Cost to hunt, fish may change in July

Pending approval by the Utah Legislature, the cost of hunting and fishing licenses in Utah could change starting in July 2007.

The Utah Wildlife Board approved the changes and the Utah Legislature is expected to act on the changes during its session in February.

"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."

The fee changes will go into affect on July 1.

Resident combination will go from $34 to $30.

Resident deer will go from $40 to $35.

Resident elk will go from $65 to $45.

Resident turkey will go from $40 to $35.

Resident small game will go from $17 to $26.

Nonresident small game will go from $45 to $65.

Drawing application from $5 to $10.

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.

It is also proposed that 12- and 13-year-old anglers buy a $5 fishing license. Currently, no license is required.

"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.

Also going before the Legislature is Watchable Wildlife pass for those who do not hunt or fish. The fee would be admission to Utah's wildlife and waterfowl management areas.

A pass would be available for $10 and would allow the purchaser access to management areas 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 a DWR office or call 801-538-4700.