Last modified: Tuesday, January 30, 2007
Hunting license fees could change in 2007
Additonal information:
SALT LAKE CITY — Pending approval by the Utah Legislature, the cost to hunt and fish in Utah could change starting in July 2007.
Whether you'll pay more or less would depend on the licenses you buy.
The Utah Wildlife Board approved the changes at its Oct. 5 meeting in Salt Lake City. The Utah Legislature is expected to act on the changes during its session in February 2007.
Watch the DWR video about the fee increase proposal. Requires Windows Media player.
"We're pleased that the Wildlife Board approved these changes," said Jim Karpowitz, director of the Division of Wildlife Resources. "The added revenue will allow us to cover some serious budget shortfalls we're facing and will allow us to continue managing Utah's wildlife effectively. The revenue will also allow us to provide hunters, anglers and wildlife watchers with some additional services they've asked for.
"Those who pay $5 to apply for a big game permit each year, but then do not buy any other licenses or permits, would be the ones most affected by the changes," he said. "Those who already buy Utah hunting and fishing licenses would not be affected as much. In fact, in some cases, they may actually pay less."
When changes would happen
If approved by the legislature, the changes would not take affect until July 1, 2007. Fees would change after July 1 as rules were approved for upcoming hunting and fishing seasons.
Decreases and increases
If approved by the legislature, the following fees would be reduced:
| |
Current |
New |
Resident combination license
(allows the holder to hunt and fish) |
$34 |
$30 |
 |
| Resident deer permit |
$40 |
$35 |
|
Resident elk permit
(any bull/spike/anterless) |
$65 |
$45 |
|
| Resident turkey permit |
$40 |
$35 |
|
If the legislature approves, the following fees would be raised:
| |
Current |
New |
Resident small game
(hunting license) |
$17 |
$26 |
|
Nonresident small game
(hunting license) |
$45 |
$65 |
|
| Drawing application fee |
$5 |
$10 |
|
All hunters must buy a hunting license
Another change the board approved is the requirement that all hunters — including big game hunters — buy a hunting license before they apply for or buy any hunting permit.
This license is currently called a small game license. If approved by the legislature, it would be renamed a hunting license and would cost Utah residents $26. In addition to allowing the holder to apply for or buy a permit, a hunting license would also allow the holder to hunt small game.
Instead of buying a hunting license, hunters could choose to buy a $30 combination license that would also allow them to fish.
"Fishing licenses cost $26. Big game hunters who already buy a fishing license would have to pay only $4 more to upgrade to a combination license that would also allow them to apply in the draw and hunt small game," Karpowitz said.
See how the license restructuring will affect you.
Application fee change
If approved by the legislature, the fee to apply in Utah's hunting draws, including the big game draw, would increase to $10.
License for 12- and 13-year-old anglers
If the legislature approves, 12- and 13-year-old anglers would be required to buy a $5 fishing license.
"For every license sold to these young anglers, the division would collect $12 in federal aid. That money would then be invested in fish hatcheries and other programs that would make fishing better in the state," Karpowitz said.
Watchable Wildlife Pass
If approved by the legislature, those who don't have a hunting or fishing license would be required to pay a fee to visit the state's wildlife and waterfowl management areas (WMAs).
A Watchable Wildlife pass would be available for $10 and would allow the purchaser access to the state's WMAs for 365 days from the day the pass was purchased. The pass would also provide the holder access to all of the Watchable Wildlife events and festivals in Utah for which a fee is charged to attend.
For more information, call the nearest Division of Wildlife Resources office or the DWR's Salt Lake City office at (801) 538-4700.
