LANSING, MI (AP)-- Michigan lawmakers are approving the first significant increase in hunting and fishing license fees since 1997.
Legislation passed 77-32 by the Republican-led state House Wednesday raises about $20 million more, a 40-percent boost. The money would let Michigan hire more conservation officers and improve parks, trails and habitat.
The measure would create a new base hunting license costing $10 for most in-state residents, with lower rates for children and seniors. Separate fees still would be levied for hunting certain species, and some would go up. Tags for deer would rise from $15 to $20.
Out-of-state residents would bear the biggest impact of fee hikes.
The bills now go to the Senate.
