From what to what? $5 to $10? $100 to $200? One may be reasonable, the other not. And where does the money go? In Illinois the hunting license fees go directly to the Illinois DNR, which has a very good reputation for effective action, political independence and lack of waste among the state's sportsmen.
For example, resident elk doubles from $30 to $60. DOW has an increasing number of enviros on its board who feel that non-game programs should be just as high a priority as hunting and fishing programs. So I don't assume this funding will be used to benefit sportsmen.
I don't know what a storage law is.
Mandatory storage of firearms. Um, did you happen to read the article?
It's none of whose business?
The government, it's none of their business how I keep my guns.
I don't accept anyone's judgement uncritically, especially someone I've never heard of.
If Gordon wrote the bill, there is no way it is good for gun owners.
That help, or were you pulling my chain?
That doesn't seem to be an unreasonable amount of money. How does it compare to the rest of the expenses involved in an elk hunt?
DOW has an increasing number of enviros on its board who feel that non-game programs should be just as high a priority as hunting and fishing programs.
Well, I have no problem with putting a high priority on non-game programs. As a Scoutmaster who spends about a month a year under canvas (O.K., usually ripstop nylon ...), most of my outdoor time is spent in non-game programs. But I can see it reasonable to object to game-related revenues being used for non-game programs. The money from hunting/fishing/etc. licenses should go to improve those programs.
So I don't assume this funding will be used to benefit sportsmen.
What's the current actual allocation of those fees? What is being proposed for the allocation of the new fees?
Mandatory storage of firearms. Um, did you happen to read the article?
Yes. Here's what the link says:
Monday, February 02, 2004 The General Assembly is currently considering House Bill 1208, which would increase resident hunting license fees and provide for automatic increases in the future. NRA-ILA is currently working with legislators in Colorado to find a solution to the Department of Wildlife`s budget issues that is amenable to hunters. HB 1208 was reported to be out of the House Finance Committee yesterday with some favorable amendments, but will need more work on the floor. Please check www.NRAILA.org for updates on this legislation. Also, Senate Bill 158 has been introduced by Senator Ken Gordon (D-35). This bill concerns the mandatory storage of firearms, and has been sent to the State Veterans & Military Affairs Committee. Please call you Senator at (303) 866-2316 and ask him to oppose this measure.
That didn't tell me much. Are we talking, then, about things such as requiring trigger locks or gun safes, etc?
If Gordon wrote the bill, there is no way it is good for gun owners. That help, or were you pulling my chain?
That helps. I have no idea who Gordon is, or what his agenda and public positions are.