The House Natural Resources Committee approves legislation that would increase the cost to purchase recreational hunting and fishing licenses. State Wildlife and Fisheries Secretary Jack Montoucet says the fees to purchase a license have remained steady for the last 20 years and a fund thats’ helped finance the department is nearly dry.
“We have been able to hold down the costs of licenses because of that, now we are facing a big dilemma,” said Montoucet.
The proposal calls for the cost of a basic fishing license to increase from $9.50 to 17-dollars, a basic annual hunting license would climb from 150 to 200-dollars. Several other types of licenses related to hunting and fishing would also see an increase.
Montoucet says over the last several years his department has worked to do more with less money, but it’s come to a point where they can’t continue operating this way.
“In order for us to continue to function and provide the services we do for the Sportsman’s Paradise, we need your help and consideration for this bill,” said Montoucet.
Abbeville Representative Ryan Bourriaque says his constituents are concerned about higher fishing and hunting licenses, so he’s hoping as the bill moves through the legislative process they can find other sources of funding.
“Are there any budget gaps that can potentially be funded with the federal dollars coming down from COVID or disaster appropriations from the hurricanes,” said Bourriaque.
The bill faces more discussion in the House.
Comments