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Hi,
There were some questions regarding how much revenue
hunting licenses brought into the public coffers. Well, I just read an article
in Michigan Out of Doors Magazine. There was a break down of the MDNR funding.
The current annual budget is $257 million with $65 million coming from
hunting/fishing licenses. That is a big chunk of change.
Plus--an estimated $132.9 million of tax revenue
is spent by hunters and anglers for their sports. That's just taxes not
actual spending Hunters bring in BIG money in northern Michigan. This is a big
deal around here.
Now I have to write a letter to the Michigan
Out of Doors because the hunters don't believe they are getting a fair shake.
They believe that horseback riders and other public land users don't contribute
anything. Well the MTRA not only contributes financially. They built the Shore
to Shore Riding/Hiking Trail. The trail and horse camps on the trial are
maintained by MTRA members. The wells, toilets, picket pole etc. are paid for
with MTRA funding. Plus when the MTRA holds a ride, we still pay camping fees to
the DNR. The MTRA had to repair a well at Gary Lake Camp this fall that was
vandalized-----by an endurance rider. Yup, there were plenty of
witnesses.
A lot of folks don't contribute
anything for their use of public lands. This includes horse people, mushroom
hunters, hikers and others. But fighting about who has the right to be where
doesn't help. Be proactive, go to meetings and write letters to people who can
do something!
I'll get off my soap-box now and stay out of the
woods with my horse during the rifle deer season. Besides, I have to finish
cutting and wrapping the venison from my husband's (who also rides)
deer.
Vicky
Smith
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