Granted, most TPWD Commission appointees are accomplished, business minded people. However, I am not referring to the Commission. I am referring to those within the department that make or propose the budgets and actually spend the money once it is approved. I don't know, so I will pose the question. Do you think that the Commission views each department's budget and projects on a line by line basis?

I'd be curious how the agency would do, if 100% of license sales from sportsmen and park vistors went to the agency.

Could those sales make the agency 100% self suficient?

I'll ask about that tomorrow.

But, there's not enough state budget that is not already obligated to meet the budget goals UNLESS they cut payments to individuals.

It may make them 100% self sufficient, but not necessarily fiscally responsible.

Probably right.

Latest figures for licenses I found was for 2008, there were 2.6 million hunting and fishing licenses sold. What would that be in dollars? With combos, individual fishing and hunting, special stamps etc it is hard to come up with a total dollar figure. I don't think these would cover the cost of the TP&W budget.

There are other incomes for the TP&W, state park fees, boat registrations, and a pot full of others. Anyoone want to take a guess on how much these take in?

As for me, I would be happy to pay $100 or even $200 a year for my Super Combo. $68 is a mere pittance for the privileges I get from buying my Super Combo every year!

I have spent a lot more, and got a lot less in other states and countries.

One stipulation: I would like to know that all of my money goes to the TPWD to fund their operations.

I personally know several Game Wardens, from different counties, and just like me, when I was in the Marine Corps, they don't do it for the money, but for the love of the job. And none of them are getting rich, military or game warden. Not getting even a "cost of living" allowance increase, not to be confused with "getting a raise," is a serious setback to those who have been in that position. COL allowance increases seldom match the increase of inflation for the same year.
Just my two cents.

It would not surprise me one bit if we see some license fee increases in the next two or three years.

Sorry state of affairs.

Todd

Look at the post on Legilative cuts below this one. Don't know what to expect will happen now, we're all waiting to hear just what they will do the next few months. Public hunting opportunities in on the chopping block!

Everyone needs to contact your state representative and senator concerning this matter as it is very important to all of us as outdoorsmen and women. I used this link to find representatives and it was very easy:

http://www.fyi.legis.state.tx.us/

Man -o-Man this is why I read and enjoy the THF,lots of thinking individuals that aren't afraid to ask some tough questions.We really need to know what it is going to take to keep the money that we spend on fees ,licenses,state parks,boat registration,etc.etc.etc,,ad nauseum,going to TPWD and only TPWD!

Unfortunately., many of the public hunting leases are coming up for renewal right now. So, TPWD has to decide if they can renew these or now. Until they know the full extent of the cuts I'm not sure how they can renew?