Holy Cow! Alaska Fees Doubled in 2017
Moose
Wowzie!
Im glad Im going this year - see link
Very disappointing. My timing seems to at least be consistent.
Consistently BAD!
Typical Cnelk, though ... you're going to have a great hunt!
Unbelievable. But...they know that most of the folks that take these trips are well off and won't be deterred by a simple doubling of tag fees. Just watch Canada Provinces to follow.
No good reason for a hike like that. Sickening.
X2 cnelk...headed back up there myself in August.
The fees have been long overdue for an increase.
Compared to lower 48 tags, they are still a bargain...
Maybe its an attempt to get people to move to Alaska.... :)
Yes that's crazy, but why the in inconsistency, some double, even triple, some the same.
I don't disagree with the hikes really. They were overdue. These agencies need the money. We'll still pay it. Glad were headed up this year though!
Agreed..glad I'm headed there this year myself.
Non-resident Alien? Aren't all alien's by definition non-residents?
Prices seem relatively similar to other western states. The proof will be in the proverbial pudding - will they sell 1/2 of the licenses next year or more than 1/2 of the current number?
SteveB,
If you were familiar with the fiscal crisis facing the state of Alaska you'd understand the hike. It's not exactly unreasonable.
I challenge you to show me another state where you can buy a moose tag as a non-resident for $400.
Montana is $1250 for moose sheep and goat.
Nick Muche has got to be pleased with his sense of timing....
Low oil prices have really hurt the state.... Looks like in more ways than one.
Jake,
Our tags for big game as residents are still free. 94$ lets me hunt, fish and trap all year.
I love it.
Still comparatively cheap???? $160 mandatory hunting license for long odds for the most part.Cheap is not coming to mind.
So you see, these increases ARE worth it! We are all subsidizing Nick's hunting adventures!
That much increase in one shot is somewhat unpleasant but overall I'd say those fees are not outrageous.
I am glad I am on for this year as well!
I can understand the need for funding the G&F but the additional cost associated with hunting in Alaska is a fairly big chunk of change so trying to compare it to Montana isn't really apples to apples. I am not going to cry over the 100% increase but that is substantial anyway you look at it, I believe the state should do what it needs to and non residents can pay or not.
Ouch . That hurts for the common man. Looks like I will only get two deer tags. Oh well. It's worth it to me. Just have to work a little harder. No way it will stop me from Going. Best of luck . Hunt
Quit rubbing it in Nick!
I had a chance to go to AK back in the late 90's and I turned it down. Then a month later they gave me orders to Korea. I guess you live and learn!
Amoebus.........Before my wife became a US citizen, she was a "resident-alien". I have a friend from NZ who married an American and he lives in CA with his wife. Until he becomes a US citizen he is a "resident-alien". A "non-resident alien" is a foreigner who does not reside in the US.
Pat, for sure Canada is cheaper on tag cost. Having just paid for my Moose, Sheep, Caribou, and Wolf tag in NWT..... with the currency conversion rate they were only about 75.00 each. Only problem is, we can't go DIY!
Ouch i better start setting aside a few more bucks for my caribou hunt in Jan.
It's actually been a long time coming. Last time they changed any fees at all was in 1993 I believe. Congress up here has tried pushing through all sorts of things in the past--increase license fees, charge residents for tags,etc... But, typical politicians--they don't want to do anything to upset the herd so eventually nothing got done for over 20 years. Now, the state is hurting for cash--so, they finally came to some agreement that noone was happy with, but could live with. It doesn't seem so out of line to me--I just paid for a $2,000 sheep tag in CO--AK tags are a bargain. a moose tag costs less than most elk tags in L48. That said, I am one that would vote for residents paying tag fees--if it was up to a vote--which it isn't.
Pretty easy way to make them come back down. God Bless
Draw odds will increase! Glass is half full!!!!
Honestly when Colorado increased fees everyone said they would boycott and not come, we have more hunters than ever
Guarantee:
When oil prices go back up, the tags prices will not go down.
