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OHIO HUNTING AND FISHING FEE INCREASES TO TAKE EFFECT NEXT YEAR COLUMBUS, OH -- The Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR)
Division of Wildlife reminds sportsmen that fishing and hunting licenses fee
increases recently passed in the state budget bill will not take effect
until March 2004. These are the first such license increases since 1994.
Ohio's resident hunting and fishing licenses will increase $4,
making the new price $19. Deer and turkey permits for the 2004 seasons will
also be increased by $4 to $24.
As part of the ODNR Division of Wildlife's efforts to expand youth
hunting opportunities in the state, the 2004 season will offer reduced-price
deer and turkey permits for young hunters. Formerly young hunters had to pay
full price for deer and turkey permits. Starting in 2004 these permits will
be reduced from the present $20 each to $12, half the $24 cost other hunters
will pay.
"The ODNR in conjunction with many of the sportsmen's organizations
across the state asked the General Assembly to discount the hunting permits
for young hunters. This change will make hunting more affordable for
families with young hunters," said Steven A. Gray, chief of the ODNR
Division of Wildlife.
With this change, a hunter, 15 years old and younger, will be able
to hunt deer in 2004 by purchasing one deer permit and a hunting license for
a total of $22. Last year, the same license and permit would have cost the
young hunter $28. The $6 dollar reduction was part of the total license fee
package in the state budget.
Ohio's latest budget bill also restructured senior licenses and
permits. Ohioans currently 66 years or older (those born on or before
December 31, 1937) will continue to receive free hunting and fishing
licenses and permits. Ohio sportsmen and women who turn 66 after December
31 of this year will now receive their licenses and permits at half price.
Source: ODNR
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