Why the comparatively steep license price?

[Whiskeygolf]

So I am new to East TN and have lived in GA and NC before. Compared to those two states the annual sportsmans license here in Tn is about 100 dollars over priced and I was curious if anyone might have some insight as to why it is much higher the some neighboring states? Also since South Cherokee is the closest wma to me I can't help but notice you can only hunt it for half the amount of days that the actual state wide season is and I find that frustrating and hard to understand. Any insight would be greatly appreciated, thank you.

 

[Carlos Viagra]

Great question.

You may not be aware, but the Agency was planning to have a 28% increase in our license fees, that was supposed to go into effect in June of this year. For some reason it was turned down.
Imagine if that had gone through as planned.

I believe they've got way too many overpaid and privileged folks in the Nashville office, that's my opinion.

 

[Whiskeygolf]

That sounds about right to me to, and I'm sure glad it didn't!

 

[ImThere]

In before someone says $.50 a day is cheap.

 

[PickettSFHunter]

In before "it's cheap for what you get". In before "but we get no general funds and are therefore better managed than anywhere else because politics stays out"

 

[TnThunder]

If we only could have florida resident prices, $17 bucks for annual hunting. And it's not like they are doing a lot of extra habitat improvements for the as much as we pay.

 

[Ski]

I can't complain. Within 30min of my house are numerous WMA's including a managed dove field, and multiple lakes for fishing and some have duck blinds. I don't always get my money's worth from my license but the opportunity is certainly there.

 

[scn]

Don't forget all of the shiny new trucks.

 

[brassmagnet]

Don't forget all of the shiny new trucks.

Awe, naw, You wouldn't want to be rescued by a guy in an old, ugly truck would you??

 

[timberjack86]

So I am new to East TN and have lived in GA and NC before. Compared to those two states the annual sportsmans license here in Tn is about 100 dollars over priced and I was curious if anyone might have some insight as to why it is much higher the some neighboring states? Also since South Cherokee is the closest wma to me I can't help but notice you can only hunt it for half the amount of days that the actual state wide season is and I find that frustrating and hard to understand. Any insight would be greatly appreciated, thank you.

Welcome to the site! I'm your neighbor over in Delano. If you like to archery hunt theirs a wma in our County that is archery only.

 

[mike243]

If you look at the taxes in the state they are lower overall than the states you listed, TWRA was set up many years ago in a effort to stop politicians from grabbing the revenue generated by sportsmen in the state. The biologists pretty much ran the department and did a good job imo, recently things have changed and somebody in the state government has figured out a way to steer the state into the baiting business and night hunting. At some point in the near future I see the state taking over TWRA and the funds they have banked spent on things not relevant to the hunters in the state. It is broken down to help keep the costs down by not paying for ways you hunt or fish. the whole ball of wax does cost more. Times are changing and seems to be for the worse for the sportsmen of the state, hunting and fishing is being replaced by soccer and other sports that can be timed to not inconvenience moms and dads that have hobby's and agenda's that have nothing to do with the outdoors. Look up the tax burden on all the states, Tn ranks around the 45th or so for low taxes.

 

[useyourbow]

It is inexpensive when you compare it to the state income taxes you pay as a resident of NC or Georgia.

 

[quackaholic]

The only real problem with our license fees is where it's spent. I could care less about the endangered goober forked red twill blackbird. He isn't a species that is hunted. Let environmentalists take care of that crap. Sportfish and game animals are the only things our money should go for. Fine if it benefits sasquatch, but until he is a game animal let him find a non governmental agency to take care of him.

 

[mike243]

You do understand they are responsible for all the animals of the state not just the ones we hunt? there are federal laws regarding all animals and somebody has to be responsible for enforcing them.

 

[quackaholic]

The word you used "federal" is key there. Not hunting license fees. And because they are responsible for non huntable animals, our license fees are supporting parts of the agency that you are unable to see. Not really saying that habitat shouldn't be managed properly for all species of animals. I'm saying our license fees shouldn't support staff protecting specific species. We dont have staff that our concentrated on flying squirrels for instance. But we do have for other non game species. They should be funded by the state and federal funding in cooperation with the TWRA.

 

[Whiskeygolf]

Welcome to the site! I'm your neighbor over in Delano. If you like to archery hunt theirs a wma in our County that is archery.

I have seen that on the interactive map it's actually really close to me so I am definitely planning on checking it out, have you hunted there?

 

[FatCat]

Probably go up again next year. I think of it as taking care of our wildlife every time.

