Bills Seek Big Increases In Michigan Hunting, Fishing Fees

WDIV Detroit:

"It may soon cost more to bag a buck or to reel in a big one in Michigan.

Two state lawmakers have written bills that seek significant, phased-in price increases in the state's hunting and fishing licenses. Some license fees would go up two or three times as much, or more.

Sen. Liz Brater, D-Ann Arbor, introduced her fishing-fees bill in the Senate on Tuesday, while Rep. Matt Gillard, D-Alpena, was likely to introduce his companion hunting-fees bill in the House by Wednesday, their offices said.

If the bills are passed, fees could go up immediately, said Mary Dettloff, a spokeswoman for the Michigan Department of Natural Resources who had not seen the actual language of the bills. Full increases would be phased in over a four-year period, with an additional 5 percent increases in years five and six."