Even though most hunters who contacted The Daily News about Weyerhaeuser fees opposed them, company spokesman Anthony Chavez said the company has heard from hunters who support them, too.
Fees have reduced overcrowding, a common complaint in the past, when an estimated 14,000 hunters used company land, Chavez said.
Weyerhaeuser sold 3,267 permits for $150 this year.
“Folks have said it’s a more quality hunt”? now, Chavez said. “a safer and a better experience.”?
Chavez said Weyerhaeuser will look at ways of improving the fee system: “This is new, and we’ll evaluate what works well and what didn’t work well. There might be some tweaks but we’ll definitely offer a fee-based program next year.”
Chavez responded to common complaints about the company’s fee system:
o Permits are too expensive: Chavez said Weyerhaeuser looked at what other timber companies are charging for access when settling on $150. By paying $150, a permit holder has more access than was allowed when there was no charge because fewer roads were open, he said. Chavez noted 55,000 acres of Weyerhaeuser land around Longview is open for free.
o It isn’t fair to charge current or former Weyco employees: “We wanted to treat everyone the same,”? Chavez said.
o Maps are inadequate: Chavez said the company is working to improve maps and possibly create a smart phone map tool.
o The Weyco fee will damage the local economy: Chavez said the company enacted the fee in response to vandalism and damage to company roads. “The fees allow us to offset those costs and keep the lands open.”
