Utah hunting and fishing fees could increase next year

Utah hunters and anglers could see an increase in licenses, tags and permits next year for both residents and nonresidents. The decision comes as a result of the “record inflation following the pandemic” and the rise in operations costs per the Utah Wildlife Board, according to KSL News. 

Last week, the Utah Wildlife Board approved the proposal to increase the cost of permit fees and now waits for the Utah Legislature to make the final decision. If approved, the following changes would occur:

• A $6 increase in general season deer and elk hunting, 365-day fishing and combo licenses, meaning that fishing permits would cost $40, general season deer permits would cost $46, elk permits would cost $56 and the fishing/hunting combo licenses would increase to $44. 
• A $1 multi-year and extended permit discount would be available.
• Nonresident hunting licenses would increase to $120.
• Nonresident combo licenses would increase to $150.
• Other license and permit fees would increase between 10% to 12%. 

Hunting, fishing and combo licenses for youth and disabled veterans would remain the same without any increase. 

“We’ve seen all of those steadily increase over (the last few months), as well,” said Kenny Johnson, the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources Administrative Services Chief. “So, we’re proposing a modest fee increase to help us address our needs now; and what we anticipate for several years into the future. ... We believe our license structure and fees are fair and help balance participation costs from the public with healthy fish and wildlife populations on the ground.”

The final vote on the increased fees will be held during the 2023 legislative session, near the start of fiscal year 2024 on July 1, 2023.

Stay tuned to GOHUNT for further updates.