Senator calls for public input on fishing, hunting license fee increases

Published 9:27 am Tuesday, December 27, 2016

OLYMPIA — Sen. Kirk Pearson, R-Monroe, is calling for hunters and fishers to weigh in on the proposed fishing and hunting license fee increases proposed by the state Department of Fish and Wildlife. The significant new fee increases will be a subject of public hearing in the Senate where Pearson chairs the Natural Resources and Parks Committee.

“I know that most of our hunters and fishermen cannot make the trip to Olympia to testify, so I would like to know your opinions on the merits of this proposal,” said Pearson. “While the department plans to spend the increased money on ideas that could be beneficial to fish and game populations, we need to count the cost before we start writing the checks.”

Overall, recreational and commercial fishing license fees are proposed to increase by an average of 30 percent. Recreational licenses for saltwater salmon, freshwater trout, and shellfish license would increase from $55 to $75. Columbia and Snake River salmon and steelhead licenses would increase from $38 to more than $64. Saltwater salmon and sturgeon licenses would increase from $30 to $55. Overall fee costs for an average angler could more than double.

Hunters also will pay for the new spending with fees that will increase by 10 percent on average. A migratory bird permit will go from $15 to $25. A deer, elk, bear and cougar big game hunting license will increase from $85 to $93.

All fee increases listed are for resident prices. Non-resident fees are significantly higher.

Comments on the proposal can be directed by email to Kirk.Pearson@leg.wa.gov or by mail to Senator Kirk Pearson at PO Box 40439, Olympia, WA 98504. More details about the proposal are listed on Pearson’s website, www.SenatorKirkPearson.com.