Sept. 27, 1999
Nancy Hadley, Chairperson
Idaho Fish and Game Commission
4325 Whiskeyjack Road
Sandpoint, Idaho 83864
Dear Commissioner Hadley:
On behalf of the members of the Idaho state council of Trout Unlimited and our 1200 members statewide I wish to inform you that we support the
September 15, 1999 hunting and fishing license increase proposal. In addition we believe it would be wise for the Legislature and the Idaho Fish
and Game Commission to consider the following items now or at a latter date:
1. A substantial increase in the license fees for senior citizens. As we look at demographic and income data there is every reason to suggest that
many seniors are capable of paying more then is suggested in the proposal. Perhaps you will agree that the senior fee should be at lease one-half
of the regular resident fee. It is our view that senior’s are both willing and able to pay for their fair share of the benefits derived from the wildlife
assets of the state.
2. Trout Unlimited would like to see a "Wild Trout" stamp added to the list of special tags used in this state. What we invasion is a special stamp
or tag that would be used by anglers in designated wild trout waters. Each of these wild trout streams protects native and wild fish and each has
special regulations that are aimed at protecting that segment of the states wildlife resource. We are willing to assist in paying for the protection
of these waters. Perhaps with time the anglers who fish and keep hatchery fish will be willing to help pay for the cost of hatcheries by use of a
special tag such as a "catch and keep" tag. At any rate we are suggesting that those of us who fish for wild and native trout in the designated
wild trout waters would like to help pay for that privilege.
3. Idaho Trout Unlimited would like to encourage the legislature to consider returning a portion of the sales tax-revenues that are generated from
hunting and fishing activities to the Idaho Department of Fish and Game. We suggest that this is both reasonable and appropriate considering
that the state’s wildlife resources generated the tax in the first place.
I trust that these recommendations will be helpful to you and the other commission members. If I can be of assistance please feel free to contact me.
Sincerely,
Robert D. Dunnagan