Increases proposed for hunting, fishing licenses

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Friday, Jan. 31, 2003 | 10:43 a.m.

SUN CAPITAL BUREAU

CARSON CITY -- In addition to the $1.1 billion tax increase proposed by Gov. Kenny Guinn, he is also suggesting hunting and fishing license fee increases to support the state Division of Wildlife.

Division Administrator Terry Crawforth told the legislative budget committees today his agency faces a $7.5 million deficit by the fiscal year 2007 unless he gets more money. The revenue from these new fees would not be collected until fiscal 2004, he said.

"The cost of conserving wildlife and maintaining programs for the public will continue to rise," but the cost of license fees, he said has not kept pace with consumer price index, he said.

Under his plan the cost of a resident hunting license will rise from $22 to $29 and a resident fishing license will go from $20 to $25. Crawforth said the tourists will be hit harder on license fees.

There will be a new habitat conservation fee of $3 imposed on each person. And there will be a new $10 fee for the upland game bird program.

Sportsmen in Southern Nevada proposed starting a special motor vehicle license plate and that would yield an additional $17 per plate to the wildlife division.