I'll be there this fall deer hunting and next spring bear hunting. Pretty sure my moose hunting is done though.
I missed the thread where someone said wow... caribou and moose tags up there are half the cost of lower 48 elk tags. What a deal!
Another $400 isn't a big deal in the big picture now is it?
BUT... ha ha Nick, like some resident elk tags in the lower 48 I think the resident tag prices up there are also overdue for an increase. Some states would starve to death over night without non resident license money. if I were a resident I'd have no objection to pitching in a little more toward the game management in my own state. 50 or 100 bucks per species wouldn't bother me at all especially if I didn't have to enter a drawing for it.
UGH! Grizzly tag went from $500 to $1000. Unfortunate but not a huge deal when factored in with the rest of my expenses next May.
Mule, I'd pay a reasonable fee and I think they should be implemented as well however; I don't make the rules.
Probably be more people signing up for the Alaska Airlines credit card to offset the tag fee increases
Pat,
All due respect but I think NL guided for three people and three species would be much more expensive than Alaska DIY for the "same" three species. My simple math says 15K for three people with tags, 1000$ or so per person round trip airfare and a $4500 beaver flight in somewhere. Give or take 15K.
My upcoming NL moose and caribou hunt is darn close to that after I consider flights, tags and trophy/meat care.
Disregard if you meant you could do one guided hunt in NL for the price of tags in AK for three.
Even with the price hike, AK is still ones best option for a true adventure without a guide.
Still cheaper than NR Ia. deer tag and a whole lot more scenic.
Just looking at a Moose tag going from $400 to $800 I don't believe it will stop guys like me from going but it does add up. Might stop someone from picking up an extra tag like wolf or Black Bear! Just my opinion and just that.
What's the price of oil now? Like others said, where else are you going to get a chance at tags like Goat and Sheep at that price...Pay to play!
Ike, read the regs... Please... Thanks!
Alaska is so skewed towards NR in regards to hunting it is ridiculous. NR have more hunting opportunity in this state alone than half of the Lower 48 combined, and for tag prices at half the rate or lower. While doubling all at once is a hard one to swallow, increases are long over due.
There is a simple solution for those tired of the laws being stacked against DIY NR hunting...Move to where you want to hunt like I did. Problem solved.
What is the difference between non resident and non resident alien?
The tag prices alone are still a bargain. But one has to factor in the added cost of logistics when planning for Alaska. The price increase won't stop me....but it might affect the frequency.
Caribou,
nonresident = U.S. citizen from another state.
N.R. Alien = resident of another country.
Like others have said, glad I am going this year. What this will do more than anything I think is keep some people like me from buying that extra, just in case bear tag to go along with me on my moose hunt.
Okay, so Alaska fish and game needs more revenue and they figure they can do what most other state fish and game departments do...make the non-resident pay for it. But wait, isn't this the same Alaska that gives yearly oil royalty payments to all residents? They paid out $1884 to every resident in 2014 but don't have enough money to adequately fund fish and wildlife? Is fish and wildlife not a big revenue generator for the state's economy?
I am a resident in Alaska and so I don't really have too much of a problem with this, especially with the cost of hunting in Colorado where I'm currently stationed. But I do agree that if Alaska is really hurting so badly the could cut out the PFD. We got over 2000 last year. That's 2000 for every resident. So there are other places they could cut on. Just my opinion. I do love that college fund for my kiddos though lol.
Oil money (PFD) is all but gone.
I got to say that $300 for a 60lb deer is a little extreme.
Pretty sure the PFD is going to be cut this year to pay for the budget shortfall. I would prefer they cut down the size of the government, but that doesn't get them reelected. It is unfortunate that you can't downsize government, but what's a career politician to do? Certainly not the right thing. Tag fee increases are a drop in the bucket of their shortfall.
