New change to Fort Hunter Liggett hunting permit. Pay while you wait for permit

[spectr17]

FHL hunting requires you to mail in a hunting permit application which takes 2 weeks to process. Now they have the option of paying while you wait at the check in window for $20 extra for same day processing.

Doesn't make any sense except to bleed hunters more, they should sell permits at the check in window with no extra charge.

 

[pighunter48]

Ya it's crap i sent off my money order yesterday and get to wait 2 weeks for an answer.

 

[ltdann]

Go to the FHL webpage. On the left side of the page, low, is something called ICE, interactive customer evaluation. Click on that and find MWR. They're the folks that took over. Fill out a survey to MWR and raise hell. Maybe if they get enough complaints, they'll interject some commen sense.

Everytime I win the lotto and am able to get ANYONE on the phone, they treat me like its inconvience to them for doing their job. Oh, and the bozo with face piercings, isn't a hunter, he just runs the hunting program.

 

[BigSurArcher]

They are offering something very convenient now... but you want to complain that it costs $20 more! Quite naggey if you ask me. I think you need to pick and choose your battles.

 

[ltdann]

It's $20 in ADDITION to the annual fee. FHL required the military folks to pay the annual access fee upfront to apply for the draws this year. I didn't draw and since its a 7 hour drive for me, I have a FHL access permit that'll never use. When I complained, they told me they had to proces almost 300 applications last year and "it was a pain".

They're charging extra to do a job they're already being paid for. What's the money for? Improvements for the campground? I hope so, 'cause its a dump.

Hell, the state only charges $8 for apply.

 

[LongCaribine]

I can see both sides on this one. My question is what's the difference in the processing if I wait at the window vice waiting the two weeks? If they can do it while I wait at the window why do I have to pay $20 for it? Is it an "inconvience fee"? Because sometimes they make you feel like you are a bother. I shouldn't say they because that implies everyone working at the hunt shack. It's a select few. By the way I've hunted there for the last 2 years and I have never been notified by email or phone call that my application was processed within the published two weeks. I had to call and ask. Like LTDann said, if the extra money goes to the campground I'm good with it but knowing how MWR works I doubt that the campground will see it.

 

[700x4me]

Go to the FHL webpage. On the left side of the page, low, is something called ICE, interactive customer evaluation. Click on that and find MWR. They're the folks that took over. Fill out a survey to MWR and raise hell. Maybe if they get enough complaints, they'll interject some commen sense.

Everytime I win the lotto and am able to get ANYONE on the phone, they treat me like its inconvience to them for doing their job. Oh, and the bozo with face piercings, isn't a hunter, he just runs the hunting program.

Not likely there will be any common sense involved if it has anything to do with the Goobernment!

 

[spectr17]

BigSurArcher has a point, with the gubmint being all broke they should tack on "Convenience" fees like the bank to make even more money for doing their job.

They could start with a Porta Potty "Convenience" fee. It takes money to have that serviced ya know. $5 flat fee no matter even if you don't use it.

Each map they hand out should have a "Convenience" fee, it takes money and time to copy those. $5 a pop for a map. If you switch zones 3 times they can offer a 3 for $10 combo dealio.

For my elk hunt orientation meeting this Nov they could charge an Orientation Meeting "Convenience" fee. It costs money to heat and cool the check in shack you know and set up chairs.

If you want to ask questions at the check in window they should charge an Information "Convenience" fee. Stuff like what roads are closed, what zones had game taken in them etc.. It takes time to answer questions so all you get free it what areas are open, any other info you pay for.

On the campground, instead of cleaning out the freeloaders who sneak and don't pay they just jacked up the annual fee for the retired guys, I hear it's almost double from last year. Yep, the gubmint service there is a finely oiled machine.

 

[freshhunt]

I still can't get over that they continue to raise the permit fee's, however, they minimize the amount of training areas available. Less areas open = less permit fee.

 

[ltdann]

I still can't get over that they continue to raise the permit fee's, however, they minimize the amount of training areas available. Less areas open = less permit fee.

I can't fault them for that, I mean, after all it is a training base and that takes priority. Its frustrating at times to be told that areas will be open and then when you get there, its all changed. Or one year be allowed to use a particular weapon in an area and not the next.

I don't get the "only change areas 3 times" thing either. If there's a guy a working the shack, why not? Isn't that what we all pay his salary for? The guy works for Morale Welfare and Recreation. We're there to recreate and they make me feel like I'm intruded on their TV time. Then to charge me for the privilege?

