Texas Hunting Leases

AUSTIN, Texas — Most hunters, anglers and boaters in Texas could see a modest $2-$4 bump in license and boat registration/titling fees if a proposed 5 percent across-the-board increase is approved in May by the Texas Parks and Wildlife Commission.

The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department says the fee increase is necessary to address critical needs.

“As you know license fees were last increased in 2004 and prior to that there had been no increase in eight years,” Gene McCarty, TPWD’s deputy executive director for administration, told commissioners. “Since that time, our operational costs have increased an average of 6.1 percent, while our fund balances continue to dwindle.”

McCarty said the department initially considered a 10-15 percent increase, but scaled back due to the current economic downturn.

“Instead we are proposing a very slight increase of 5 percent rolled up to the next dollar,” he explained. “This fee increase will not create new programs or services. The last fee increase in 2004 was just enough to maintain current levels of service. This increase will do the same. ”

Under the proposed increase, hunting licenses would go from the current price of $23 to $25, while the popular Super Combo all-inclusive license would increase from $64 to $68. Fishing packages would increase by $2. McCarty noted the cost for all of the special endorsement stamps would not go up.

The vast majority of boat owners in Texas would also see only a small increase in boat registration and titling fees under the proposal. Biennial boat registration for vessels less than 16 feet in length would increase from $30 to $32 and those in the 16-26 foot range would go from $50 to $53.

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Two exceptions pertain to larger craft. Those vessels 26-40 feet in length would increase by $40 and 40-foot-plus vessels would go up by $110. These larger increases are necessary because the department has been undercharging for these larger boats for many years in comparison with smaller boats, especially when considering the fee as a percentage of boat size and value.

A complete list of proposed fee changes can be found online at http://www.tpwd.state.tx.us/newsmedia/releases/news_roundup/license_and_boat_fees/.

The public is invited to comment on these proposals by visiting the TPWD Web site or by writing TPWD Public Comment, attn. Robert Macdonald, 4200 Smith School Rd., Austin, TX 78744 or email robert.macdonald@tpwd.state.tx.us.

For years, Mexico has suffered at the hands of corrupt and incompetent leadership as well systemic crime among its populous.  This situation is wholly unfair and unrepresentative to a proud culture of people who are generally known for their humility and casual approach to life.  However, the recent escalation of crime along their northern border has brought their problems much closer to home here in the United States.  And as “failed” states usually do, they apply blame anywhere other than on themselves.

Mexico’s violent crime and human rights abuses are really nothing new.  Its southern states have seen rebellion among its own people in response to the deplorable treatment they receive at the hands of the ruling class.  In central Mexico, namely Mexico City, high crime has been everyday part of life for years.  Kidnappings, murder, corruption and regular laundry list problems reminiscent of some of the most dysfunctional states on the planet. 

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Much has been written about these issues and many “solutions” have been debated, but now Mexico has a new partner in the blame-game, the Obama Administration in the White House.  And it did not take long for both find a common ground on achieving each other’s goals by jumping on the liberal notion that an inanimate piece of equipment is the root of all evil for the deterioration law and order.  The irony is really quite thick.  Mexico has a constitutional right to bear arms.  But civil unrest in the late 20^th century scared the government into closing gun stores, implementing a restrictive registration requirement and placing a ban on the “stockpiling” of arms.  Fast forward fifty years and you have a country where only the most corrupt have access to firearms, even though it’s a constitutional right!

Eric Holder Attacking The Second Amendment To Help Mexico? 

Enter the Obama administration.  Attorney General, Eric Holder, saw the current situation as a perfect opportunity to kick-start the administration’s plans to attack the second amendment.  And the set up could not be any better for a liberal mindset and agenda.  Have Mexico and the anti-gun lobby accentuate the illegal use of guns, especially those smuggled in from the United States as the “cause” of rampant crime along the border.  Make it a “crisis” situation and then bring back the so called “assault weapons ban” initiative of the Democrats.  Ta-Da!  Crime solved and everyone holds hands and sings Kum-ba-yah.  In the “one world” mindset of a liberal administration, diminishing its own country’s constitutional rights for the so called benefit of another country who has already diminished its own makes common sense.  That is, if common sense was so common among liberals.

The history of gun control around the world has a very poor track record of protecting life, liberty and freedom.  In fact, much like Mexico’s evolution since enacting theirs, the results are quite predictable.  May I remind President Obama and his enforcer, Attorney General Holder, that they do have the historical support of such “great” leaders as Stalin, Mao, Idi Amin DaDa, Pol Pot and host of other left-leaning governments throughout history.  Maybe some reflection on the millions of dead constituents who “benefited” from reduced crime and a better life under these administrations will provide a clearer policy objective towards the enforcement of current laws and a tougher stance on criminals and crime.  That is “change” we could all live with.