Michigan hunting and fishing would cost more under new proposal

LANSING, Mich. (FOX 2) - The cost of hunting bears, deer, and pheasant, as well as fishing in Michigan would go up under proposed legislation in Lansing.

The bills would also change how residents participate in the state's recreational passport, in a bid to boost funding for the DNR, which manages Michigan's parks and outdoor recreation. 

Officials with DNR say mounting costs for maintenance need to be matched with boosts in funding.

But northern Michigan Republicans say the proposal would have "serious negative" impacts on recreation in the state.

A letter to the Michigan Department of Natural Resources director claimed increased fees and updating the form for obtaining a recreational passport would hurt hunters and anglers in a bid to boost state revenue.

"Residents across the state have made their voices clear; they are tired of the skyrocketing prices. Attempting to push fee increases and a recreation passport opt-out during a lame-duck legislative session is inherently dishonest to the people you serve," the letter to director Scott Bowen read. 

The changes outlined in HB 6229 would increase the fees for various licenses the DNR requires a hunter, boater, or fisherman to obtain before recreating.

The base license for hunting would increase from $10 to $15 for residents and from $5 to $8 for minors. If someone wanted to apply for a combined hunting and fishing license, the fee would grow from $75 to $113.

Other license increases include hunting wild turkeys, waterfowl, pheasant, bear, and deer.

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It was presented before the Committee on Natural Resources, Environment, Tourism, and Outdoor Recreation on Dec. 4. 

Another bill criticized by Republicans was HB 5428, which would alter how the residents pay for a recreational passport. The passport allows residents entry into all state parks and boat access sites in exchange for $14 when someone registers their vehicle.

Michigan Democrat Julie Brixie said in a news release last week that laws should meet the expectations of the state.

"Ever since the pandemic, park usage has skyrocketed, and DNR has not been able to provide the necessary staffing and maintenance to meet demand," Rep. Brixie said. "I am thrilled that more Michiganders are taking advantage of our parks, but this legislation is needed to ensure they are sustainable for generations to come."

The proposal makes it so residents would need to opt out of the recreational passport. Currently, it's a separate line they fill out. 

It would also include another section that allows residents to donate $15 to support Michigan's parks. 

While Brixie's office said the legislation would boost DNR funding "by an estimated $18 million to $20 million," a legislative analysis found departmental revenue would go up, but the extent was unclear.