Historically, a resident fee increase is/was long over due. However, this also feels like it was long planned out. Note the non-resident fees were increased last year by a very small ammount. Thus the resident and non-resident fee increases are separated for political cushion on our "anti DNR" state legislaters. Our elected officials actually decide what license fees will be for residents and non-residents .... not the DNR.

The license fees go into the general state coffers, not the DNR budget. No matter how much the DNR collects in license fees, out elected officials still decide how much $ the DNR get to operate with. Having the DNR make the fee incrrease proposal just takes all the political heat off our elected officials from dumb sportsman.

Wisconsin is by far the #1 Pope&Young trophy state in the country, and only charges $160 for a deer license. What Wisconsin should be doing is charging non-residents deer license fees in the $300 range like Iowa, Illinois, Kansas, Washingtion, and several othe states. The Illinois DNR is currently proposing the the state legislature a NR deer license fee between $400 - $500.

I have no problem with paying higher resident license fees, but would feel alot better if that $ only went toward the DNR's operating budget. The Non-residenet license should be raised again, only much higher, to the current high market value.

Increases sought for licenses

http://www.jsonline.com/outdoors/dec04/280815.asp