To keep it that way costs money and the out of staters are going to foot more of the bill going forward.
How does a license increase keep it that way? Just asking so don't get sensitive. What does Michigan do with the extra money to keep it that way? And I'm a graduate of a Michigan college and attended a high school there one year, so I have nothing against Michigan.
I don't think they have had an increase in cost in in over 10 years. Name one thing that costs the same today as 10 years ago. To maintain what they have they have to have more funds. Concrete for ramps is more, food for hatchery fish cost more, fuel for trucks and boats cost more, they have to pay people more. I know you can see where this is going. To expect Michigan or any other state to maintain the lakes, ramps and fisheries with the same dollars as they got 10 or more years ago is just not sensible. It is only 'extra' money the first year or if they maintian a level of out of state anglers that yields an increase. The 'extra' money will likely be used to help do things they have not been able to do for years due to lack of funds and running a deficit. As I said earlier I used to see CO's several times in a summer on various lakes. The last 5 or 6 years, I have seen 1 and that was ice fishing. It is well known that Michigan cut alot of its DNR enforcement when funds were short. The cost increase hurts alot of people. I get it. But to me it is worth it for the quality of the fish I catch there and the number of times I fish in Michigan. If the increase helps Michigan maintain or possibly better what they currently have, then I am ok with it. The only part I don't really agree with is the no increase for Michigan resident anglers. I think they should bear some of the burden, but I don't make the laws.