URGENT ACTION NEEDED
TO: Michigan State Chapter Board
RE: License Fee Committee Report
Local Chapter Presidents
NWTF Members
FROM: Dan W.
Potter, Past President DATE: June 18, 2007
Over a Year ago I was asked to serve on a Michigan Department of Natural Resource (MDNR) Committee to review hunting and fishing license fees. After hearing presentations and reviewing reports and materials we received over an eleven-month study, it was clear to the committee the DNR was in a major financial trouble. They had not had a major hunting or fishing license fee increase in over 10 years. The financial support from the State Legislature had dropped from 28% to less than 10% of its overall budget. Revenues from the federal Government (Pittman/Robinson and Dingle/Johnson) have decreased due to the drop in Michigan hunting and fishing licenses sold. The state legislators no longer underwrite the senior discount. Cut backs in staff and programs had already occurred and more severe cuts would be forth coming in the next several years if something wasn’t done. At several State Chapter – NWTF Board Meetings I asked for input on the question of increasing hunting and fishing license fees. The general census was fees would have to be raised. No one, at that time, knew what or how much. It was clear to the 19 committee members something had to be done if sportsmen were going to continue to enjoy our Hunting and Fishing and Conservation Heritage in Michigan.
As most people have heard, the result of the committee’s work was a recommendation to increase hunting and fishing fees. The news media labeled it a “doubling,” of fees.
THIS HAS BEEN CHANGED!!
The committee’s recommendation went to the Natural Resources commission for their review and recommendation. Since then, House Bill 4624 (hunting license fees) and Senate Bill 406 (fishing license fees) have been introduced in the Michigan Legislature. These bills recommend hunting and fishing license fees be increased over a period of years rather than one large increase in the first year. Please see the enclosed fact as well as the spreadsheet outlining what the actual increases would be under these bills. Please take the time to review these materials to make an informed conclusion.
I do not like to have to pay more for anything if I can avoid it. On the other hand, I am willing to pay more when the increase will provide me with the service, which I enjoy and it is justified. Think about what service or product you have received in the last ten years, which has not seen a cost increase? The state economy is generally in the dumps. A number of things have already occurred which will impact turkeys in our state. The Northern Michigan Food Plot Program has had funds frozen for this spring’s planting. This will affect turkeys for the next several years. The DNR is not replacing biologist when they leave. Law Enforcement Conservation Officers are not being replaced. Those people who have said they will “poach” if fees are increased will have a field day if license fees are not raised.
Rob Keck, CEO of the NWTF has often said, “Without shooting, you wouldn’t have hunting, without hunting you wouldn’t have conservation, without conservation you wouldn’t have wildlife.” The further decline of the MDNR
due to the lack of funds will certainly lead to the decline of wildlife. Hunting fees also pay for conservation and the MDNR needs our help now. Hearings are being scheduled and so far, elected officials are only hearing from the anti’s on this issue. The legislature will be adjourning for the summer in the next 20 –30 days. If you’re concerned about your hunting and fishing heritage, I implore you to share this information with your chapters and ask everyone
To call or e-mail their State Representative regarding HB4624 and express their support for increasing Hunting License fees.
A list of State Representatives and their contact numbers are enclosed for your use. PLEASE MAKE THIS CALL. You can leave a message with the state person who answers the phone. This contact needs to me made in the next several days. You may also want to contact Representative Matt Gillard (Alpena) who introduced the bill. Please keep in Mind the proposed increase is about the costs of a box of shells in the first year and will help the MDNR preserve our hunting and fishing heritage.
Remember, the anti-hunting element is poised to pick on the bones of the next endangered species. Could the MDNR be the next victim? Please make this contact.
Thank You.
Dan W. Potter
Past President
Michigan State Chapter - NWTF
692 W. Coy
Hazel Park, MI 48030
(248) 548-2036
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