Hunting And Fishing License Fees In Mass. May Soon Go Up

If you love hunting and fishing in Massachusetts' natural havens, you might need to spare a few more dollars to renew your license. The fees soon may be going up.

Ron Amidon, the state's fish and game commissioner, said the last license fee increase occurred 25 years ago. He said the fees hikes are needed because costs and responsibilities for the state's wildlife and fisheries division have gone up without increased funding.

According to Amidon, fees will rise each year via a phased-in approach.

"Rather than have it jump all the way up in one year, we're gonna do it over the course of five years," he said.

The department expects the fee hikes will raise about $3.5 million, which Amidon said will pay for services provided by MassWildlife.

Several public hearings will take place next month before any increases are finalized.