Michigan hunting and fishing would cost more under new proposal

Initial data from the DNR’s online reporting tool for hunters indicates that the troubling trend of declining numbers of deer hunters in Michigan has persisted in 2024.

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    Amid funding shortages, Michigan lawmakers are proposing increasing hunting and fishing license fees
    
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    Lawmakers also want to change the state’s recreational passport by automatically enrolling residents who would need to opt out when registering their cars
    
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    While the DNR says it needs more money to sustain its parks, state Republicans say it will have “serious negative” impacts on the state
    

• 
  Amid funding shortages, Michigan lawmakers are proposing increasing hunting and fishing license fees
  
• 
  Lawmakers also want to change the state’s recreational passport by automatically enrolling residents who would need to opt out when registering their cars
  
• 
  While the DNR says it needs more money to sustain its parks, state Republicans say it will have “serious negative” impacts on the state
  

FOX 2, Lansing, Mich.Under proposed legislation in Lansing, the price of fishing in Michigan as well as bears, deer, and pheasants would increase.

In an effort to increase financing for the DNR, which oversees Michigan’s parks and outdoor recreation, the measures would also alter how citizens participate in the state’s recreational passport.

DNR officials say increased money must keep up with the rising costs of maintenance.

Republicans in northern Michigan, meanwhile, claim the plan would have “serious negative” effects on the state’s recreational opportunities.

In an attempt to enhance state revenue, hunters and fishermen were harmed by new fees and an updated form for acquiring a recreational passport, according to a letter sent to the head of the Michigan Department of Natural Resources.

“The state’s citizens have voiced their displeasure with the rapidly rising costs. It is fundamentally dishonest to the people you serve to try to ram through fee increases and a recreation passport opt-out during a slack legislative session.

The modifications described in would raise the cost of several licenses that the DNR requires a fisherman, hunter, or boater to acquire prior to recreation.

The base hunting license would go up from $5 to $8 for youngsters and from $10 to $15 for residents. The cost would increase from $75 to $113 if an individual wished to apply for a combined hunting and fishing license.

Hunting deer, bears, pheasants, waterfowl, and wild turkeys are among the other license hikes.

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On December 4, it was brought before the Committee on Tourism, Outdoor Recreation, Environment, and Natural Resources.

Republicans also opposed a bill that would change how residents pay for a recreational passport. In exchange for $14 at the time of car registration, the passport grants residents access to all state parks and boat access locations.

Last Monday, Democrat Julie Brixie of Michigan stated in a press release that laws had to be in line with state expectations.

“Ever since the pandemic, park usage has skyrocketed, and DNR has not been able to provide the necessary staffing and maintenance to meet demand,” Rep. Brixie stated. “I am thrilled that more Michiganders are taking advantage of our parks, but this legislation is needed to ensure they are sustainable for generations to come.”

Residents would have to choose not to use the recreational passport, according to the idea. They currently fill out a different line for it.

Additionally, there would be a spot where locals could pay $15 to help Michigan’s parks.

Although Brixie’s office stated that the law would increase DNR funding “by an estimated $18 million to $20 million,” it was unclear how much more departmental revenue would increase.

Associated

In 2024, a concerning pattern of declining hunter populations has persisted. If it continues, it will have significant effects on the deer population and the rest of the ecology.

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