Nov. 02–THE ISSUE: A legislative committee has agreed to sponsor a bill that would hike hunting and fishing fees in Wyoming.
WE BELIEVE: This would be a good start, but the Game and Fish deserves a better, more consistent funding strategy.
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The Wyoming Game and Fish Department is once again casting its line into the Legislature’s lake, hoping for more than a nibble this time.
The agency that oversees hunting and fishing in the state came up empty in the last legislative session and was forced to cut nearly 7 percent of its budget. Call it the funding that got away.
Game and Fish has lowered its expectations this session, seeking just a 10 percent increase in fees as compared to 22 percent sought last session. Even so, the climb will be steeper as the upcoming legislative session is a budget session, meaning any proposed bill would have to clear a two-thirds majority just to be introduced in the state House.
The Joint Travel, Recreation, Wildlife and Cultural Resources Interim Committee has agreed to sponsor a bill to raise fees, which would generate around $3.5 million for Game and Fish, and we support the action. The funds would stop further cuts in services on top of what the agency was forced to make last year.
But lawmakers might not be so receptive. Many continue to pander to sportsmen, which is why fees have not been raised since 2008. At the same time, they have refused to dip into the general fund to support Game and Fish or to create a permanent funding strategy for the agency.
Whether fees are raised, sportsman will feel the bite. Game and Fish has trimmed more than $6 million from its budget in the last two years, cutting back on services, including stocking fish in lakes, improving boat ramps and acquiring land.
Sportsmen now have fewer opportunities for fishing and hunting in the state, and further cuts could be devastating.
Hunting and fishing fees provide 80 percent of the department’s revenue. At the same time, costs have risen from inflation and due to more demands put on the agency from mandated initiatives, many from the Legislature itself. The agency controls just 40 percent of its budget; lawmakers handle the other 60 percent
Game and Fish may have a friend in Gov. Matt Mead. The governor recently mentioned possibly increasing funds to the department through excess revenue from investment earnings. That would be just a temporary boost; we would rather see a more permanent plan to fund the agency.
Raising fees on hunting and fishing in the state is a good start, but lawmakers should consider other options as well. One possible solution is to enact a statewide lodging tax, which would more evenly distribute costs among all outdoor enthusiasts. That way, hunters and fishers wouldn’t be the only ones burdened by higher fees.
Another option would be a regular flow from the general fund. Perhaps lawmakers could redivert some of the money going into the Permanent Mineral Trust Fund toward Game and Fish.
Steve Kilpatrick, the executive director of the Wyoming Wildlife Federation, said sportsmen and wildlife groups spoke in favor of the fee increase last week in Diamondville. He said they are willing to pay more if it helps to preserve Wyoming’s natural resources.
We couldn’t agree more. Five years of frozen funds is long enough. But until the Legislature steps up, Game and Fish will keep dangling like a worm on a hook.