Its a load of crap. During deer season at VAFB, there's a guy in the game shack 30 minutes before first shot and 30 minutes after last, for the entire season. You can change areas as many times as you want, BY PHONE. You buy your permit at the Bx (the MWR cut) and it takes 5 minutes, it goes on the back of your license. Register at the game shack (download pre-regristration packet from website), they check license, tags, registration packet, your hunting. 5 minutes.

I can be run be more effectively, for less money. I've seen it.

If FHL ran a better program, I'd be up there for turkey and elk every year. The terrain is easier than VAFB. As it is, its not work the blood pressure spike unless I draw an elk tag.

 

[CaliJeephuntr]

$20 dollars while you wait? That's a bit over the top. When I sent in my permit application I noticed that for a 2-day hunting pass it now costs $51 dollars... to hunt 2 days? When a year is $100?? That right there is robbery! So basically two weekends and my annual now pays for itself over a weekend pass. They're trying to suck as much money out of people as they can.

I sent my application in last week and just recieved my email confirmation that it had been processed. Took about a week.

FHL is a great place to hunt if you can put up with all the stupid rules and restrictions they have in place. It's just a shame that the people running it don't give a crap about the people who are giving them money. The place could be run so much better. Heck, they used to use computers to check people in back in the late 90's. But when it changed hands the computers went the way of papers and a filing system.

Also, I tried clicking the ICE links on the left at the FHL site, but unfortunately those links go no where.

 

[ltdann]

https://ice.disa.mil/index.cfm?fa=service_provider_list&site_id=442&service_category_id=15&dep=*DoD

try that. Select the recreation director, 2nd one down.

 

[Shmave23]

it says for a annual pig hunting permit it is 25 or 35 dollars. Does that mean thats all I have to buy if in ONLY wanna hunt pigs???

-Dave

 

[ltdann]

Thats my understanding. but if your gonna go for hogs, might as well buy the year pass. There are TONS of turkey, quail and deer there.

 

[spectr17]

I've never had FHL email me that my permit was ready, I just cross my fingers and hope it's done when I get there. One time it wasn't ready and I had to beg the guy to look through their in mail to find it and process it. He had to walk like 5 steps to his in basket and it took like 5 minutes to process.

The check in window peeps at Vandy show up 1/2 hour early to open? Holy crap. FHL folks are always late to open making the hunters wait and then get in the field late, past prime seeing animals time. Maybe we can pay a "Convenience" fee for the FHL window peeps to show up on time and stay there until the posted hours for when they close. Same for changing zones, why just 3 changes? Can we pay a "Convenience" fee to do more than 3 changes like Vandy.

From what I can cipher I'll need to bring an additional $40-$50 to cover all the "Convenience" fees if they implement them this year.

 

[ltdann]

Jessie,

During deer season VAFB really has it going on. You still have to show up in person once in the morning and at the end of your hunting day or within 30 minutes of last shot. Usually they have some TAD guy manning it before and after normal working hours. They wanted to do away with the daily, in person checkin, but the CO didn't buy into it.

Outside of deer season, normal working hours during the week and 0900-1030 (I think) sat and sun, and the process is more relaxed.

I haven't used it, but I understand that there are a few blinds and treestands available for check out as well.

Thats an example of whats possible when MWR and Base Conservation folks work together to provide a quality hunting program.

The base permit cost $50 for all game.

For example, next week I'll go hog hunting for 5 days, I'll check in and get my paperwork on wed. The permit is good for 15 days. If I don't get a hog, I won't see the game shack again. I'll drop off the permit in the drop box when I leave on Sunday.

That means, I'll hunt any open area, any legal time, without checking with anyone. The permit (called a 216) is my authorization to do that. Naturally, we stop by once in awhile to get intel and see if any area is going to close, but we don't have too. If they unexpectly close an area, they call use on the cell.

The one draw back, and its a little one, is that if I get a hog at last light, I have to keep the hog in the truck until the next morning. the gun club doesn't allow animals with skin on, inside the cooler and the game shack wants to see the whole animal.

 

[XDHUNTER]

FYI only. For those of you getting your permit at the base, bring money order. they are not accepting cash or personal check. that includes the $20 extra fee.

 

[map]

The good ole days are gone for ever! I still have the Hunting Area Boundaries in Google Earth if anyone wants them.

 

[BrittGSP818]

FYI only. For those of you getting your permit at the base, bring money order. they are not accepting cash or personal check. that includes the $20 extra fee.

Thats just stupid.

 

[Phil80]

I am a little upset by the price jack to active duty from last year. Glad the E1-E5 crowd is still free though.