Utah Price Increase

[CorbLand]

Exactly why we need to be careful with some of these alarmist thread titles and overreactions. Not pointing any fingers, speaking in general terms. But it's the society we live in now everybody is getting throttled for attention.

I am speaking generally as well minus huntin fool. Their video was shared a lot from what I saw and they really need to post some clarification.

 

[cal30_sniper]

I am speaking generally as well minus huntin fool. Their video was shared a lot from what I saw and they really need to post some clarification.

Their article is equally misleading.

Utah Legislation Update: Changes to Wildlife Division Fees for Non-Resident Hunting

Utah Legislation Update: Changes to Wildlife Division Fees for Non-Resident Hunting. Check here for the latest updates!

www.huntinfool.com

However, buried deep in the article is a caveat that reinforces what you’ve been saying:

“All nonresident fees for the Division of Wildlife Resources may not exceed, but may be less than, the amounts stated in the division's fee schedule.”

 

[CorbLand]

Their article is equally misleading.

Utah Legislation Update: Changes to Wildlife Division Fees for Non-Resident Hunting

Utah Legislation Update: Changes to Wildlife Division Fees for Non-Resident Hunting. Check here for the latest updates!

www.huntinfool.com

However, buried deep in the article is a caveat that reinforces what you’ve been saying:

“All nonresident fees for the Division of Wildlife Resources may not exceed, but may be less than, the amounts stated in the division's fee schedule.”

I know, I was saying that I am speaking generally as well but specifically, huntin fool (really anyone that sent this, posted, etc) needs to post a clarification that what this seemed to be is not what it really is.

I am not saying dont be watching and voicing your opinions. This opened the door for tag prices to be doubled but it is NOT mandating it like people think/thought it did.

 

[Fitzwho]

Okay. They might keep me for a few more years if DWR doesn't immediately double everything. Already did a basic run through on the apps since they opened today. Got distracted and timed out and don't feel like going back through it today so didn't pay out.

So, when this is signed by the governor, I wonder how long we'll have to wait for the DWR to decide what, if any, changes will be made the next few years. I was already thinking about cow elk this season if I have an opening somewhere, but if I don't have to burn 3 general deer points this year, that would be nice. Plus I'm already driving to Utah in May to take my wife and daughter through the national parks and spend a few days in Moab/Kanab.

 

[CorbLand]

Okay. They might keep me for a few more years if DWR doesn't immediately double everything. Already did a basic run through on the apps since they opened today. Got distracted and timed out and don't feel like going back through it today so didn't pay out.

So, when this is signed by the governor, I wonder how long we'll have to wait for the DWR to decide what, if any, changes will be made the next few years. I was already thinking about cow elk this season if I have an opening somewhere, but if I don't have to burn 3 general deer points this year, that would be nice. Plus I'm already driving to Utah in May to take my wife and daughter through the national parks and spend a few days in Moab/Kanab.

It would still have to go through the RAC and Board process. I would highly highly doubt pricing will increase for 2025.

The fee proposal cycle is in July.

 

[Fitzwho]

That sounds believable at least.

They have made changes between the main draw and the antlerless draw before if memory serves me. Can't remember exactly what/when, but I think that was when they changed the NR application fee from $10 each to $16 each. Paid $10 app fee for bison/moose/elk and $16 app fee for doe antelope, etc that year. Thought that was kind of funny.

 

[CorbLand]

That sounds believable at least.

They have made changes between the main draw and the antlerless draw before if memory serves me. Can't remember exactly what/when, but I think that was when they changed the NR application fee from $10 each to $16 each. Paid $10 app fee for bison/moose/elk and $16 app fee for doe antelope, etc that year. Thought that was kind of funny.

It is Utah and we have our nickname for a reason so I wouldn’t rule anything out but I think the likelihood of massive increase, if any, in 2025 is going to be low.

 

[Fitzwho]

By the sounds of it, a slight increase on the antlerless could be/may be possible, but not necessarily. Since they would have to line that out prior to the antlerless application deadline, which is only 3 months away, doubtful.

So really just a wait and see type of thing now, since it isn't apparently as cut and dry as everyone was making it out to be... Whoops. I'm going to go ahead and draw the Henry Mtn Bison tag this year just for fun, with 9 points.

