Detroit City Wire

Senator Joseph Bellino of Michigan voted against two bills that would increase fees on 20 hunting and fishing licenses in the state by a total of $29.4 million.

“These fee increases are unnecessary, counterproductive and harmful,” said Bellino, R-Monroe. “The number of hunters in Michigan is declining. We should be encouraging more people to hunt and fish in our state — not making it more expensive for Michigan families.

“Most of these fee increases are between 20% and 50%, which is especially hard on folks who rely on hunting and fishing to feed their families and who are still reeling from years of increased prices on almost everything.”

According to details provided, Senate Bills 276 and 277 would raise the cost of a hunting and fishing combination license for residents by 33%. The base hunting license would see an increase of 50%, while an annual all-species fishing license would go up by 20%.

Bellino argued that instead of raising fees, the Michigan Department of Natural Resources should focus on using its current funding more efficiently or seek ways to boost participation in hunting and fishing. “The Michigan Department of Natural Resources should more efficiently use the funding it is already getting or look at ways to increase hunting and fishing participation — instead of simply charging people more money,” Bellino said.