STATE HUNTING-FISHING LICENSES DECLINE BY 26%

(01/25/2008)

Hunting and fishing license sales has left a $1.8 million budget hole in state Division of Natural Resources budget. The gap affects the wildlife resources, law enforcement and real estate sections of the division, which has an $18 million budget. Thirty-four conservation officer positions will be cut if the supplemental funds aren't approved, says the DNR. Officials say this is the first time DNR has faced such a crisis. Records show a decline in the number of state residents and non-residents buying hunting and fishing licenses between 1997 and 2006 -a 17 percent decrease in the number of resident hunters and 10 percent fewer resident fishing licenses. The DNR said nationally there is a trend that the number of licenses being sold is down. The division will be looking at what's causing the decline and possible ways to try to stabilize the license revenues. West Virginia has the third highest percentage of residents 65 and older in the nation. That group does not require a license. The state also has the fourth highest participation rate of residents who hunt and fish. People who hunt on their own property don't need a license.

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