Fish & Game considers fee increases

The New Hampshire Fish and Game Department is considering fee increases for hunting and fishing licenses.

A fishing license would increase from $33 to $38.  A hunting license would increase from $21 to $30.  Residents over age 68 - who right now can get a license for free - would have to pay $10.

The fee increases would boost annual Fish and Game revenue by roughly $1 million.

Supporters point out that without a funding increase, the Fish and Game Department may have to close fish hatcheries.  It's also been over ten years since the last major fee increases.

Opponents argue that a fee increase might deter hunters and anglers, which could hurt the tourist economy.

There are no hearings scheduled yet on the fee increases, although the Department will probably schedule some sessions for public input in September.