The whole point of this thread has been the idiots who go out there and abuse the system. And the underlying point about that has been that with the advent of technology, people who have no business being out there are abusing the system.

I believe that those people who need rescuing by putting themselves in harm's way should pay just the way we would with an ambulance - probably more so since they don't have to go. I really don't want my taxes and/or my fees going out there to give a free ride to thrill seekers. Jstanthrnme obviously considers himself to be one of those people who likes to take advantage of the outdoors and expects that if things go way south, it shouldn't put him in the poor house. That is fine as far as it goes. I still don't want to pay for his fun and if that bothers him and others, so be it. As a tax payer and a hiker, I think I have the right to speak up and take a position. And agree with me or not, the fact is, when it goes south, my taxes are going to go to subsidize their fun and the risks they take. I resent it and am going on record about it. If you don't like it or think I owe you something, I hear you. You aren't any different than plenty of other people who want their fun at other's expense. And note I said "fun," not necessities.