We asked, you answered: Should hikers have to pay a rescue fee?

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New Hampshire Fish and Game handles nearly 200 search-and-rescue missions each year, costing around $310,000 annually. Unlike most states, New Hampshire can bill hikers for rescues, though that only happens in cases of negligence or reckless behavior—and only when approved by the attorney general.

Since 2015, the state has offered optional Hike Safe cards ($25) as a kind of insurance, but even cardholders can still be billed.

This week we asked readers if they think hikers should have to pay a rescue fee. Here’s a look at some top responses:

🗨️ “If a person goes hiking in an area that is off limits and they get lost or injured, then yes.“ — @vinchierca on Instagram

🗨️ “This is a tough one. Part of me says they should pay, because it is a significant amount of money indirectly coming out of our pockets; and part of me says accidents do happen. But if they knew they had to pay, maybe they would be more careful and better prepared. And, if they have to be rescued, they are putting other people in potential harm as well. Maybe it should be based on what they are doing. If they are rock climbing, or skiing in a dangerous area, then yes, maybe they should pay. But if they are walking on a regular trail, and they twist an ankle, then maybe they shouldn’t have to pay. There are a lot of gray areas here. You want people to enjoy the outdoors, but they shouldn’t be doing dangerous things either.” — Richard Hutchins 

🗨️ “The hike safe card is under priced compared to a hunting license which carries the same search and rescue benefits. And I think non-residents should pay more than residents just like non-residents pay more for a hunting or fishing license.” — Alan Rice

🗨️ “As an avid hiker having finished the 48 over 70, I understand a slip or loss of balance can occur to the most cautious and prepared hiker so rescue should be free. On the other hand, I see unprepared hikers all the time and people beginning a five-hour hike at 4 p.m. without lighting.  Those hikers who place themselves and rescuers in unnecessary danger should absolutely be fined the cost of the rescue. One last caveat, with GPS and phones,  many ” lost” hikers can be rescued.” — Marc LaCroix

🗨️  “Absolutely! The resources that are required to rescue truly irresponsible hikers takes valuable help from others. If a fee helps to take some pressure off of those resources or possibly acts as a deterrent to those same careless people who hike without taking appropriate safety measures, I vote YES. There are plenty of signs and good information available to educate hikers.” — Jean Richards

🗨️  “I was rescued from South Moat. I broke my ankle on my way down. I saw my rescue team go through a lot to safely get me off the mountain. They are putting their own lives at risk.  If you want to hike in New Hampshire you should have a hike safe card period.” — Elaine Merrill 

🗨️  “If a hiker or other outdoor enthusiast is not adequately prepared or is negligent resulting in a search and rescue they should have to pay for their rescue even if they have purchased a Hike Safe card. Mistakes happen, accidents happen, but negligence is on the individual(s). It is not just Fish and Game that responds, but many, many civilian volunteers. All of these folks risk their health and safety to rescue those in need.” — Judi