One of the most noticeable changes would be for a Wisconsin resident to obtain a deer hunting license, which would increase from $22 to $42, just shy of a 91% increase. – File photo

 

NORTHWEST WISCONSIN – As part of his 2025-27 Biennial Budget, Gov. Tony Evers has proposed increasing fees for fish, game and wildlife licenses. In the governor’s 1,917-page budget document, also known as Senate Bill 45, he lays out the proposed fees.

One of the most noticeable changes would be for a Wisconsin resident to obtain a deer hunting license, which would increase from $22 to $42, just shy of a 91% increase.

Meanwhile, an annual fishing license for Wisconsin residents would increase by 50%, from $20 to $30.

A license for small game would increase 125%, from $16 to $36.

A majority of the licenses and tags would increase by $10 or $20 including for small game, deer, fishing and wild turkey.

Fishing and hunting licenses must be purchased only by people who participate in specific outdoors activities. In this respect, license buyers support DNR fisheries and wildlife management programs in a “user pay, user benefit” format.

Reaction by Northwest Wisconsin residents has been mixed to the proposed increases.

Some hunters and fishermen were caught off guard by the news. Roger Stephenson of Siren said, “Wow. This seems like a big jump that’s targeted at us sportsmen. A 90% increase. That’s a lot. It just seems like everything is going up besides my paycheck!”

Meanwhile, those who support the increases note that the vast majority of the license fees have been stagnant since 2005 while costs to the DNR have increased substantially. Over the last 20 years inflation has increased 59%, according to a DNR review of the issue, and costs of equipment and many items needed by the agency have jumped even more.

The license fee proposals as well as all other items in the 2025-27 state are subject to review by the Legislature’s Joint Finance Committee and later the full Legislature.

The Republican leaders of the Assembly and Senate have said they will effectively start from scratch and create a new budget. As a result, time will tell whether the license fee increases make it to Evers for approval when the budget is finished.