Hunting Fees in Wyoming Could Climb Over 20% - KGWN –Cheyenne, WY– Scottsbluff, NE News,Weather, Sports

Hunting Fees in Wyoming Could Climb Over 20%

The Wyoming Game and Fish Department is looking to increase license fees for the first time since 2008.

Wyoming's vast array of wildlife, an enticing attraction for residents and non-residents alike that love to hunt and fish.

But the cost to enjoy that recreation could soon be rising more than 21%.

"This license fee is based on continuing inflation, over 20% inflation since the last license fee increase and also some of our increased responsibilities related to non-game species and sensitive species," said Eric Keszler, spokesman for Wyoming Game & Fish.

License fee increases are typical every few years, but the percentage this time around came as a surprise to many.

"Most people aren't happy about having to pay higher fees for hunting and fishing, but as we have the chance to talk to more people they seem to understand this is something that's really necessary," Keszler said.

The Game and Fish says increases on some game were based on inflation, while others were a result of market research. They looked at license prices verses what people would be willing to pay to hunt each animal without exceeding the break even point, where they believe people might opt out of buying a license.

Table Mountain Outfitters co-owners Scott and Angie Denny, based in Cheyenne, depend mostly on non-residents for their business. They've gone through increases before and are unsure what to expect.

"We've been through two or three different rates throughout the years and each time that's happened something different has happened. Some years our bookings are down. Sometimes we just get a lot of grief from our hunters," said Scott Denny.

State Senator Larry Hicks from Baggs is an avid hunter. He says he'd support an increase if there's a tangible benefit to sportsmen in the state, but he's not ready to put his support behind this.

"Right now, given where we're at fiscally in this country, I think it's a bad idea," Hicks said.

The Travel, Recreation and Wildlife Committee of the Legislature will meet next week to continue discussing the proposal.