Michigan Budget Leaves Door Open for Future Hunting and Fishing License Fee Increases

Michigan's latest state budget maintains current hunting and fishing license fees, but includes provisions that could lead to future increases.

The Department of Natural Resources (DNR) faces projected deficits of approximately $2 million in its fisheries division and $2.6 million in its wildlife division for fiscal year 2026. These shortfalls are attributed to inflation and declining participation in hunting and fishing activities. License fees have remained unchanged since 2014, while costs for essential resources like fish food, fuel, and equipment have risen. ([michiganpublic.org](https://www.michiganpublic.org/environment-climate-change/2025-03-03/dnr-aims-for-hunting-and-fishing-license-fee-increases-amid-expected-deficit?utm_source=openai))

Governor Gretchen Whitmer proposed increasing hunting and fishing license fees to generate nearly $29 million in additional revenue for the DNR. Proposed changes included raising the base fee for small game hunting from $11 to $17 for adults and increasing the all-species fishing license from $26 to $40 for residents. ([thealpenanews.com](https://www.thealpenanews.com/news/local-news/2025/03/gov-whitmer-proposes-higher-fees-on-hunting-and-fishing-licenses/?utm_source=openai))

Despite these proposals, the final budget does not implement immediate fee increases. However, it authorizes the DNR to spend an additional $30 million if the legislature passes separate bills raising license fees within the next year. This provision suggests that fee hikes remain a possibility. ([michiganpublic.org](https://www.michiganpublic.org/environment-climate-change/2025-03-03/dnr-aims-for-hunting-and-fishing-license-fee-increases-amid-expected-deficit?utm_source=openai))

Conservation groups, including the Michigan United Conservation Clubs (MUCC), support fee increases to sustain conservation efforts. Justin Tomei, MUCC's policy and government affairs manager, noted that while the current budget does not include fee hikes, the inclusion of the $30 million provision indicates that the door remains open for future increases. ([michiganpublic.org](https://www.michiganpublic.org/environment-climate-change/2025-03-03/dnr-aims-for-hunting-and-fishing-license-fee-increases-amid-expected-deficit?utm_source=openai))

Opposition to fee increases persists among some lawmakers. State Representative Ken Borton, a Republican from Gaylord and chair of the House appropriations subcommittee overseeing the DNR, has stated his firm opposition to raising fees. He emphasized that no fee increases were agreed upon in the current budget and pledged to prevent such increases as long as he is involved. ([michiganpublic.org](https://www.michiganpublic.org/environment-climate-change/2025-03-03/dnr-aims-for-hunting-and-fishing-license-fee-increases-amid-expected-deficit?utm_source=openai))

The budget also includes a new wholesale marijuana tax and increased funding for roads, while eliminating hundreds of vacant state government positions. These measures aim to address various fiscal challenges without immediately increasing hunting and fishing license fees. ([michiganpublic.org](https://www.michiganpublic.org/environment-climate-change/2025-03-03/dnr-aims-for-hunting-and-fishing-license-fee-increases-amid-expected-deficit?utm_source=openai))

As the DNR continues to navigate financial constraints, the possibility of future license fee increases remains a topic of discussion among lawmakers and conservationists.