HB 70: Game and Fish License Fees
2007 General Session

Sponsor: Joint Interim Travel, Recreation, Wildlife and Cultural Resources Committee

HB 70 increased all hunting and fishing license fees by 20%, effective in 2008. It also increased application, conservation stamp and permit fees, selling agent fees and landowner coupon payments by the same 20%. It was estimated that the fee increases would generate about $5.6 million in revenue for the Wyoming Game and Fish Department annually. The last license fee increase approved by the legislature was in 2003.

Supporters noted that the majority (about 75-80%) of the WGFD budget comes from hunting and fishing revenue (mainly licenses), and the Department must raise fees every few years to keep pace with rising costs of managing the state’s wildlife. Opponents argued that the WGFD should take other measures to cut spending before seeking another license fee increase.

The House passed HB 70, 44-13 (3 excused), and the Senate passed the bill, 23-6 (1 excused). The votes listed below are the House and Senate third reading (final passage) votes. A YES vote means the legislator approved of raising hunting and fishing license fees by 20%, while a NO vote means the legislator did not approve of this license fee increase.

Enrolled