Number: 1998-02
WHEREAS, many states currently are providing free or discounted hunting licenses, fishing licenses, tags, permits, stamps, etc., to certain segments of society such as people over 65 years old, 100 percent social security disabled, military disabled, railroad workers disabled, teachers disabled and other such groups; and
WHEREAS, in most cases, this practice has been caused by legislative action in these states; and
WHEREAS, every license given away or discounted represents potentially lost revenue for conservation purposes, either directly to the state fish and wildlife agency or from federal aid matching funds; and
WHEREAS, this practice is quickly becoming a financial burden upon the financial resources of these states’ fish and game agencies; resulting in diminished public services, education, management of fish and wildlife resources, and enforcement of regulations;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the National Wildlife Federation in its Annual Meeting assembled March 19-22,1998, in Alexandria, Virginia, urges states to evaluate the current and projected financial impact to its fish and wildlife management programs resulting from free and discounted license programs; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the National Wildlife Federation urges that if states do provide free or discounted hunting and fishing licenses, the states take whatever steps are necessary to replace the lost revenues, including making up revenue from state general funds to state game and fish funds, so that the maximum funding is available for conservation.