Bill Couch]

This may be the best answer I can give. Fees for stamps and licenses are pretty political. The "No New Taxes" mentality will be one of the drivers, as second is declining license sales. Increasing the cost of any license or stamp might hurt license sales.

If you are really interesed in helping fund the department, help increase the number of license buyers. Take a non-fishing friend fishing. A season fishing license sale (not a one or seven day), increases the number of federal dollars all state fisheries (and wildlife) programs qualify for. The federal fund is collected from purchases of selected sporting goods equipment and can be used in a variety of areas. They can not be used for stockable fish programs (like the hatcheries) but they do support fisheries managment and a variety of other fishery programs.
Hope this helps,
Bill

[NightOwl]

I;ll keep buying my wife a lic.,then. she fishes very little, but if it helps the fishies and the folks that help the fishies, it's worth it even ore! http://www.georgia-outdoors.com/ubbngto/smile.gif

[SHAWN]

Don't politics really tic you off sometimes. Politics only tends to screw everything up. Oh well, what can we do about it. Nothing.
Shawn