Price increase

Hunting and fishing licenses will cost you more this year in Michigan, as the Department of Natural Resources is raising those fees for the first time in 17 years. The prices of deer licenses are going up from 15 to 31-dollars, while fishing licenses now cost 26 bucks, up from 15. All fishing licenses will be good for all species. The all-species fishing, base hunting and hunt/fish combo licenses will include a new $1 surcharge. Non-Michigan residents will bear the brunt of the increases, with their licenses now at 170-dollars each. Department of Natural Resources Director Keith Creagh says this new structure keeps Michigan’s license costs competitive with other Great Lakes states. The license-buying process will also be improved, with streamlined options for simplified purchasing at retail agents and a new mobile option that will allow users to buy licenses using their smartphone or tablet. The state expects to raise 20-million dollars in revenue through the changes.  (MRN)