Kansas Non-Resident turkey hunters: Get ready to PAY $185!!!

[hobbes]

It may not be England but in the majority of states hunting is in fact a privilege and not a right same as driving.

If you don't like $100 a tag......don't hunt out of state. 

[GobbleNut]

This is a complex issue that goes beyond what each individual's perception of what a turkey is worth.  But first, let's clarify a few points.

As Hobbes pointed out, non-migratory wildlife in each state is "owned" by the citizens of the state.  That includes wildlife (with some exceptions) that is both on public and private lands.  Hunting for that wildlife is not a "right".  It is a privilege that is legally granted by the citizens of the states to the state's citizens, as well as to non-residents as the states allow. 

As most state wildlife agencies are funded through hunting/fishing license sales, those agencies are naturally going to set fees at a level to insure the agency is adequately funded, while at the same time making sure the "resource" (turkey population) is managed properly.  Those fees will be set to a degree on "supply and demand", but most agencies also take into consideration the concept that fees should be reasonable so that the "average citizen" can participate. 

Each of us has our own perception of what is reasonable and what is not, as well as how much we are willing to spend to pursue our passion as turkey hunters.  For me personally, when I contemplate the overall expense of traveling to another state to hunt, an extra $50-$100 bucks for the license is irrelevant.  For the enjoyment I get from the experience, that license fee cost is a drop in the bucket.

[snapper1982]

This is a complex issue that goes beyond what each individual's perception of what a turkey is worth.  But first, let's clarify a few points.

As Hobbes pointed out, non-migratory wildlife in each state is "owned" by the citizens of the state.  That includes wildlife (with some exceptions) that is both on public and private lands.  Hunting for that wildlife is not a "right".  It is a privilege that is legally granted by the citizens of the states to the state's citizens, as well as to non-residents as the states allow. 

As most state wildlife agencies are funded through hunting/fishing license sales, those agencies are naturally going to set fees at a level to insure the agency is adequately funded, while at the same time making sure the "resource" (turkey population) is managed properly.  Those fees will be set to a degree on "supply and demand", but most agencies also take into consideration the concept that fees should be reasonable so that the "average citizen" can participate. 

Each of us has our own perception of what is reasonable and what is not, as well as how much we are willing to spend to pursue our passion as turkey hunters.  For me personally, when I contemplate the overall expense of traveling to another state to hunt, an extra $50-$100 bucks for the license is irrelevant.  For the enjoyment I get from the experience, that license fee cost is a drop in the bucket.

Very well said.

[MerriamMac]

So the white man comes to the America, over populates it, rapes it of resources, systematically kills off the vast majority of native peoples and steals their land..... and now I have you telling me the legalities of this system. Thanks.

I believe in conservation and ethical hunting, not making money off of out of state hunters. Im american, your american, were all american. You dont have to pay extra to drive thru nm of fl or any other state. The same  should be with hunting different states. Unfortunately it's too late to simplify this issue thanks to overpopulation, bureaucracy and lack of respect for open space and public land...... 3000 for a sheep tag, 1000 for a elk tag, 450 for a deer tag, turkey 180......yep definitely set up for a working man on a budget..... if you like paying for hunts move to Texas and hunt high fence. Lol

[MerriamMac]

Its time to make the general public pay and sponsor state game agencies. The highways and cities are more of detriment to our wildgame than is managed hunting....

Besides it was marketing hunting that destroyed our populations of wild game not sportsmen!

[GobbleNut]

Okay,...so we all know what happened back in the sixteenth thru nineteenth century in America.  We get it. ...And before man's predecessors migrated to North and South America across the Bering Strait, there supposedly were no humans here at all.  So why don't we just all go back to Europe and Asia and leave the America's to their "original inhabitants"? 

The point is that we cannot change history, and we certainly cannot go back a few centuries to right whatever injustices might have been done in the past.  We work with the system we have in place now, "legalities" and all. 

I fully agree that the common man is getting the "short end of the stick" in terms of some hunting opportunities.  I live in New Mexico where that reality is probably the worst in the country with some species such as elk. 

The discussion here, however, is whether paying a couple of hundred dollars as a non-resident to hunt turkeys is out of line.  I don't think it is for the enjoyment I get out of it.  But, then again, that is just one person's opinion. 

[Dr Juice]

Okay,...so we all know what happened back in the sixteenth thru nineteenth century in America.  We get it. ...And before man's predecessors migrated to North and South America across the Bering Strait, there supposedly were no humans here at all.  So why don't we just all go back to Europe and Asia and leave the America's to their "original inhabitants"? 

The point is that we cannot change history, and we certainly cannot go back a few centuries to right whatever injustices might have been done in the past.  We work with the system we have in place now, "legalities" and all. 

I fully agree that the common man is getting the "short end of the stick" in terms of some hunting opportunities.  I live in New Mexico where that reality is probably the worst in the  with some species such as elk. 

The discussion here, however, is whether paying a couple of hundred dollars as a non-resident to hunt turkeys is out of line.  I don't think it is for the enjoyment I get out of it.  But, then again, that is just one person's opinion.

Well put Sir. I could have not done a finer job articulating it.

[hobbes]

MerriamMac, I believe you are trying to relate a few too many issues to the cost of a nonresident turkey tag.  Some of them aren't even relevant.  If there is more to the "white man" comment than just a general statement, that argument is better suited for somewhere other than a turkey hunting forum (in my opinion).

Making money and paying the bills are too vastly different things.  The last I looked, most game agencies were barely getting by.

[MerriamMac]

Id give just about everything to hunt Turkey's, that doesn't manke it  right. .....I'm white btw, Swedish and italian to be exact and I was raised a military brat and served as well. Ive perpetually moved around this country since i was born. This whole out of state thing is ridiculous on so many levels, I could write a ten page paper on this but ill save y'all and me the headache.

[MerriamMac]

Even though we may differ on this topic, I still love you all the same!

[hobbes]