Senate Game and Fisheries Committee Examines Hunting License Fee Increases

HARRISBURG – The Senate Game and Fisheries Committee explored the possibility of hunting license fee increases during a public hearing Wednesday, according to Committee Chairman Chuck McIlhinney (R-Bucks and Montgomery).

Carl Roe, Executive Director of the Pennsylvania Game Commission, testified that a hunting license fee increase was needed to maintain current programs to protect the Commonwealth's wildlife. He expressed support for Senate Bill 1527, legislation sponsored by McIlhinney that would increase adult resident hunting license fees from $19 to $25 in 2009, $30 in 2012 and $35 in 2015. Roe added that cost of a license would still be the cheapest part of the hunting experience.

"Senate Bill 1527 is vital to ensure that we can continue to provide the services for our hunters and trappers and the general public," Roe said. "I believe that the Game Commission and sportsmen of this state have come too far over the past 110 years to compromise our outstanding wildlife conservation programs."

McIlhinney said that the increase would be the first license fee adjustment since 1999 and would support the state's $3 billion hunting industry for the foreseeable future.

"Our sportsmen understand the need to protect and preserve our wildlife resources for future generations, and I am confident that a reasonable fee increase will still allow our hunters and trappers to participate while helping the Game Commission to deal with its financial challenges," McIlhinney said.

The hearing included a public comment period to give sportsmen and other interested individuals the opportunity to ask questions and present their opinions on the topic. McIlhinney said that all of those who took part in the public comment portion of the hearing were supportive of a fee increase to protect the state's wildlife resources.

McIlhinney estimated that about 60 people attended Wednesday's hearing.

Contact:

Gail Reinard
(215)489-5000