LAST EDITED ON Jan-04-06 AT 02:47PM (MST)[p]The problems in Colorado are more the fault of landowners than local hunters. That is where the larger percentage of these "New resident" tags are going to end up. They will then be able to sell these tags and further line their pockets.
What do you consider a fair price to pay for an elk or a deer as a non resident? I have no problem starting a dialog about that but I think this thread has gone far enough off topic. Start a new one and I will gladly chime in.
One undeniable fact is that the Colorado state budget is in a deficit. They are looking to either their first or second largest industry in the state (Us as sportsman) to try to fix the deficit. Is that right, I don't think so. But hey that's government. If you would like an interesting read, go to
www.bowsite.com and go the the Colorado page and read the discussion about the Habitat Stamp. The residents are not happy either.
What is a fair percentage for nonresidents? For years it was close to 40% but there was never even close to 40% of applicants that were nonresident. Was that fair to the residents? I sure don't think so. 20% may not be fair but it is alot closer to reality.
As a Texas resident I can see where you would be especially concerned with the future of affordable hunting, as most opportunities in your home state carry a pretty high price tag. It is my fear that with the increasing landowner influence here in Colorado that we are headed in the same direction. It is also my fear that to hunt in my home state I will have to buy a landowner tag much like Mr. Lowe did here in Colorado this year when he harvested his monster velvet muley. These landowner tags don'e even limit you to hunting that landowners property. They are a convenient but expensive way of bypassing the drawing process. That is what is not fair.
I was able to convert a nonhunting friend this year into a hunter. It was through a turkey hunting trip and he has since bought a bow and will be accompanying on the archery hunt next year, if we get drawn. I am always looking for opportunities to get our message out there. I encourage everyone to do the same.
By the way, I do not share most Colorado residents view on Texans, As a lifelong Cowboys fan it would be hypocritical.