Weather, wolves, politics and the economy are slamming a quadruple whammy on the budgets of fish and game agencies in Idaho and Montana.

Nonresidents are no longer clamoring for the quota of permits the states offer for their fabled deer and elk hunts despite the standout hunting opportunities.

Nonresidents are cash cows for state budgets. Just as they boost university tuition revenues, nonresidents pay up to 15 times more than residents for the privilege to hunt elk.

While some locals welcome less competition in their favorite hunting areas, local economies are feeling the pain, too. Hardest hit are rural towns where nonresident hunters book motel rooms, eat at restaurants and support numerous other businesses with out-of-area dollars.

Losses are huge in license revenue alone. Rich Landers, SR

Do you regularly purchase fishing/hunting licenses?

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