1/25/2006

January 23, 2006
Volume 36, Number 18
Division of Fish and Wildlife

Contact: Roy  Miller , Fisheries, phone: (302) 739-9914 , e-mail: roy.miller@state.de.us
or Greg Moore, Wildlife, phone: (302) 739-9912 , e-mail: eugene.moore@state.de.us

Proposed Hunting and Fishing Fee Changes to be Presented at Public Meetings

Delaware’s Division of Fish and Wildlife is seeking public comment on several important proposals for hunting and fishing license fee increases; new fees, including a wildlife area access fee and a guide license; and the creation of a general fishing license, good for both salt and freshwater species.

The last hunting license increase was in 1984 when the cost was raised to $12.50 for residents and $86 for non-residents. The proposed change is to $25 for Delaware hunters and reciprocity for out-of-state hunters. The last fishing license increase was in 1985 - to $8.50 for residents, and $15 for non-residents. The proposal for a general fishing license, good for both salt and freshwater species, is $8.50 for residents and $20 for non-residents.

“We’ve held the line on increases for years, but we can no longer keep pace with inflation,” said Division Director Patrick Emory. “Rising operational costs and the need to provide state matching dollars for federal aid programs necessitate fee increases to both hunting and fishing licenses and other revenue producers as well. Our goal is to not only sustain the present level of services in support of our fish and wildlife resources and programs, but to be in a position to consider some enhancements to these programs. This can only be assured if sustainable funding levels increase over present levels.”
According to Emory, programs that could be in jeopardy in the foreseeable future without additional revenue include the Division’s ability to:

• monitor fish and wildlife populations;
• provide outdoor recreation opportunities on state wildlife management areas and fishing areas;
• implement and sustain intensive management programs over time;
• to provide a Hunter Education Program, which helps to reduce firearm accidents.

The Division will host three public meetings, one in each county:

7 p.m., Tuesday, Feb. 7 at the Delaware Technical & Community College Owens Campus, Lecture Hall in the William Carter Partnership Center, Route 18, (Seashore Highway), Georgetown.

7 p.m., Wednesday, Feb. 8 at the Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control Auditorium, 89 Kings Highway, Dover.

7 p.m., Thursday, Feb. 9 at the Ommelanden Hunter Education Center, 1205 River Road, New Castle.

For additional information regarding the time and place of the workshops, please contact Ruth Richards, Division of Fish and Wildlife, at 302-739-9910.
 

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