Two major fishing tournaments have already changed their plans about holding competitions in North Dakota this year.

The reason why? North Dakota Game and Fish has increased fees by such a large amount that it is no longer economically feasible to stage major events on North Dakota waters. In announcing the increase Fisheries Division Chief Greg Power called it an “issue of balance and fairness.” Others don’t see it that way.

Since 1984 fishing tournaments in North Dakota have had to pay a 10% conservation fee, up to a maximum of $5,000. The fee is used for maintenance or construction of boat ramps, docks, or other projects. Good stuff. The 10% is based on entry fees.

However, with Game and Fish’s removal of the $5,000 cap, major tournaments are facing a prohibitive increase in the amount of money given to Game and Fish to host an event. The reaction was predictable. Say goodbye to fishing in North Dakota.

The new Head2Head Professional Walleye Series had an event scheduled for Stump Lake but quickly made the decision to reject North Dakota and take their business elsewhere. Instead of the expected $5,000 fee the new directive from Game and Fish would have increased the cost of a Head2Head event to $9,600.

The National Walleye Tour pulled out of North Dakota this year too, citing the same reason. It’s just too expensive. Instead of usual $5,000 the NWT was looking at an increased cost close to $30,000. It made for an easy decision for the prestigious NWT to take their event to a neighboring state along with the quarter of a million dollars or more that it pumps into the local economy.

Angler’s Insight Marketing, or AIM, another catch-and-release circuit, hosts five tournaments a year in North Dakota. Fishermen on that circuit have agreed to a lower payback schedule in order to compensate for increased fees by Game and Fish.

Game and Fish said tournaments would have to “make a business decision” if they wanted to hold a tournament in this state or not. The reality is, Game and Fish made the decision for them.

Tourism directors at the local and state level have voiced their displeasure with Game and Fish for the rule change which results in the loss of economic impact on communities and, yes, a loss of income for the conservation fund as well.

I don’t think the final chapter has been written about this fee increase. It’s too harsh and far out of line with what most states charge, which is a simple tournament fee of a few hundreds dollars. Other states understand big tournaments mean big money for communities and that they do not hurt the resource.

Balance and fairness? I don’t think so.