Thursday, Nov. 05, 2009

Cost to hunt and fish in Illinois will likely increase

Bill to raise license fees is on governor's desk

It looks like the cost of hunting and fishing in Illinois is going to cost more next year.

During last week's veto session in Springfield, both the Illinois Senate and House approved an increase in hunting and fishing license fees at the behest of the Illinois Department of Natural Resources.

The increases -- $5 more for a hunting license and $2 more for a fishing license -- are expected to raise an estimated $3.5 million for fish and wildlife conservation. All that is required for the proposal to become law is Gov. Pat Quinn's signature on Senate Bill 1846.

Fee increases would go into effect on Jan. 1, 2010. Resident fishing licenses will increase from $12.50 to $14.50, a deer permit would go $15 to $25 and hunting licenses would jump from $7 to $12.

Here is the text of the DNR's interpretation of Senate Bill 1846:

"IDNR is committed to improving quality recreational opportunities for its constituents, not only in the coming fiscal year but in years to come. In order to secure the future of the agency and its mission, we are asking our constituents to support us through several fee increases.

"The agency will diligently protect the integrity of dedicated funds that support the mission of IDNR and protect the supportive intent of the individuals who provide those funds, through hunting and fishing licenses, stamps and other fees.

"These proposed fees will allow the agency to enhance conservation opportunities, improve quality recreation and make critical hires for the agency, all of which lead to a better overall experience for outdoor enthusiasts."

Following is the DNR's explanation of specific increases:

Migratory Waterfowl Fee: The cost of the State Migratory Waterfowl Stamp would increase from $10 to $15. The increase will be used specifically to improve and maintain state waterfowl areas. Currently, revenue generated from Migratory Waterfowl Stamp fees do not adequately support waterfowl operations.

Deer Hunting Permit Fee: The Resident Deer Hunting Permit Fee would increase from $15 to $25. The fee was last increased approximately 25 years ago. This fee would support an increase in wildlife management staff.

Hunting, Fishing, and Sportsman Combination License Fee: This proposal would increase all non-resident hunting and fishing licenses by $7.

* A non-resident 10-day fishing license would increase from $12.50 to $19.50 and a non-resident annual fishing license would increase from $24.50 to $31.50. The fishing license fees were last increased over 10 years ago. Fishing license sales support fish and aquatic management throughout Illinois.

* Resident fishing licenses would increase from $12.50 to $14.50.

* Resident hunting license fees would increase from $7 to $12. Non-resident annual hunting licenses would increase from $50 to $57. Non-resident 10-day hunting licenses would increase from $28 to $35. Resident hunting licenses were last raised in 1974. Revenue generated from this fee increase will fund an increase in wildlife program staff as funds become available.

* Sportsman combination licenses would increase from $18.50 to $25.50. (Only Illinois residents are eligible for a Sportsman license).