I agree with warbird, maybe not to the extent that the ceilings have been set at but a substantial increase. If you are lucky enough to get drawn now, you get to hunt for literally peanuts. As it stands now, Game & Fish can't afford to have their WM's out in the field patrolling and doing their jobs, they are in the office or at home listening to the radio a good portion of their day. Have you seen the cost of gas lately, price of trucks, maintenance etc? If the money raised from the higher permit prices goes to line the pockets of the directors and administrators, I say bullsheet. If it goes to help better manage our game herds, pay good bioligists a decent wage and keep them employed and happy with what they are doing and what they are making $$$ I'm all for it. If they can't make a decent living and leave to go work for Ted Turner or some other private landowner who has game herds that need managing, that sucks too.
AZ is not like all other western states, we have quality herds with good trophy potential because as sportsmen of this state have made it clear to G & F that we want quality hunting experiences here not quantity, and we have worked long and hard (years & years) to get that point across to G&F. AZ also does'nt have vast herds of game all over the place. Our opportunities are limited here and on a per deer or per elk basis, it just makes sense that it should cost alot more to manage a deer or elk here in AZ as opposed to Wyoming, CO, Mont. etc.
Raise the fees, yes I'm all for it if it will keep our quality of herds at the very top in all the country.
