Massachusetts proposed fee increases

Hoping to get some help from members here regardless if you hunt or fish in Massachusetts. Among all the other things going on in America now Massachusetts wants the increase the price of almost everything regarding hunting and fishing and it not likes we are a world class sporting destination either.


Link to full proposal
https://www.mass.gov/info-details/masswi...-this-process?-
I can't say that I wouldn't be 100% for this increase if it were strictly for trout and pheasant stocking but most of these increases will go to purchasing new lands (which I'm in favor of) that are ONLY paid for by hunting and fishing license revenue. Non hunters and non fisherman get to use the same land for free. Our WMA's in Massachusetts were getting so overused and ruined by dog walkers that the state actually had to make a law for removal of dog poo of non hunting dogs and they also need to be leash at all times if not actively hunting.
This is a direct quote from long-form proposal "sporting and hunting license sales have declined 20% and 50%". With these increases it would decline even more.
As a hunter and fisherman I think that if the state needs more funds then they should be going after the freeloaders. Lets say the state imposes a $5 fee directed towards hikers, bikers, dog walker, birders ect. and needed to display a sticker of some sort showing that they've "paid to play" that in my opinion would be more fair and they'd probably make more money this way also.

Sorry for the rant but this has got my blood boiling
Here's a link to voice your opinion if you'd like to help us out. Thanks in advance

https://form.jotform.com/210471807212143
 
Somewhat similar here in the past, now we have fees for all user groups with placards/window cards state and federal.
Some are cross coverage like disabled placard.
 
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