“is now outfitter controlled.... @ $5,500 per hunt.”
Yep, they regulated and priced themselves right out of business.
I mentioned our family’s ranch. I would always bring friends out (no charge) to shoot an antelope. No big deal. My father didn’t care for them. He passed in July and now my brother’s and I are trying to figure out what to do to keep our mother financially ok.
When I wasn’t bringing a friend out there and then, my folks would sell the land owner permits to a friend who would outfit. He sells these hunts for $3,500 each and my folks received $500 per hunt. Things are going to change now with my father out of the picture.
Alas, the good old days of building good will with neighbors and sharing resources has disappeared.