Hunters and anglers who claim to be sideswiped by Colorado House Bill 1321 – a bill that would allow Colorado’s Parks and Wildlife Commission to hike the fees for resident hunting and fishing licenses by as much as 50 percent – have not been paying attention.
While critics like Sen. Leroy Garcia, D-Pueblo, may have a point when they object to the size and scope of the 32-page – and to the timing of its introduction so close to the end of the legislative session – bill intended to help Colorado Parks and Wildlife raise funds to avoid further cuts in many essential programs, it is not a surprise.
The legislation, or something similar, has been expected since CPW conducted a series of public meetings last year to gauge reactions to future scenarios the agency would likely face without additional funding. These included losing thousands of acres of hunting and fishing leases, fewer available hunting licenses and limited funds for inspection stations for invasive aquatic species like zebra mussels.
The agency also raised the possibility of increased license fees. For the most part, sportsmen applauded the prospect.
Which is not to say that residents are eager to shell out more money to partake in their favorite outdoor traditions. But more than most, these folks understand that the quality of their outdoor experience – and in Colorado it tends to be world-class – is a direct result of the willingness of those who came before them to fund wildlife agencies and wildlife conservation with license fees.
This year, sportsmen are reeling from announcements that some of their favorite places, like Narraguinnep Reservoir, are now closed to powerboats due to concerns over invasive species and the lack of funds for inspection stations. HR 1321 provides for that necessity, as well as allowing for increased license fees.
While the bill may result in the price of an annual resident fishing license, for example, rising from $25 to $37.50, the price remains a bargain in a state where a one-day ski lift ticket often runs into triple digits.
Considering the returns, that $37.50 will still be money well spent.
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