By this time, everyone is aware of the harsh fiscal climate that currently faces New York State.
No one will go unscathed in the new budget, including those who like to hunt and fish.
The Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) has released its new prices for the 2009/2010 season with increases almost across the board and significant impact on seniors.
For starters, there is a $10.00 increase in the fee for fishing (season) and small & big game licenses, from $19.00 to $29.00. The small game license also increases from $16.00 to $26.00. Bowhunting, muzzleloading and trapping licenses will have a $5.00 increase, from $16.00 to $21.00. For a sportsman, plan on spending $47.00 as compared to $37.00 last year. The super sportsman will cost $88.00 for the upcoming season and the conservation legacy $96.00, both representing a $20.00 increase.
Seniors will no longer be eligible for a reduced license fee for fishing or sportsmen licenses at age 65. The age has been raised to 70 and the price increased from $5.00 to $10.00.
The above price increases go into effect on August 17th when licenses for the 2009/2010 season go on sale.
Lifetime licenses will also go up on October 1st and this would be a good time to purchase one, especially customers between the ages of 65 and 69.
Right now, a senior lifetime license can be purchased for $50.00 by those between he ages of 65 and 69. This includes small and big game, turkey, fishing and a waived application fee for the doe management permit (DMP). Not so, after October 1st. Once the 2009-2010 license year goes into effect, the license fee will be $65.00 and the senior must be 70 years of age or older. This will include small and big game, fishing and turkey, but no waived DMP fee.
Other lifetime license increases include the sportsman child (0-4 years of age), from $300.00 to $380.00; the sportsman child (5-11 years of age), from $420.00 to $535.00. Sportsman children (ages 12, 13, 14 and 15) will pay $765.00 for a lifeftime license.
It can be argued by the New York State legislature that conservation license fees have not increased since it approved a hunting, fishing and trapping license fee increase package in 2002. Quite a lengthy time period has elapsed since then with prices remaining steady.
DEC has also announced a new license type, the trapper super sportsman, which includes small and big game, trapping, muzzleloading, fishing and turkey permits, for an $88.00 fee.
I strongly encourage seniors between the ages of 65 and 69 who have been contemplating the purchase of a senior lifetime license to do so now. Remember, after October 1st, the age eligibility will be raised to 70, along with the increased fee.
The Town Clerk’s office is open daily from 8:00 a.m. until 4:30 p.m. and every Wednesday evening until 7:00 p.m. to better serve the needs of Town residents. I can be reached by phone (558-3215), or e-mail (pdepasqu@twsny.org) to answer any additional questions about the upcoming 2009/2010 license season, or any other inquiries concerning the services of my office.
