Vote put off on hunting fee increase

BOISE – Despite nearly overwhelming support at a two-hour hearing, state lawmakers said Thursday they weren’t ready to vote to increase Idaho’s hunting and fishing license fees.

“My people have been priced out of hunting and fishing,” declared Rep. Lenore Barrett, R-Challis. “They want to know what’s being done with the money.”

The House Resources Committee voted unanimously to delay a decision on the fee increase until March 1. The committee’s vote came just hours after Fish and Game Director Steve Huffaker appealed to legislative budget writers, saying the first fee increase in five years is needed just to keep the department afloat.

“We’re not trying to get ahead of the curve – we’re just trying to catch up,” Huffaker said.

The Fish and Game Department receives no state tax funds. It is entirely supported by fees paid by sportsmen, along with federal grants, donations and special license plate fees.

“They’re not out there spending money foolishly,” said Doug Schleis, one of 15 hunters, anglers and wildlife advocates who testified in favor of the fee increase. “I haven’t heard anything negative on it.”

Rod Davidson said, “You get what you pay for, and in this state, we get some of the best hunting and fishing in the world.”

Just two people testified against the increase.

Under the proposal, a combination fishing and hunting license for an Idaho resident would rise from $29 to $33, while a non-resident combination license would go up from $180 to $204.75. Idaho residents would pay $25 for a fishing license, up from $22, and $11.50 for a hunting license, up from $10.

Overall, Idaho’s Fish and Game fees would increase 13.7 percent.

Members of the resources committee said they wanted to know exactly where the fee increases would go.

When Huffaker appeared before the Joint Finance-Appropriations Committee Thursday morning to give his annual budget presentation, that panel’s members had similar questions about his entire budget.

Huffaker’s budget presentation included two extended video clips of Fish and Game activities, and a strong pitch for the fee increase.

“This isn’t where the fee increase happens,” said Rep. Maxine Bell, R-Jerome, House Appropriations chairwoman.

Senate Finance Chairman Dean Cameron, R-Rupert, told Huffaker, “Very entertaining presentation, but we didn’t get into your budget. We need to address that.”

Cameron questioned plans to spend part of the fee increase money on a public opinion survey and increased communications. Other lawmakers questioned the efficiency of a new vehicle fleet management program, asked if administration costs were too high and wondered if the department couldn’t get more donations.

Huffaker said Colorado and Montana are seeking 50 percent increases in their hunting and fishing fees this year.

“We think hunting and fishing in Idaho are a bargain,” he said.