Government
Higher fishing, hunting fees could hurt seniors, lawmaker claims
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By KYLE CAMPBELL
Capital News Service
LANSING — Recently proposed increases to state hunting and fishing fees could disproportionately hurts seniors, one legislator said, even for some who haven’t hunted or fished for years. Rep. Scott Dianda, D-Calumet, said the array of possible changes to hunting and fishing licenses — including senior deer hunting licenses increasing from $6 to $8 on top of a $4 base fee — isn’t fair to his older constituents. “I know everything is on the table here, but I’d hate to see retirees pay more for their licenses,” Dianda said. “I know there are people who are buying licenses that don’t go hunting any more, but still want to support the Department of Natural Resources” (DNR). Dianda said some seniors in his district buy licenses to support the DNR so younger people can enjoy the amenities it provides.