Some fees for Michigan hunting & fishing licenses would increase significantly under legislation that passed the Michigan Senate earlier this week.
The legislation, initially proposed by Democratic Senator Jon Cherry of Flint, would increase hunting and fishing license fees across the board, in an effort to raise an additional $ 29 million in annual revenue.
The bill would also create a “Complete” license that includes a base license, deer, Spring & fall turkey licenses, Waterfowl, pheasant, and fur harvester licenses, along with an all-species fishing license. The “Resident Complete” license would cost $150, while a non-resident version would cost $450.
A separate bill, introduced by Senator Cherry and Muskegon Republican Jon Bumstead, would allow the DNR to charge a fee for using state-owned shooting ranges. The money raised from the fee would be slated for a shooter education fund.
16th District Senator Joseph Bellino opposed both bills.
He criticized the proposed increases, calling them “unnecessary, counterproductive, and harmful,” and said they would discourage outdoor recreation amid a declining hunter population.
Bellino said lawmakers “should be encouraging more people to hunt and fish — not making it more expensive,”
The Monroe Republican argued that the Department of Natural Resources should focus on more efficient use of existing funds and on developing strategies to boost participation.
Senate bills 276 and 277 now head to the Michigan House of Representatives for consideration.