Wyoming NR Preference Point $ Increase

[Red Rabbit]

Commissioners vote to increase non-resident preference point prices | Wyoming Game & Fish Department

While the $30-40 increase is not much spread over a year to stay in the game, I predict many will be looking to cash in their points.  I have been building antelope points since my last hunt for a better unit while the 2023 winter decimation, work, and other hunts have kept me on the side.

[Coues247]

I can't wait until AZ cranks the non resident prices sky high. Every other state is going hog wild on increases for NR except us.

[Red Rabbit]

WY is still better than AZ towards NR in that AZ requires one to purchase a hunting license to apply for the draw or bonus point.  In WY, a NR can buy a PP if they do not draw, or just a PP after the draw.   In AZ, a NR has to buy a $160 hunt&fish license and then a $15 application fee, whether they want to apply for a hunt or just get a bonus point

[Flatlander]

32 minutes ago, Red Rabbit said:

WY is still better than AZ towards NR in that AZ requires one to purchase a hunting license to apply for the draw or bonus point.  In WY, a NR can buy a PP if they do not draw, or just a PP after the draw.   In AZ, a NR has to buy a $160 hunt&fish license and then a $15 application fee, whether they want to apply for a hunt or just get a bonus point

Because a license purchase is eligible for matching Pitman Robertson dollars. It’s the best bang for the buck for the dept.

[Red Rabbit]

44 minutes ago, Flatlander said:

Because a license purchase is eligible for matching Pitman Robertson dollars. It’s the best bang for the buck for the dept.

This is what Google AI came up with on how that works:

Yes, state game and fish departments receive matching Pittman-Robertson (PR) funds for the hunting licenses they sell, though it is not a dollar-for-dollar match.

The program operates on a 75% federal / 25% state matching basis, effectively creating a 3-to-1 ratio where license revenue helps unlock federal dollars. 

 

How the Matching Process Works

• Source of Funds: The PR Act (Federal Aid in Wildlife Restoration Act) is funded by an 11% excise tax on firearms, ammunition, and archery equipment, and a 10% tax on handguns.
• The Match Requirement: State wildlife agencies must pay 25% of the cost of approved wildlife conservation projects, which is then reimbursed by the federal government for the remaining 75%.
• Role of License Sales: States almost exclusively use revenue generated from selling hunting licenses, permits, and stamps to pay their 25% matching share.
• Reimbursement Structure: A state covers the full cost of a project and is later reimbursed by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. 

 

The Role of License Numbers in Funding

License sales play a dual role in PR funding:

1. Providing the 25% Match: The cash from license sales is used as the state's required share.
2. Determining Apportionment: The formula for distributing PR funds is based 50% on the land area of a state and 50% on the number of paid hunting license holders in that state. 

Therefore, selling more licenses increases the state's share of the federal excise tax funds and provides the revenue needed to match those funds. 

[654321]

10 hours ago, Red Rabbit said:

This is what Google AI came up with on how that works:

Yes, state game and fish departments receive matching Pittman-Robertson (PR) funds for the hunting licenses they sell, though it is not a dollar-for-dollar match.

The program operates on a 75% federal / 25% state matching basis, effectively creating a 3-to-1 ratio where license revenue helps unlock federal dollars. 

 

How the Matching Process Works

• Source of Funds: The PR Act (Federal Aid in Wildlife Restoration Act) is funded by an 11% excise tax on firearms, ammunition, and archery equipment, and a 10% tax on handguns.
• The Match Requirement: State wildlife agencies must pay 25% of the cost of approved wildlife conservation projects, which is then reimbursed by the federal government for the remaining 75%.
• Role of License Sales: States almost exclusively use revenue generated from selling hunting licenses, permits, and stamps to pay their 25% matching share.
• Reimbursement Structure: A state covers the full cost of a project and is later reimbursed by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. 

 

The Role of License Numbers in Funding

License sales play a dual role in PR funding:

1. Providing the 25% Match: The cash from license sales is used as the state's required share.
2. Determining Apportionment: The formula for distributing PR funds is based 50% on the land area of a state and 50% on the number of paid hunting license holders in that state. 

Therefore, selling more licenses increases the state's share of the federal excise tax funds and provides the revenue needed to match those funds. 

Dingell/Johnston act does the same for fishing.

[firstcoueswas80]

I've been saving points for Elk Deer and Antelope for 12 years. I can finally start cashing them in since the alimony is done! I'll probably do them antelope, dear, elk.

[bustedknuckleinc]

12 hours ago, Coues247 said:

I can't wait until AZ cranks the non resident prices sky high. Every other state is going hog wild on increases for NR except us.

AZGFD doesn’t care about total cost of the tag. All they care about is getting all those application fees. Who cares about draw odds anyways.

[Coues247]

13 hours ago, Red Rabbit said:

WY is still better than AZ towards NR in that AZ requires one to purchase a hunting license to apply for the draw or bonus point.  In WY, a NR can buy a PP if they do not draw, or just a PP after the draw.   In AZ, a NR has to buy a $160 hunt&fish license and then a $15 application fee, whether they want to apply for a hunt or just get a bonus point

With the new prices, two wyoming points cost almost as much as an AZ hunting/fishing license. Three points and you're already paying $225 for just the points and you dont even have a license. Now throw in points for sheep and moose and you're spending $525 for just points and you still don't have a license. AZ you can buy a $160 license and get points for every species for around $250-$275 and still have the ability to hunt small game and go fishing. 

[Flatlander]

11 minutes ago, Coues247 said:

With the new prices, two wyoming points cost almost as much as an AZ hunting/fishing license. Three points and you're already paying $225 for just the points and you dont even have a license. Now throw in points for sheep and moose and you're spending $525 for just points and you still don't have a license. AZ you can buy a $160 license and get points for every species for around $250-$275 and still have the ability to hunt small game and go fishing. 

Wyoming NR moose and sheep is a farce. Better off buying a raffle ticket than points.

[Coues247]

33 minutes ago, Flatlander said:

Wyoming NR moose and sheep is a farce. Better off buying a raffle ticket than points.

I agree but look how many idiots bought their first point last year. 

[Flatlander]

Its a stupidity tax

[Chef]

Donation.

[yotebuster]

I actually had 7-8 moose points for a while and walked away from them when they went to $100 on them years ago.  Kept my sheep points, cuz sheep are life, and I’ve killed 2 Shiras already and don’t have much use for another one.  I’m pretty positive they’ll go to a weighted lottery on moose and sheep before long so my 18 sheep points might someday do me some good.  It’s a risk I’m willing to take to get another sheep tag!