"I support wildlife"

[Swivelhead]

The club concept AZG&F has recently implemented sticks in my craw. I think the whole thing is baloney. Just who the heck do they think pays the bills for the department?

 

Sent them my thoughts:

As a hunter & fisherman, I already spend a substantial amount of money purchasing permits, licenses, etc. annually. I have a couple issues with being shaken down for another $25 for the "I support wildlife" revenue scheme.

#1. The AZ access map: Providing outdoorsmen with (up till now) free mapping defining land ownership boundaries reduces conflict for outdoorsmen, LEO's and landowners. I truly believe this portion of the Access map should be available to all at no cost.

#2. I'd like to think "I support wildlife" is aimed at non-consumptive outdoor users who are currently experiencing a free ride on the back's of consumptive outdoor users. Consider extending the benefits of this new program (no magazine subscription) to anybody who has a current hunting or fishing license.

Your thoughts?

[azelkhunter2]

If you don't want to be a paid member don't. You can still get your draw info and all your other info without being a member. And the current version of the map will still be available to non members. Enhanced services come with a cost....Are you of the same opinion when enhanced services are provided by your cable- phone- Internet - ect.....Should there never be a cost increase for added services. NO one is holding a gun to your head and making you pay anything......The majority of those that I have spoken too will pay it for no other reason the it is a donation to the wildlife in are state. If you are content with the current level of service then don't pay and continue to enjoy what you already receive. Those of us that see a benefit to the cost will pay.....

[Swivelhead]

If you don't want to be a paid member don't. You can still get your draw info and all your other info without being a member. And the current version of the map will still be available to non members. Enhanced services come with a cost....Are you of the same opinion when enhanced services are provided by your cable- phone- Internet - ect.....Should there never be a cost increase for added services. NO one is holding a gun to your head and making you pay anything......The majority of those that I have spoken too will pay it for no other reason the it is a donation to the wildlife in are state. If you are content with the current level of service then don't pay and continue to enjoy what you already receive. Those of us that see a benefit to the cost will pay.....

A week ago, one could get wildlife water locations and land ownership on the free version. Now, if you want these "enhanced services" you will pay for it by becoming a member. They did a takeaway or to put it another way "we got serviced".

[azelkhunter2]

I was able to get updated water locations as of this morning for free. If they upgraded the mapping software and or water maps and it is a different version then it reasons that there would be a charge for an upgraded version

[azelkhunter2]

When you refer to non- consumptive users are you referring to campers-hikers-rafters-mountain bikers- outdoor photographers-national park visitors-ect....Because if you are those non-consumptive users out number us hunters/ fisherman by over 40 to 1 and put a whole lot more money back into this state then we do.

[Swivelhead]

I was able to get updated water locations as of this morning for free. If they upgraded the mapping software and or water maps and it is a different version then it reasons that there would be a charge for an upgraded version

I stand corrected, AZGF wildlife water locations are still on the free version. Land ownership (previously free) now requires a $25 annual fee for access.

[Swivelhead]

When you refer to non- consumptive users are you referring to campers-hikers-rafters-mountain bikers- outdoor photographers-national park visitors-ect....Because if you are those non-consumptive users out number us hunters/ fisherman by over 40 to 1 and put a whole lot more money back into this state then we do.

Non consumptive users do not fund AZGF game branch. Non game branch gets some Heritage fund money from the AZ lottery. Some money does come to the department from gas taxes (OHV, Marine use). Pittman-Robertson act reimburses Federal money. The bulk of the departments budget comes from hunters & fishermen. General population outnumbers us but their contributions don't fund wildlife management.

[azelkhunter2]

I am well aware of how the department is funded. I am speaking about all funds that benefit all outdoor activities for all that use the outdoors both res and nonresident users. Non fishing recreational boaters out number hunters and fisherman put together here in Az. Are you saying they should be charged a fee because the don't buy a hunting or fishing license. The dept manages over 9000 species and thousands of miles of lakes and waterways that are used by non hunters and fisherman. Yes the money does not go directly to the dept but we as outdoorsman benefit greatly from the money they spend. To tax them when they put more money back into wildlife then us hunters Makes no sense

[Str8Shot]

Unless they have really upgraded the map.. IT Sucks IMO ! You would be better off Downloading the onXmaps HUNT map for AZ and using it with Basecamp for Garmin.

 

What other services are gained by Joining other than the enhanced map?

[Phil Beavers]

Unless they have really upgraded the map.. IT Sucks IMO ! You would be better off Downloading the onXmaps HUNT map for AZ and using it with Basecamp for Garmin.

 

What other services are gained by Joining other than the enhanced map?

Thats what I use but I also have the AZ chip for my Rhino 650...Its good stuff

[Swivelhead]

I am well aware of how the department is funded. I am speaking about all funds that benefit all outdoor activities for all that use the outdoors both res and nonresident users. Non fishing recreational boaters out number hunters and fisherman put together here in Az. Are you saying they should be charged a fee because the don't buy a hunting or fishing license. The dept manages over 9000 species and thousands of miles of lakes and waterways that are used by non hunters and fisherman. Yes the money does not go directly to the dept but we as outdoorsman benefit greatly from the money they spend. To tax them when they put more money back into wildlife then us hunters Makes no sense

Explain to me how outdoorsmen "benefit greatly from the money they spend" as it applies to wildlife management.

[Str8Shot]

I would pay double that if every dollar went to gaining us Better access and it did " I Support Hunter's access"

 

 

 

As it is, I see no additional value , unless they can show every dollar spent is towards improving and maintaining our Big Game Herds, something I doubt they could or will do ... I would hate to think of those funds being shoved into the same account as the rest and programs not directly related to improving the quality of hunting in state getting increases in their budgets... Not enough Transparency as it stands and a Lot of money wasted IMO ...

[azelkhunter2]

I am off to a waterhole project in 24 b.....I get back to this on Monday when I'm back in town....