 

[mike243]

The word you used "federal" is key there. Not hunting license fees. And because they are responsible for non huntable animals, our license fees are supporting parts of the agency that you are unable to see. Not really saying that habitat shouldn't be managed properly for all species of animals. I'm saying our license fees shouldn't support staff protecting specific species. We dont have staff that our concentrated on flying squirrels for instance. But we do have for other non game species. They should be funded by the state and federal funding in cooperation with the TWRA.

The feds do provide funds for a lot of different things, there is probably a list somewhere but finding anything is a hot mess these days.

 

[mike243]

Federal funding to states for wildlife management

Federal funding to states for wildlife management is primarily provided through the State and Tribal Wildlife Grants Program and the Competitive State Wildlife Grant Program. These programs aim to support proactive wildlife conservation efforts, including research, surveys, species and habitat management, and recreational experiences. The grants are distributed based on a formula that considers land area and population estimates of each state and territory. State agencies must provide a matching contribution of at least 25% of the project cost for planning and at least 35% for conservation implementation. The funding is used to address a wide range of conservation needs, especially for species not hunted or fished, and to ensure the availability of sufficient habitat for these species.

U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service+1

For more detailed information on the eligibility, funding amounts, and deadlines for these grants, interested parties can visit the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service's official website or contact the appropriate grant announcement contact.

FederalGrants.com

U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
​

State Wildlife Grants - U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service

FederalGrants.com
​

Competitive State Wildlife Grant Program - Federal Grants




View all

 

[Mugwamper]

Buy a Sportsman license and forget about it. I bought one 13 years ago and my average $$ per year spent is now about $75. It goes down about $7 per year. So in 10 years I'm hunting "free". I pay no Quota hunt fees and never worry about having the "right" license.

 

[348Winchester]

Don't forget all of the shiny new trucks.

And tactical gear for the heroes. Why the hell does a game warden need a vest?

 

[348Winchester]

Awe, naw, You wouldn't want to be rescued by a guy in an old, ugly truck would you??

Rescued? In reality, how often does that happen?

 

[348Winchester]

If you look at the taxes in the state they are lower overall than the states you listed, TWRA was set up many years ago in a effort to stop politicians from grabbing the revenue generated by sportsmen in the state. The biologists pretty much ran the department and did a good job imo, recently things have changed and somebody in the state government has figured out a way to steer the state into the baiting business and night hunting. At some point in the near future I see the state taking over TWRA and the funds they have banked spent on things not relevant to the hunters in the state. It is broken down to help keep the costs down by not paying for ways you hunt or fish. the whole ball of wax does cost more. Times are changing and seems to be for the worse for the sportsmen of the state, hunting and fishing is being replaced by soccer and other sports that can be timed to not inconvenience moms and dads that have hobby's and agenda's that have nothing to do with the outdoors. Look up the tax burden on all the states, Tn ranks around the 45th or so for low taxes.

It may be 45th but a burden is just that, a burden.

 

[chris1976]

Rescued? In reality, how often does that happen?

I'm not sure on the frequency that game wardens are in a situation that they have to save someone BUT god forbid YOU are ever in a life threatening position and need saving, I guarantee that officer that you hold such disdain for will put his life on the line to save yours! Would you do the same for him?

 

[RedDawg]

And tactical gear for the heroes. Why the hell does a game warden need a vest?

Google "game warden shot" and look at the list of idiots and criminals out there that they have to deal with.

 

[348Winchester]

I'm not sure on the frequency that game wardens are in a situation that they have to save someone BUT god forbid YOU are ever in a life threatening position and need saving, I guarantee that officer that you hold such disdain for will put his life on the line to save yours! Would you do the same for him?

Yes, because he's a human and has some level of value.

I have a tremendous amount of disdain for most armed government workers because they have earned it. I also have even greater respect for those that are true peace officers. The latter are very few and getting fewer.

The tatted up, 'roided out, kitted out, robo speakin', high on "authoritah" cop deserves no such respect. He's out to sling his authority and mulct the public for the city, county, state or whatever.

 

[timberjack86]

I have seen that on the interactive map it's actually really close to me so I am definitely planning on checking it out, have you hunted there?

Yes

 

[348Winchester]

Google "game warden shot" and look at the list of idiots and criminals out there that they have to deal with.

There have always been criminals and idiots. If they believe they need one they should buy it for themself.

If one is that scared because the job is that dangerous, then find work that is not as risky.

 

[Gravey]

Bunch of whiners!!!

Buy a lifetime license and forget about it.

 

[Planking]

And tactical gear for the heroes. Why the hell does a game warden need a vest?

I've been fighting the scum for four years at my dang home because they can't do much to stop road hunting anymore. If i had a vest i would wear one. They are all cowards and sociopaths.