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Out-of-state hunters down since nonresident license fees raised.
RIFLE, Colo. (AP) - Business owners blame the cost of nonresident hunting licenses, which nearly doubled this year, for a lack of out-of-state hunters and 25 percent drop in sales.
"It's pitiful," said Artha Thompson, sitting alone in a white canvass tent annually used as the chamber of commerce's hunter information headquarters. "We're just not very busy."
Nonresident elk hunting licenses rose from $250 to $450, and deer and antelope licenses jumped from $150 to $270. Nonresident youth licenses for deer, elk and antelope increased from $75 to $100.
The higher fees were approved by lawmakers last year to get Colorado out of the "bargain-basement hunting business" and in line with what other Western states charge.
Wildlife commissioner Marianna Reftopoulos said the fee increase is expected to raise revenue by $3.6 million.
But fewer out-of-state hunters means decreased sales for many businesses in small Colorado towns where the big-game hunting seasons account for as much as one-quarter to one-half of their annual income.
The increased fees aren't the only cause for fewer hunters.
"There's also the Sept. 11 events, the slow economy, higher fuel costs, lots of things," said Mike Homan of Timberline Sports in downtown Rifle.
Wildlife officials expect hunter numbers to rebound next year as they traditionally do following a price increase. Colorado also is the only state to offer over-the-counter bull elk tags, a major draw for nonresident hunters.
"They'll find out Colorado is still the best and cheapest place to hunt elk," said Stan Wyatt, who owns a hunting store in Meeker. "But that won't help this winter any."
RIFLE, Colo. (AP) - Business owners blame the cost of nonresident hunting licenses, which nearly doubled this year, for a lack of out-of-state hunters and 25 percent drop in sales.
"It's pitiful," said Artha Thompson, sitting alone in a white canvass tent annually used as the chamber of commerce's hunter information headquarters. "We're just not very busy."
Nonresident elk hunting licenses rose from $250 to $450, and deer and antelope licenses jumped from $150 to $270. Nonresident youth licenses for deer, elk and antelope increased from $75 to $100.
The higher fees were approved by lawmakers last year to get Colorado out of the "bargain-basement hunting business" and in line with what other Western states charge.
Wildlife commissioner Marianna Reftopoulos said the fee increase is expected to raise revenue by $3.6 million.
But fewer out-of-state hunters means decreased sales for many businesses in small Colorado towns where the big-game hunting seasons account for as much as one-quarter to one-half of their annual income.
The increased fees aren't the only cause for fewer hunters.
"There's also the Sept. 11 events, the slow economy, higher fuel costs, lots of things," said Mike Homan of Timberline Sports in downtown Rifle.
Wildlife officials expect hunter numbers to rebound next year as they traditionally do following a price increase. Colorado also is the only state to offer over-the-counter bull elk tags, a major draw for nonresident hunters.
"They'll find out Colorado is still the best and cheapest place to hunt elk," said Stan Wyatt, who owns a hunting store in Meeker. "But that won't help this winter any."
