CONCORD, N.H. (AP) – Lawmakers are giving mixed reviews to Gov. John Lynch’s plan to auction off 50 moose permits.

Doing so could raise up to $250,000 for the financially struggling Fish and Game Department. But some lawmakers don’t like the idea.

“Reprehensible,” said Rep. Gene Chandler, R-Bartlett. “I was aghast when I heard it.”

House Republican Leader Michael Whalley agreed, saying the state’s wildlife is for everybody, not just the wealthy.

“What are we going to sell or auction next?” he said.

But Sen. Bob Clegg, R-Hudson, said if someone wants to pay a lot of money to hunt moose, he’s fine with that. He sees the proposal as a job creation vehicle for woodland guides.

“You don’t just walk into the woods of northern New Hampshire and walk out again that easily,” he said.