host posted on September 23, 2004 22:00
HUNTING/FISHING LICENSES POSSIBLY ON THE RISE
Sep 21, 2004
If you're gearing up for the hunting season, you may need to add a few more dollars to your licensing budget.
On Monday, the director of the Idaho Department of Fish and Game asked lawmakers for a thirteen-point-seven increase in hunting and fishing fees.
Opposers to the increase say that the boost in licensing fees could turn hunting and fishing into a rich man's sport.
Fish and Game officials argue that the rising cost of gas and other supplies is driving them to push their fees up.
The department is a self sufficient entity; they do not receive any financial support from the state and their main source of revenue derives from fees. The last fee increase occurred in 2000.
Gregg Losinski: "For the most part, we are self-sufficient and a lot of folks think we get general tax dollars, and we get zero from the general tax fund."
Currently resident fishing licenses cost $22 dollars, hunting licenses cost $11.50. If approved, the increase would take effect July First.