The PFD isn't the state government cutting checks to every citizen each year. It's an investment accumulated over decades of oil surplus worth billions now, and they distribute a cut of the profits to every citizen. It will likely be capped soon to create more money for the state to divert into its budget crisis. They will also likely start a state income tax. Neither will be enough without serious trimming on the states behalf. One sad fact is only 40% give or take of Alaskans work in the first place.
Fish and Game should be a self funded department and should not require donations from other citizens of our state or other branches of government.
You don't come to Alaska to kill a "60 lb deer" for the meat (even though they are closer to 200 lbs and the best tasting venison of any species I've ate yet). You come to Alaska to experience a hunting experience unlike any other place in the USA. And that $300 deer tag is cheaper than ANY other western state I can think of. CO is pushing $400, MT is over $500. Most states are one deer bag limits. Alaska allows you 3-4 bucks.
I think these price hikes are long overdue (which is why they are a doubling which stings being all at once). I think resident tags should have a price attached as well. ADFG is broke and studies aren't being funded as they should. It's time we stop complaining about the decline of our hunting (I'm looking at you sheep hunters) and start coughing up the money necessary to study/develop a plan moving forward.
It will never happen here due to the political map of hunting, but if the state truly wanted to start raking in money off of NR, they would do away with the the guide requirement, Go to a statewide draw for NR Sheep, Bear, and Goat capping the draw at 10-15% of total tags, then require license purchase for application and charge $20 per chance..... Develop the same ponzi scheme that every other western state uses for top end species. Money would POUR in from people wanting a stab at DIY Sheep hunting. It's not always about the money though (as it shouldn't be).
I just hate how guys say a couple hundred dollar increase on tags will influence the frequency of their $5k vacations. If thats the case, you should likely reprioritize financially in the first place. (Or cut back on number of tags per trip). I'm not for how expensive tags are becoming in general, but Alaska is broke and it is the best hunting destination in our country. It's time it starts charging residents of other states close to the astronomical prices their state charges us Alaskans for coming there.
Math isn't my strong point, but I believe those little deer will now cost you 460 to hunt.
I always thought AK's prices were low, but man, they fixed that in a hurry.
I think some of these DOW offices need to get a grip on their finances.
This happens when you pay oil companies $800B/year to "invest" in jobs...:-/ :-( X-O
How's the PFD "gone"??? I thought the principle in that account was protected by law? I think that comment might be incorrect. From what I can remember, the PFD is just an earnings payout. It's literally a dividend.
I can say for a fact that this price increase will effect the arbitrary "add-on" tags people used to pick up "just because". I don't think it'll stop a single person from hunting Alaska.
All I know is I would have a lot more money if I would have moved to Alaska when I was 19 like I wanted to. A greedy ex wife would not exist in my world. Lol Either way 2 more years and I will be going to alaska for my first hunt there. Increase in tags or not.
I was gonna buy Ferraris for a few close friends but the prices went up so I guess they'll have to settle for Porches. You guys feel bad for me right? wah wah
Seriously.... don't you think 35 thousand dollar Stone sheep hunts would be something more legitimate to bitch about?
And what state or business doesn't rely on customer revenue to keep their chin above water? Rising prices seem to be ok except when it comes to licenses and game management. Everyone feels so entitled to everything these days. The cost of a moose tag after it goes up will be the same as 3 nights in some hotel where you can stare at a beach and spend $20 each on pina coladas but to some people it's worth it. Your priorities are up to you even though we all have limits. I'd like to hunt moose, sheep, and goats every year but I'm not mad because I can't and I don't blame it on anyone else.
$300 for a deer is excessive? Really! Check out CO, WY, MT, ID and others.
These price increases are long overdue.
And what is also long overdue is for AK residents, (me) to pay a reasonable amount for out hunting tags.
I agree LKH. As a resident I am willing to pay a reasonable share.
The plus side for non-residents is that as long as they continue to fund all of ADF&G and residents pay basically nothing, it will ensure the state continues to keep plenty of NR tags available. Can't bite the only hand that feeds you.
