COLUMBUS - The Ohio Department of Natural Resources Division of Wildlife reminds sportsmen that fishing and hunting licenses fee increases recently passed in the state budget bill will not take effect until March 2004.
These are the first such license increases since 1994.
Ohio’s resident hunting and fishing licenses will increase $4, making the new price $19. Deer and turkey permits for the 2004 seasons will also be increased by $4 to $24.
Reduced for youth. As part of the Division of Wildlife’s efforts to expand youth hunting opportunities in the state, the 2004 season will offer reduced-price deer and turkey permits for young hunters.
Formerly young hunters had to pay full price for deer and turkey permits. Starting in 2004 these permits will be reduced from the present $20 each to $12, half the $24 cost other hunters will pay.
“The ODNR in conjunction with many of the sportsmen’s organizations across the state asked the General Assembly to discount the hunting permits for young hunters.
“This change will make hunting more affordable for families with young hunters,” said Steven A. Gray, chief of the division.
With this change, a hunter, 15 years old and younger, will be able to hunt deer in 2004 by purchasing one deer permit and a hunting license for a total of $22.
Last year, the same license and permit would have cost the young hunter $28.
In state budget. The $6 dollar reduction was part of the total license fee package in the state budget.
Ohio’s latest budget bill also restructured senior licenses and permits. Ohioans currently 66 years or older (those born on or before Dec. 31, 1937) will continue to receive free hunting and fishing licenses and permits.
Ohio sportsmen and women who turn 66 after Dec. 31 of this year will now receive their licenses and permits at half price.
