Hunting and fishing is about to get costlier for residents living in Georgia. On Monday, the Department of Natural Resources said that it will be increase the fees for licenses.
"Right now, Georgia has some of the lowest currently in the nation and certainly in the southeast," said Wes Robinson, with the Georgia DNR.
They said that they are raising it to the southeast average, and also will cost the people several dollars more starting 1st July.It is the first increase for Georgia residents in the 25 years.
"These additional dollars are going right back to supporting sportsmen and women," said Robinson.
DNR said it is an estimated $11.6 million in additional revenue. The revenue will go towards different improvements, like hiring 40 game wardens.
"I don't think people will have a hard time accepting it if it's used for betterment of the environment and for hunting," said Jud Tanner, Owner of the T3 Outdoors in Valdosta.
The department said it is also looking to grant more access to public land.
"There's not a lot of choices, so if the money will go to help that it could be really good," said Tanner.
Some other improvements include adding the additional shooting ranges and also more fisheries. Many people hope the increase in the fees lead to an increase in recreation.
12 CPRF Troops Killed In Encounter With Naxalites
DNR said that Gov. Nathan Deal is signing House Bill 208 on Tuesday.
Gov. Nathan Deal will sign a bill on Tuesday increasing the fees for hunting and fishing licenses.
News outlets report that the fees after increase on 1st July will be on par with the surrounding states. The hunting licenses would rise from $10 to $15 and also annual fishing licenses would increase from $9 to $15. A basic annual hunting andalso fishing license for state residents would rise from $17 to $30. Other categories such as the lifetime licenses and also non-resident licenses also will see a hike.
The Department of Natural Resources Director of Public and Government Affairs spokesman Wes Robinson said that revenue from the increase will go toward hiring the 40 additional game wardens and also improving department-managed infrastructure. Presently, Forty-seven counties are without a game warden. This is the first increase for the resident licenses since 1992.
Mrudula Duddempudi.
