Should the DNR raise hunting license fees?

Rob takes aim, copy; Jenni Jones

This Lansing State Journal editorial agrees with a Michigan Department of Natural Resources advisory panel recommendation (panel report – pdf) to increase the cost of hunting, fishing and trapping licenses. The LSJ says that the ultimate decision rests with the Legislature and that in the face of looming deficits:

Cosmetic fixes are unlikely to work this time. The advisory committee recommended doubling the cost of a hunting license, from $15 to $30. Out-of-state and senior citizen licenses also would cost more; other DNR-related fees also could increase.

User fees now cover about 76 percent of the DNR’s annual budget, but the system needs adjusting. Michigan has lower fees than many other states while offering longer seasons, more state-owned land and more waterways.

Read DNR fees: Raising license costs would protect Michigan’s valuable resources in the Lansing State Journal and then tell us what you think in the comments.