Recent statistics on outdoors usage suggests the non lethal forms of adventure are on the rise; bird watching, kayaking, etc. Little surprise that some enterprising government is quick to cash in on the phenomenon, I just figured we’d be the first to tax the outdoorsmen into oblivion.
Governments have never been shy about separating you from your money, licensing costs have been rising steadily for quite some time. Introducing the “Outdoors Card” a new levy from the Ontario government, required before you can purchase a fishing or hunting license.
Poorly named, as I can see Mothers sending their waif off to school, “..got your books, lunch, and scarf? …did you remember your Outdoor’s card?”
Fishing Card (valid for 3 calendar years)
- Fishing Card Only – no licence
$5.88 - Fishing Card with 3-year Conservation Fishing Licence
$47.10 - Fishing Card with 3-year Sport Fishing Licence
$76.59
Naturally the above pricing is in Loonies, the Canadian dollar. We can expect to see similar treatment here in the states, hopefully the name will be less onerous, and remember to carry your wallet when you’re in your backyard.
If them fellows were really thinking, they would play to an angler’s vanity with “gold” and “platinum” cards. Most of us would pay the extra couple of bucks willingly if it was connected with consumption or weight.
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Alberta has a similar card for hunting and fishing called a WIN (Wildlife ID Number) that you must purchase before you can buy a license. The cost was 8.00 last time I bought a licence there + 20 bucks for the license. It’s still not a bad amount to pay for access to such a good resource, but I would rather see the licence fee increased rather than adding a layer of bureaucracy. You can bet the extra fees don’t make it back the resource like a direct increase would.
That’s my take on the issue as well. It’s one thing to boost the price, as I fish often, it’s still worth it to me – but to make me fumble around looking for another card, license, or badge just guarantees I will forget it at some point.
It appears as if we’ll be in the minority however, as the real goal is to “license” outdoors types that don’t hunt or fish; birdwatchers, kayakers, families on picnic, etc.
Those groups still show a steady increase in participation, anglers and hunters are on the decline.
The US Revenuer types have already enacted regulations requiring commercial photographers to throw down extra dosh when taking pictures on some lands, and more are on the way.