Shame on Montana's FWP

My son-in-law (11 years in the US Army, E-6, Kuwait tour and Iraq tour of duty) and my daughter are here in Bozeman visiting for about 3 weeks while being transferred from Ft. Bragg to a base in Germany. We've been taking them to just about every thing there is to see of Montana. I thought it would be a terrific idea for him and I to do a little fishing. My fishing license is resident and cost me $8.00, my son-in-law had to pay $40.00 for 4 (four!) days. Is that any way to treat someone who puts their life in harms way and keeps this country safe for the rest of us? Hell, I'd be more than happy to not fish for one or two weeks so some other active duty military personnel could enjoy the relaxing time afforded by fishing our streams or lakes!! This just shows you that all the FWP is dutifully involved in is raking in the money! The FWP has just slapped our active military personell in the face and laughed while doing it!

Sorry, but I just HAD to vent on this display of our greedy Montana State government !

Thank you.....

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posted on Thu, Jul 02, 2009 08:09 PM
last updated on Thu, Jul 02, 2009 08:09 PM
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Who will be the exceptions. byEd. July 02, 2009 (4 votes) (report abuse) (reply)
It does seem like there might be some consideration given active duty personnel, but there are so many possible exceptions, you might not be able to draw the line. Seniors, handicapped, large families, etc. What about veterans? I bought a license in Texas a while back and it was $10/day.

It would sure be a battle worth taking up for someone w/ the time and initiative.

Our gratitude to your son-in-law for his service.
A good fight byArt July 02, 2009 (3 votes) (report abuse) (reply)
I agree this might be a good issue to take up. Some politician out there might see the value of taking up the issue even if their motive is to make themselves look like a good guy.
Best of luck to your son in law. I do hope he caught something.
close a loophole byChicken Dena July 02, 2009 (1 votes) (report abuse) (reply)
yeah, where would you draw the line? I do think that is an exorbitant fee but with few ways to catch some of the out-of-state cash flowing in, what's left?

I believe a state sales tax would benefit the state tremendously. I am not crazy about taxes by any means,so put your teabags down.... However, we have a lot of year round money that comes from out of state. Shouldn't we capture some of it?

Not to mention the amount of people who claim our state as their home so as to avoid their own state's taxes.
a byBikeRyder July 03, 2009 (3 votes) (report abuse) (reply)
Its not just Montana that has crazy non-resident license fees! So you should stop acting like its a Montana issue. Its an issue for almost all of the states. However I do think that vets and people in the service should have lower fees. you must remember though that the money goes right back into the facilities associated with fishing, etc.
I forgot byChicken Dena July 03, 2009 (0 votes) (report abuse) (reply)
Resident VA Patients and Purple Heart and Legion of Valor awardees are all free.
What would make sense byRightof Left July 03, 2009 (2 votes) (report abuse) (reply)
A person serving in the Military is a resident of the entire country and may be sent to any state or country with little notice.

Why not sell them a national hunting/fishing license that is good in all 50 states. When they muster out they should have say 2 years to establish residency and then get their state of choice hunting/fishing license.

JMHO
RE: WHAT WOULD MAKE SENSE. byCitizenpain July 05, 2009 (1 votes) (report abuse) (reply)
Let the enlisted folks fish for free. If asked by fish and game for your license, simply show them your military ID, leave it up to the States, A very simple piece of legislation is all that is necessary, and no Federal mandate is needed.
I'm not so sure bydanie006 July 05, 2009 (0 votes) (report abuse) (reply)
Why should enlisted folks be entitled to free fishing just because they did their job they signed up to do and collected their paycheck? They are citizens just like anyone else.
re: bycowgirlmedic July 05, 2009 (0 votes) (report abuse) (reply)
I agree that Active Duty soldiers should get discounted rates if not free... But FWP's livelihood is from hunting and fishing licenses, not the state. They have to make their money somewhere.

You should give them a break because Montana resident veterans of OIF/OEF get their Sportsman's license (deer, elk, fishing, conservation license and state lands access for 2 (YES TWO) dollars for 5 years.

So quit your complaining...they are trying.
Come on folks... byMontana007 July 06, 2009 (3 votes) (report abuse) (reply)
This is silly. Because a person serves in the military, which is a great service and sacrifice for our country's freedom, does not entitle that person to live above the the rules, regulation, and laws of the country. I would rather increase the pay of the military personnel and grant no exception to rules, policy, and rates required of all citizens. It is a dangerous line to walk that allows additional rights and freedoms to anyone that is involved in military, police, and government. Most corrupt countries have a military and government that are afforded additional rights above and beyond that of the regular population. Please don't interpret this as a comment against military persons or government officials. It is not intended to be taken that way. I am a strong supporter of our military and appreciate that there are those willing to risk their lives to preserve and protect our freedom and way of life. I just think that it's best to be sure we are all living under the same rules.