[nightrider]

It’s time the State of NH starts charging a rescue fee for hikers to use public trails. This recent rescue cost F&G tens of thousands of dollars. Then when it comes time to balance the budget, it’s done on the backs of boaters, sledders, hunters and fishermen. And on top of it all, these do-gooder tree huggers complain about the motorized sporting world while recreational motorists and sportsmen foot the bill to rescue their decisionally-challenged. Why is it two hikers can intentionally venture out into a life threatening situation which virtually assures a major, and expensive, rescue effort but it's illegal for snowmobilers to "skim". Same risk (although I venture to say skimming is safer than what these two hikers did). Time to end the free ride. Institute a season hiking pass or similar revenue raising plan to use public trails and have F&G patrol them the same way they patrol sled trails. Have fines for use without a pass. Make it illegal for people to hike into conditions which are obviously dangerous and possibly life threatening. I know legislation was passed which allows the state to charge the rescuees for their rescue however, is it truly implemeted??? I read about these rescues but never read or hear about any subsequent monetary recovery. Think of the resources this single rescue incident has incurred and because of it, the reduction of funds F&G has remaining to perform all the jobs they are charged with doing. Stop raising fees, license costs and registrations to boaters, sledders, hunters and fishermen and allow hikers to pay their fair share.