Non-resident hunters that buy a second elk tag typically are good enough hunters to fill it. This means that during bow season they may harvest two mature bulls. As a resident my cost for a second elk tag goes up by a factor of 13.5. It would seem only fair to: (1) charge a non-resident 2 or 3 times the cost of the first tag for the second elk tag or (2) limit his second kill to a cow if there was no price increase. I don't believe other states even allow a non-resident to shot a second elk and their non-resident fees for the first tag are typically higher than Idaho. If a non-resident wants a second tag then lets have them pay a higher price. What say you??
Answer:
That's a suggestion that hasn't been considered to date. High cost of tags is one of three reasons nonresident hunters gave us for no longer coming to Idaho to hunt (wolf impacts on elk and the economy were the other two reasons cited in a 2009 survey). Charging two or three times more for a second tag might discourage more nonresidents from coming to Idaho. Nonresident hunters spend approximately $127 million each year in Idaho, a significant contribution to the state's economy, particularly in rural parts of our state.
Answered on:
Monday, June 4, 2012 - 12:40 PM MDT