 

[Conrad101st]

Did it pass their house too or just the senate?

 

[CorbLand]

Did it pass their house too or just the senate?

It’s on the governors desk.

 

[Conrad101st]

Groan

 

[roadrunner]

Supply and Demand has nothing to do with these price increases.

Output and availability of tags isn't falling behind because so many people are wanting them. Who gets a tag is simply governed by a draw.

This is a response of keeping up with the Jonses of other states and attempting to slow the rise in points being bought. If they want to do that, all they simply need to do is make it go back to only choosing one LE and one OIL instead of all of them.

 

[Tilzbow]

It is Utah and we have our nickname for a reason so I wouldn’t rule anything out but I think the likelihood of massive increase, if any, in 2025 is going to be low.

The application book has been distributed and prices set for 2025 so I’d say the chance of the prices increasing this year is zero. See page 14.


https://wildlife.utah.gov/guidebooks/biggameapp.pdf?utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery

 

[wapitibob]

There are no price increases currently scheduled for 2025, 2026, or any year in the future.

If/when that happens, they won't be a secret.

 

[Chad E]

There are no price increases currently scheduled for 2025, 2026, or any year in the future.

If/when that happens, they won't be a secret.

Let's be honest though. By all current accounts this was not asked for by the division of wildlife. This was done by the legislature. While the wording allows for the department to continue status quo the table was pretty clear on what the prices were expected to be.

To suggest this was a well thought out measure of efficiency to give the division the flexibility to raise non resident license fees as needed is a pretty generous take.

This may not end up being the huge issue it could of been if the division takes a measured approach into the future on price increases but no matter what the president of legislature arbitrarily without input from the state wildlife agency raising fees on the extreme side is a terrible look.

The idea of market value is going to be the end of western big game hunting as most of us know it. Traditionally tag fees were set to generate funds for wildlife management. The cost of management drove the need for increases. Somewhere we've gotten sideways with the north American model of conservation and introduced this idea of maximum market value in recent years because of an huge increase in demand. Legislators run with market value as all they see is dollar signs. The path we are on is not a good one. Legislature involvement in wildlife management never ends well.

 

[NB7]

The idea of market value is going to be the end of western big game hunting as most of us know it. Traditionally tag fees were set to generate funds for wildlife management. The cost of management drove the need for increases. Somewhere we've gotten sideways with the north American model of conservation and introduced this idea of maximum market value in recent years because of an huge increase in demand. Legislators run with market value as all they see is dollar signs. The path we are on is not a good one. Legislature involvement in wildlife management never ends well.

Well said

 

[TR175]

Well if they allow prices to go up to the max they have priced me out. Sucks to loose all my points.

 

[farmermail]

Is there a state in the intermountain west that nonresidents don’t pay for the majority of wildlife agencies budget?

Residents of Utah have a right to hunt and fish, per the state constitution. Nonresidents are extended the privilege to come here to hunt or fish. Just the way it is and if you want to do it, well your going to have to pay for it.

It is funny to me when people complain when states raise the prices for nonresidents and then continue to apply. Why do you think they keep raising the prices?

For the record, I really hate what intermountain western states have done to nonresidents. They wrote the book on bending over nonresidents and they just keep adding chapters.
If you don’t like the costs, you have to stop applying. It sucks, but it’s the only way.

100% correct. Only when revenue goes down will prices go down. If tags sell out, and applications hold steady at $200 a crack, well, that is good business for the state. Like @CorbLand, I also think it is BS, but until the pocketbook is hit, prices will continue to go up.

 

[PLhunter]

I’m in too deep with 23 elk and Bison points. Most were earned when I was a resident, this hurts though and completely blows up my general season deer future plans with friends and family from the state. I’m stuck paying the app fees and the expenses of the tag when/if I ever draw in the state for elk and bison.

 

[JNDEER]

There are no price increases currently scheduled for 2025, 2026, or any year in the future.

If/when that happens, they won't be a secret.

In summary- no changes are currently scheduled, however if/when they do they could be "as much as" what has been posted on page 1.

Am I to assume it would be smart for someone like myself with a handful of points to cash out what I can before that happens?