First of all I am an avid fisherman and Hunter, all monies collected should go directly to that organization and its supporters not to some beaurocrat ?sp, with nothing better to do than sit in a chair all day making decisions with " the people's money". When I go home to PA to hunt, even though I hunt on my families property, I pay for an out of state liscence, because I know that the money will go back into conservation for wildlife habitat and keeping hunting property open to the public, as well as protecting the resource. I know this because my dad was a farm game manager and Deputy Game Warden for 25 + years.
Since I have moved to MA I have heard talk about a saltwater fishing liscence for the past several years. I agree with you JohnR that the money and I mean all of the money should go back into the fisheries. NOT INTO SOMETHING ELSE!!!!! After all it is the angler who is paying the fee, not all American's!!!
I would like to know what the logic is in giving the money to something else, when we have lost access, have had declining, if not desimated fishing stocks, have to fight all the time about the fish,fowl and whatever the name of it ACT, just to be able to wet a line and it is supposed to be a LAW. Plus alot of research that could be done to maybe help the commercial/recreational fishermen work together to preserve this resource without fighting about who should get what.
In my opinion I would rather they make the Striped Bass a game fish than create a Saltwater Liscence that will do nothing to protect this great species and many others.
OK I have to stop now before I go Balisitic!!!!!!
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