Bill raising Michigan hunting and fishing licenses prices clears committee
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Hunting and fishing licenses have cost the same for the past 10 years. A new bill in the Michigan legislature would raise fees
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The DNR argues raising license fees would bring Michigan in line with other states when it comes to allowing hunting and fishing in the state
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On Thursday, legislation raising the costs cleared the natural resources committee
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Hunting and fishing licenses have cost the same for the past 10 years. A new bill in the Michigan legislature would raise fees
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The DNR argues raising license fees would bring Michigan in line with other states when it comes to allowing hunting and fishing in the state
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On Thursday, legislation raising the costs cleared the natural resources committee
(FOX 2):Amid a rush of legislative activity in Lansing as the year draws to a close, legislation that would increase hunting and fishing license prices in Michigan passed a house committee on Thursday.
HB 6229 would raise the price of state-issued licenses for all hunting and fishing activities, including waterfowl, deer, bears, and elk.
It was presented as a much-needed amendment for the Department of Natural Resources to continue supporting the maintenance of Michigan’s natural resources, and it passed along a party-line vote in the Committee of Natural Resources, Environment, Tourism, and Outdoor Recreation.
According to DNR officials, the proposed license fee hike is the first since 2014 and would help the agency keep up with inflation as the cost of maintaining habitat, stocking fish, and other environmental resources rises.
Republicans, like as Rep. Timmy Beson of Bay County, opposed it, claiming that increasing the fees would discourage people from engaging in the pastime. Nevertheless, it passed committee.
“You don’t raise prices on things and expect more of these deer to get harvested,” he stated.
Despite the fact that Michigan’s registered hunting population has been declining for decades, a DNR policy recommendation stated that increases in license fees are not associated with a fall in hunting participation.
“Let’s come together, knowing every dollar spent on conservation is an investment in the Michigan we know and love,” Taylor Ridderbusch said.
Democrats in Michigan also suggested changing the recreational passport to require residents to opt in when they register their cars. The plans coincide with the need for money to maintain the state’s game populations and parks.
forecasts that it would enjoy a $22 million gain in revenue annually.
The measure would mandate that the cost of obtaining a fishing or hunting license be adjusted annually for inflation rather than having fixed prices.
How much hunting fees would increase:
Small game hunting:
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For a resident adult, from $10 to $15
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For a resident minor, from $5 to $8
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For a nonresident, from $150 to $163
Combination licenses:
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Residents wishing to get a combined hunting and fishing license would pay $113. It’s currently $75
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For out-of-state residents, fees climb from $265 to $273
Hunting license by game:
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Wild Turkey – from $15 to $23
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Waterfowl – from $12 to $18
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Pheasant – from $25 to $38
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Deer – from $20 to $30
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Bear – from $25 to $38
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Elk – from $100 to $150
How much fishing fees would increase
All-species fishing license
Residents’ fishing licenses would increase from $25 to $38 under the plan, while nonresidents’ licenses would increase from $78 to $88.
Additionally, it lowers the minimum age of 17 to 16 in order to obtain a fishing license.
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