Ballot initiative to repeal HB637

I realize that I throw out some off the wall ideas on this forum. The more difficult the problem, the more off the wall. I do understand that those who can afford to buy sections of land probably aren't concerned with the taxes. But, I also live in state that's deprived of resources for wildlife management and infrastructure. If our private land is in demand then we ought to figure out how to capitalize on that demand for the betterment of the state. I get that this sounds socialistic but that's definitely not my intent. Just trying to find money to solve problems that aren't going away. If there is a non-monetary solution, I'm all ears.
Not sure about your reference to "our" private land. Or how to capitalize on it. I was fortunate to have access to some private land for a time. Fairly large area in the best elk hunting around here. If I owned it, I would lock it up tight, and can count on two fingers who would hunt it. Reality. mtmuley
 
I get that @mtmuley . By our private land I don't mean to imply "ours" like it belongs to the state. Rather just people seem drawn to Montana. Those that want to buy and sit on it should be offered some financial incentives to not do that. Give them the choice to pay increased property taxes or enroll a portion into Block mgmt for a tax break. We as a state need to figure out how to boost budgets on things like wildlife management or those things will go away. I don't think we as hunters are going to be able to fund the block program on our own and make it attractive long term.
 
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I get that. By our private land I don't mean to imply ours like it belongs to the state. Rather just people seem drawn to Montana. Those that want to buy and sit on it should be offered some financial incentives to not do that. Give them the choice to pay increased property taxes or enroll a portion into Block mgmt for a tax break. We as a state need to figure out how to boost budgets on things like wildlife management or those things will go away. I don't think we as hunters are going to be able to fund the block program on our own and make attractive long term.
That would be a tough sell. Let people hunt your property or you are going to pay more in property tax. Hhmmmm. Definitely like that you’re thinking outside the box. I think we’re going to need that in order to find true sustainable solutions, but I don’t likely see that particular solution coming to fruit. Even being sold as a tax break. It is after all “private property” and I hold a pretty firm belief that as long as the owner is conducting themselves within the law, the govt. shouldn’t have any say in what happens to it
 
I get that. By our private land I don't mean to imply ours like it belongs to the state. Rather just people seem drawn to Montana. Those that want to buy and sit on it should be offered some financial incentives to not do that. Give them the choice to pay increased property taxes or enroll a portion into Block mgmt for a tax break. We as a state need to figure out how to boost budgets on things like wildlife management or those things will go away. I don't think we as hunters are going to be able to fund the block program on our own and make attractive long term.
Tax the rich people, that works really well in the real world. Once gas prices hit 6.00 a gallon, and the stock market and housing crash there will be a bunch of extra tags turned in so maybe it will work.

Rich
 
Tax the rich people, that works really well in the real world. Once gas prices hit 6.00 a gallon, and the stock market and housing crash there will be a bunch of extra tags turned in so maybe it will work.

Rich
Spot on. I asked a friend of mine, who ran a series of brokerage firms when he thought the fly fishing pressure on MT rivers would relent. He said, when the market goes to 5000 and stays there (it was 10K at the time).
 
I don't mind people shooting holes in ideas. Afterall it's how better ideas come to fruition. A mediated solution will look for alignment from all sides which will likely come from common denominator problems like absentee owners. If those common denominator problems can't be solved, then a mediated solution will turn into a negotiated discussion on lesser problems with gives and takes from the stakeholders at the table. That maybe where this is headed. The problem being you'll end up with amending the small stuff (like adjustment to shoulder seasons, etc), but the undercurrents of the undealt with larger stuff will eventually derail the work done on the smaller stuff.
 
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That would be a tough sell. Let people hunt your property or you are going to pay more in property tax. Hhmmmm. Definitely like that you’re thinking outside the box. I think we’re going to need that in order to find true sustainable solutions, but I don’t likely see that particular solution coming to fruit. Even being sold as a tax break. It is after all “private property” and I hold a pretty firm belief that as long as the owner is conducting themselves within the law, the govt. shouldn’t have any say in what happens to it
I agree with you about landowner rights. I'm not suggesting that we dictate usage, just wanting to offer up a compelling reason to not lock up the property.
 
Hey Eric, I'm trying to game out compromise situations in my head for the heck of it; how many hunting outfits are currently licensed in the state of Montana? I could only find more general numbers for outfitters (including fishing, general moseying on horseback, etc - not just those who can take people hunting).

Just FYI, I ran the list from the Montana state licensing website. There are 774 Outfitters listed as active and 2 listed as Active-Probation (1674 total records). This lists includes all categories. I think to @Eric Albus point, the number doesn't mean much if they don't register or don't renew but continue to operate. I think there should be harsh penalties for quasi-outfitters that don't follow the rules.
 

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