I don't have an issue paying a higher NR license fee but the $100 extra on top of a $50 tag fee on top of a $300 license fee is getting tough… I own land so I'm not stopping hunting but there will be those that stop or just forgo the license. IMO, those lost fees will be recouped most likely through higher residence fees eventually.
Our resident licenses are CHEAP!!!
$45 for all deer and turkey any weapon, any season except velvet season... another $10 for that. WMA permit another $15. Saltwater fishing another $15. State duck another $10.
Everybody asked me why I didn't buy a lifetime license years ago... because annual licenses are so cheap here, esp when I was only deer and turkey hunting on private and not duck hunting or saltwater fishing. I was paying only $45 per year to hunt and fish (not saltwater and not ducks).
So a little increase wouldn't be a deal breaker. When I left TN in 2001, I was paying $100 way back.then for the sportsman license.