I think 300 for a deer is fine....going to kodiak in 18 and I'm totally ok with that compared to some lower 48 states NR tags!! Plus if I can still shoot multiple bucks it's still a win
Well, AK was the lowest in the nation for most of these tags, although I don't know if a doubling was in order. I'm also ok with resident tags costing something, although, they did raise resident lic costs some.
What I don't agree with is raising the cost of a NR wolf tag. That's counter-productive. They should cost like $5 for a 6-pack.
Side note, anyone seeing their permits yet?
Soon Ike. Looking forward to seeing my Brownie tag.
On a side note they left non-resident military the same. Wish I had the chance to get stationed there back then! Probably would have stayed.
Huntingbob, best thing I ever did. But, those military rates only last a year, then you get residency and they are basically all free. It's rough but someone's gotta do it.
Every state should give resident or cheaper rates to active duty service men/women.
Alaska had a LOT more big game available before ol' Nick Muche got stationed at Eielson AFB, moved up here and started killing everything in sight....!
Pete
Better jack up the prices than turn it over to SFW like Utah and have all the best tags skimmed off the top for the auction block!
Corey Rossi would likely be waiting in the wings.
I've never hunted Alaska due to the travel expense but these new increased tag prices are equal to or still lower than all the western states I apply in.
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Greenhorns educate yourselves. Wherever SFW goes, scandals and corruption follow. Write your legislators:
http://kutv.com/news/local/allegations-of-corruption-surround-utah-hungtin-and-conservation-expo
https://www.cascwild.org/don-peay-the-man-who-would-be-king-baron/
http://www.fieldandstream.com/blogs/conservationist/2012/03/group-founder-declares-north-american-hunting-model-%E2%80%9Csocialism%E2%80%9D
http://www.standard.net/Recreation/2016/02/10/Transparency-still-debated-around-2016-Western-Hunting-and-Conservation-Expo.html
http://www.mtbullypulpit.org/2012/06/pox-on-fox.html
http://www.thewildlifenews.com/2013/03/19/did-don-peays-organization-essentially-buy-utah-division-of-wildlife/
http://westernvaluesproject.org/taxpayer-dollars-down-the-drain-utah-group-favors-privatized-hunting-energy-industry-over-hunters-anglers/
http://www.nytimes.com/2012/12/02/us/auctions-introduce-market-forces-to-conservation-but-hunters-cry-foul.html?smid=pl-share&_r=2
http://www.themudflats.net/archives/25891
I panicked when I first read this thread as I had just decided to take my daughter on a bear trip up to Alaska next May (2017) and thought "oh man, should have gone this year!" I just got off the phone with a very helpful fella with the Alaska Fish/Game Dept. He stated the fees will go up January 1, 2017, BUT, I could still by the tags now at the current rate. Same for tags in 2018. They go on sale November 1st, 2016, I believe he said, so you could buy a tag for 2018 at today's prices if you buy between Nov and Dec 31, 2016. But I do appreciate cnelk's posting of this or I would have been oblivious to it and waited until next May to buy the tags, so thank you cnelk
I don't think its that bad.
When I was there is was around 400.00 for (2) caribou, (1) moose (1) wolf tag.
"Alaska had a LOT more big game available before ol' Nick Muche got stationed at Eielson AFB, moved up here and started killing everything in sight....! Pete"
Amen to that! Nicke's new nickname should be "smallpox" LOL!
Everything is getting soooooo expensive. Of course I'm an old guy and that's what old guys always say....Mike
I have hunting Alaska three times as a non resident. i'm not the guy who can write a check for the total cost of the hunt on the spot. I worked two jobs to pay for the hunts. I had to budget for everything and at times we lived like hobo's(camping whether than getting a hotel room) to save money. The tag price increase will hurt guys like me, I'm not saying that I wont go now but I might not go as often.
Some of the higher tag fees are as much as a plane ticket from my home to Alaska. I guess I'll have to work even harder to go to Alaska.
Once again hunters have to pay more for a budget short fall that we had nothing to do with.
