Mi. License increase languishes.

[walleye express]

Michigan's DNR programs and budget needs that run and keep vital programs going are in serious trouble. There will be a program shortfall in the millions this year. Blame anybody or everybody you want, but the fact is additional funds (via license fees) are needed to keep the most vital resource programs alive. The Natural Resource Commission (NRC) voted to raise both the Hunting and Fishing Licence for this 2007 season to keep the most important of these alive . But for lack of support from the public it may languish, not be voted on or die in comity. Legislators have received many more (NO) letters and E-mails then (YES). And it is not my intention here to solicit a yes vote or chastise a no vote. But please, whatever your opinion on the matter let your legislators know. When things start being cut or changed because of these results one way or the other. Know at least you voiced your honest opinion.

[walleye express]

Additional concerns on this subject that I recieved this morning in an E-mail.


MCBA, Board, port Captains

Due primarily to budget issues the DNR has suspended Charter Boat inspections for the year 2007.

The attached adobe file contains the letter prepared to mail Charter Boat owners.
This is just the tip of the iceberg, if a License fee package is not in place by October you may expect more cuts in hunting and fishing programs.

I have attempted through meetings, and email the importance of contacting your Legislators in support of the Hunting and Fishing License package, unfortunately Legislators are not hearing enough from supporters only from opponents.

Capt. Denny Grinold

MCBA State Affairs Officer


Now, this decrelation does not effect anybody who fishes tournaments or for fun in our state. And there's always been debate between us (MCBA) Charter captains and the DNR about both the cost and man power used to conduct these inspections. We as charter captains pay $150.00 to $250.00 every two years to have our vessels DNR inspected both at Dry Dock or at Dock Side in alternate years. Of course when DNR officers are inspecting charter boats they cannot be doing other things. And with close to 500 registered charter boats in Michigan, the man power argument is persuasive.

And you would think I would be happy about this news, being able to save both some preparation time for the inspection and some fee money because of it's postponement this year. On the surface of course I am, but wonder about what new laws or rules will have to be enacted to make sure and keep my/all charter boats safe and sea worthy in the future, if this temporary fix becomes the norm. These inspections have kept our clients safe and liability insurance costs down lower then most other starts that have no such inspection laws. And if independents are brought in there will be no set fast rules, guidelines or reliability tests for individual inspections. This is just part of what can happen and might, to the general publics operating rules, laws and regulations if money constraints force unpopular decisions and cuts.

It's my personal view that the cost of gas has been as much to blame for the unpopular license fee increase as anything has. I think the last time licenses fees were raised gas was about $1.19 a gallon. I just spent $49.00 to fill my truck up last time I did. This weekly rage I feel every time I fill up (excuse the punn) fuels and spills over to anything I see as taking extra money out of my pocket. But the alternative stinks just as bad in my view.