Letter: Input sought on hunting, fishing license proposals

• Rep. Joe Schomacker

Rep. Joe Schomacker

Talk about it

Should state lawmakers raise the price of game and fishing licenses this year? I want to hear your feedback.

Many of the proponents feel a fee increase is needed to improve fish and wildlife conservation funding that’s been lost through the decreased sales of hunting and fishing licenses. Opponents say if there’s a revenue shortfall, the DNR should cut its spending before raising fees on those who support the programs.

Minnesota’s Department of Natural Resources (DNR) projects the state’s Game and Fish fund will be insolvent by July 2013 if more revenue is not added. According to the DNR, it will need to make significant cuts affecting the quantity and quality of hunting, fishing and natural resources law enforcement unless the state Legislature approves license fee increases this session. The DNR also notes it has reduced programs that affect the quantity and quality of hunting and fishing in the past.

How would you be impacted? A resident fishing license would increase from $17 to $22, and a deer hunting license would rise from $26 to $30. Small-game hunters would see their license increase from $19 to $22. Those adults buying lifetime licenses would see a more significant increase, while youth hunting and fishing licenses would become more affordable in order to encourage participation.

I fully expect this legislation to be debated on the House floor before we adjourn this session, and I really want to know how the hunters and anglers in southwestern Minnesota feel so I can best represent their interests on this issue.

You can email your input to rep.joe.schomacker@house.mn, or call me at 1-888-727-6307.

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