NEW WYOMING BILL INCREASES FEES BY 400% – A proposed legislative bill in Wyoming, House Bill 2, aims to significantly increase hunting license application fees to bolster funding for the Wyoming Game and Fish Department (WGFD). The bill suggests raising resident application fees from $5 to $20 and nonresident fees from $15 to $75, marking a 300% and 400% increase, respectively.
Current Application Process and Fees
In Wyoming, hunters can obtain licenses through general over-the-counter tags or limited quota draw tags, which require advance applications. Applicants must prepay the full cost of the desired license plus the application fee. If unsuccessful in the draw, the license cost is refunded, but the WGFD retains the application fee. These fees constitute a significant revenue stream for the department.
Historical Context
Retired WGFD game warden and biologist Joe Sandrini noted that there was a time when Wyoming did not charge application fees. The current $5 resident fee has been unchanged for many years. Sandrini views the proposed increase as a “de facto hunting license fee increase” but does not anticipate a long-term decline in license sales, citing historical resilience in sales following previous fee hikes.
Rationale for the Increase
Proponents argue that the fee hike is necessary to maintain and enhance Wyoming’s wildlife management, especially since the WGFD does not receive general fund legislative dollars. Josh Coursey, president and CEO of the Muley Fanatics Foundation, emphasized that managing world-class wildlife resources requires substantial funding. Paul Ulrich, a prominent Wyoming outdoorsman, described the increase as reasonable, highlighting its potential to support critical initiatives like mule deer habitat preservation.
Potential Financial Impact
A fiscal note from the Wyoming Legislature’s Service Office indicates that the WGFD may incur a one-time expenditure of approximately $4,876 to update the application system, allowing a single application fee for multiple licenses purchased simultaneously. The overall revenue impact is uncertain, as it depends on the number of licenses purchased together and the specific fees set by the WGFD. If hunters consolidate their license purchases to minimize fees, the department could face an estimated annual revenue decrease of $993,480. However, adjusting the fees to $14 for residents and $22 for nonresidents could offset this potential loss.
Conclusion
House Bill 2 proposes a substantial increase in hunting license application fees in Wyoming, aiming to provide the WGFD with additional resources for wildlife management and conservation efforts. While the fee hike represents a significant change, supporters believe it is a necessary step to ensure the continued stewardship of the state’s wildlife resources.
