Anglers will shell out more for licenses




Posted on 09/02/2009


By **** ALLEY

Hour Fishing Columnist


The new state budget has passed and with it will come astronomical increases for hunting and fishing licenses.

Under the new budget, a combination hunting and fishing license will jump from the current $28 to $56. Those who only hunt will see the current $14 fee double to $28. For fresh-water anglers, the cost of a license will go from the current $20 to $40 and the cost of one of those new salt-water licenses will triple from the current $10 to $30.

Once again our legislators are picking on poor people. Fishing has always been a sport that attracted those who could not afford many other sports. It has also been a family sport, along with camping. Family fishing will take a big hit when the kids reach the licensing age of 16.

Let's consider the average family of husband wife and two kids in their mid-teens. The cost of inland fishing licenses for all four will now total $160. If they decide to include a trip to the beach, add another $120 for four salt-water licenses. That's money the economy will never see.

Who knows where the politicians will spend it? There is supposed to be a window in the legislative process that allows for the passage of implementer bills. Now is the time to contact your legislators to protest this abomination they call a budget. Otherwise the bill becomes effective on October 1.


http://www.thehour.com/story/474295