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| The WI governor's budget proposal includes increases to the cost of resident fishing licenses. The license fees have not increased since 2005. Because this is a major source of funding for the Department of Natural Resources, program support has been reduced as inflation eats away at their budget.
I wrote my Assembly Rep last year suggesting that this needs to happen and his response was people like cheap licenses. I replied they would like free ones too but that doesn't help protect our natural resources.
If you feel like I do that it is time to increase the license fees, with the provision that those dollars go to protecting our natural resources, contact your elected officials.
I also think it is a joke that as an old fart I only pay $7 for my license. Go to any Northwoods establishment on a Friday night that has a fish fry and look who is there for the fish fry and an old fashioned or three. It ain't kids. |
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Posts: 1455
Location: Brighton CO. | The last time I was in Wisconsin was in 2023 for a fall fishing trip and before that 2021 for a non fishing trip and the years before that fishing trips to Minnesota by my moms side of the family or just didn't get up that way at all. So when I bought my fishing license in 2023 I was not in the new Wisconsin system so I got a non-resident yearly license for cheaper then my bubby paid for his 4 four day non-resident. (I guess this was a one time deal.) We fish four days only but with a guide, my friend uses the guides tackle so he only fishes the four days. Myself I bring a rod and maybe 30-40 lures and as soon as we get unpacked I'm down at the dock casting so I'll gradly pay for a week or longer for the sake of the fishery. Lots of times I'll come for a week and buy the yearly license. Like most everyone I have way too many lures but buy them to support the local economy. (for the sake of room and bringing 30-40 lures I won't buy more on the trip but buy all winter. Will be back this fall and have the four days with the guide but we'll be staying at a rental house off the water so I'll buy a weekly any way. |
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Posts: 766
| As an individual and Wis. resident approaching old fart status myself, I could agree with you on the license increase. But, I would also want to know, as we all should, how the money is being spent. Spend the money as it was intended, not on some b.s. pet projects. Show me how the money is spent, and I will pay the increases. Kdawg |
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Location: Contrarian Island | the resident fishing license increase was on last years spring ballot I believe it passed overwhelmingly.. I had heard a group within the DNR had shot it down, but glad to hear it is back. It's crazy that the annual license has been $20 for so long and the dnr complains about lack of money.... |
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| When I contacted my Assembly rep, I did state that the increased fees should go natural resources, not to offset some other revenue. While big money rules politics today, individuals contacting elected reps still makes a difference.
I have spoken to several DNR employees about the issue and they have been very supportive of fee increases, so not sure who within the department would oppose them.
The legislature has approved non-resident increases during that 20 year period. |
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Posts: 2286
Location: SE, WI. | To help the DNR Stocking Programs, Governor should Put a 500% Tax On Livescope and FFS ;)! JD |
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| Well, I got a response from my Assembly Rep and if it is up to him, no significant increases in fees. He did not state how the DNR is supposed to do their job with inflation dramatically reducing what they have to spend.
He said I was the only one to contact him in support of increased license fees. He is part of the Republican majority and follows the party line on every issue, so I am guessing this is pretty much not going to happen unless more contact them in support of the increases. |
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Posts: 2030
| How about trying to change the electronic purchase to ask/collect a donation that would go directly to the DNR at the time of license purchase? It is possible if fisherman knew the money was going directly to fund stocking it might raise more $$$ than a license increase? Would not surprise me to see significant donations if fisherman where assured the money funded stocking/fisheries and it was simple.. Just a thought. |
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| IAJustin - 2/28/2025 2:01 PM
How about trying to change the electronic purchase to ask/collect a donation that would go directly to the DNR at the time of license purchase? It is possible if fisherman knew the money was going directly to fund stocking it might raise more $$$ than a license increase? Would not surprise me to see significant donations if fisherman where assured the money funded stocking/fisheries and it was simple.. Just a thought.
When you purchase your license online through the DNR's "Go Wild" site you have been asked for some time if you would like to make a contribution to the help with natural resources. I always donate more than the license cost. As mentioned in previous post, being older than dirt, I only pay $7 for my fishing license. I don't know what percentage of folks do make a donation. |
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Wisconsin Fishing License Increases