fbpx

LETTER: Looking Beyond I-161

By Beacon Staff

I was wondering who is Mr. Kephart? Who is he working for? And where does he plan to hunt after the dust settles on I-161?

If he is successful he has succeeded in deregulating one of the most regulated industries in the state. Instead of helping sportsman secure more private land he has actually seriously jeopardized the Block Management Program when the average non-residents refuse to pay his ridiculous 61 percent and 43 percent increase in license fees he proposes.

I-161 will encourage more (not less) nonresident leasing of property and help the outfitter with cheaper licenses for his clients. Outfitters and those nonresidents who can afford it will have as good as guaranteed tags when most nonresident hunters can no longer afford to hunt (because of the license fee increase included in I-161) here and go elsewhere.

It happened in Idaho last year after only a 12 percent increase and the state actually lost over $1 million in revenue. Another backlash of I-161 is it will put 7,800 more nonresident tags in the general license pool and remove the requirement that they have to hunt with a licensed outfitter. These folks will be able to compete for the same Block Management, public, and private property every one else is trying to secure.

Creditable groups like Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation, NRA, Mule Deer Foundation, and Montana Stockgrowers Association have all studied the issue and come out opposed to I-161.

I can only hope for his sake and every sportsman, Mr. Kephart is planning to move soon, as no matter the outcome of this race I don’t see him welcome on too many ranches, or sportsmen being too happy once they realize his lies and deceit.

I am also curious why he doesn’t try getting to know some landowners, and maybe helping out a couple times a year? Most folks I know who put in the time have plenty of hunting opportunities and a better understanding of the land he so desperately seeks.

Dale Yonkin
Great Falls