Proposals, soon to go before the Michigan Senate, asking for hunting and fishing fee increases, have some hunters and fishermen up in arms. The proposal was put forth by the Natural Resources Commission, Hunting and Fishing Package Development Work Group. The 19 members of the NRC group explained that a drastic increase in fees are needed to offset the DNR deficit. This deficit is expected to quadruple by the year 2010.
Basicly the proposal put forth would increase a $15 dollar bear license to $50 dollars, and increase the deer-combo license by $45 dollars. Fishing licenses would increase $12 dollars with various other increases for combo licenses, stamps, ect.
The current senior discount for license fees stands at 60%, but the new proposal would bring that down to 40%. If this proposal passes and the Governor signs it you will see an immediate increase in fees. To save yourself from sticker shock in 2008, buy your licenses “NOW.” If you purchase them now before its offical you could save up to 50% on some licenses. See ya at Cook’s!
Mike