Perch Fishing on the Breakwall
at Sundown by simply, Diann
The Detroit News reports that hunting fees would double and fishing license fees would almost double under a $115 million package of fee increases proposed by Gov. Jennifer Granholm. Rep. Joel Sheltrown, D-West Branch, chairman of the House Tourism, Outdoor Recreation and Natural Resources Committee is quoted as saying:
"The public will see some sort of increase, but probably not what has been proposed. We don't want to price these licenses beyond the reach of people, but some kind of increase is needed or they're going to lay off conservation officers. Very few legislators want to vote for any fee increase. It's not popular, but it might be responsible."
According to the article, fee increases are proposed for liquor licenses, commercial mobile radio systems, air emissions, corporation papers, land and water permits, solid waste surcharge, securities, groundwater discharge permits, hazardous waste users, pollution prevention programs, local judiciary users, teacher certifications and state police fingerprints.
Eric Sharp over at the Freep is of the opinion that the DNR's fee-hike plan really isn't out of line. What do you think? Raise fees? Cut services? Continue to blame each other?
3 Comments
Increase the nonresident fee. I just looked at the ILL. fees and a non resident cost is $265.00 for a eather sex tag. [A nonresident michigan tag is only $138.00] If I wanted to hunt in the state of ILL. I would pay the fee. Why raise the resident fee and loose hunters because they cant afford to pay $60 or $75 for a licience or worse yet increase poaching.
I see no reason for not raising both residential and out of state fees,we are probablly one of the cheapest when it comes to fees,avid hunters pay as much as 400.00 in some states for an out of state license-There is nothing wrong with a 60.00 resident fee for residents .fishing goes the same way - if we want to continue the good work this states DNR has done IT IS A MUST !!!!!
T Pitcher: If you go back and look at the non resident Michigan license it is $138 for an ANTLERED deer only, it is another $100 for and over the counter Antlerless permit. So in all it does compare to Illinois COMBO tag. I hunt both states, and do believe that I pay well enough money as it is. I am a resident of Illinois, because my wife is stationed here. Her family is all Michigan, and they are who I hunt with. I pay a pretty penny and usually don't come home with a deer. By raising the prices too much, you will drive out of staters away from even wanting to hunt MI. It is known that the deer population is great there, but the qualit is not as good as you used to be. People would rather pay $20 more and hunt Illinois where there are great chances of seeing a monster buck on PUBLIC land. I wouldn't mind a small increase, but the cost of my fishing license would almost double in MI if this were passed. I get to use it 3 times a year, totaling 9 days, and only take about 12 fish a year to eat. $45 should cover that cost, not $80. It is already dicouraging me from taking part in any MI hunting or fishing. I love the state, but there are better ways to cut costs and make up the revenue.
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