DNR SEEKING TO INCREASE HUNTING-FISHING LICENSE FEES

(06/26/2008)
The cost of a hunting and fishing license in West Virginia may soon be increasing.

A new proposal that is out for public comment would raise the cost of the popular Sportsman's of Class X license from $33 to $35 annually.

The increase is supposedly tied to the Consumer Price Index.

Increases being sought by DNR are likely linked to a decline in the number of people hunting and fishing.

"We said rather than come back periodically for a huge increase, which nobody likes, let's connect this to the Consumer Price Index," said Curtis Taylor. "We'll watch that index and if it goes up and calls for an increase in the license of over a dollar we'll do that, rather than come back in ten years and raise it $20."

DNR officials said the idea is to help the cost of hunting and fishing license keep pace with inflation.

They say trout food has gone up 50 percent, along with the cost of gasoline.

Taylor says at $35 dollars it's quite a bargain.

Roughly the equivalent in-state license in Kentucky is $115, Virginia is $120, and Ohio residents pay $125.