Lawmakers Approve Increase in Michigan Hunting and Fishing Costs

Michigan Senate Advances Hunting & Fishing Fee Hikes Amid Conservation Funding Gaps

LANSING — The Michigan Senate voted Tuesday to approve a two-bill package that would raise state hunting and fishing license fees, with backers estimating the increase will generate about $29 million annually for conservation, education, and agency operations.

The legislation now heads to the Michigan House of Representatives, where opposition from House Republicans could stall the plan.

“If we don’t maintain at least what we have, you’re going to get fewer and fewer people out enjoying the outdoors,” said Sen. Jon Bumstead, R-North Muskegon. “This is basically just to maintain what we have.”

Key Fee Changes at a Glance

License Type	Current Fee	Proposed Fee	Change ($)	Notes
Resident Deer License	$20	$25	+$5	Core hunting license for state residents
Nonresident Deer License	$20	$150	+$130	Significant jump aimed at nonresident revenue
Resident “Complete License” (bundle)	N/A	$150	—	Includes deer, turkey, waterfowl, all-species fishing, base license
Nonresident “Complete License” (bundle)	N/A	$450	—	Full outdoor recreation access
All-Species Fishing License (Resident)	$26	$31	+$5	Covers inland & Great Lakes fishing
All-Species Fishing License (Nonresident)	$76	$85	+$9	Annual nonresident fishing license
Base License (Resident)	$11	$12	+$1	Required for all hunting activities
Base License (Nonresident)	$151	$160	+$9	Base fee before specialty licenses
License Surcharge	$1	$5	+$4	Supports education and public awareness funds

Sources: Michigan Senate Fiscal Agency, Michigan DNR, Senate Bill 276 analysis (2025)

Where the New Revenue Would Go

Program / Fund	Estimated Allocation	Purpose
Wildlife Management Fund	$6.3 million	Habitat restoration, game surveys, enforcement
Fisheries Resource Management	$5.8 million	Hatchery operations, research, stocking
Hunting & Fishing Education & Recruitment Fund	~$2 million	Safety courses, outreach to new hunters/anglers
Wildlife Management Public Education Subaccount	~$2 million	Public awareness campaigns on conservation
Hunters Feeding Michigan Fund	~$1 million	Supports venison donation and hunger relief programs
Administrative & Enforcement Costs	Remaining balance	DNR operations, field enforcement, technology

Why the Fee Hike Is Proposed

The Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR) relies on license-fee revenue for more than 85 % of its operating budget. Declines in hunter and angler participation — paired with rising costs for fuel, fish hatcheries, and enforcement — have pushed the department into projected deficits of over $4 million by fiscal year 2026.

The last comprehensive license update occurred in 2014, meaning fees have not kept pace with inflation or maintenance demands.

“Without a new revenue source, conservation work and public land access could suffer,” said Sen. John Cherry, D-Flint, a bill sponsor.

Political Landscape

The proposal is backed by Gov. Gretchen Whitmer and Senate Democrats, who had included similar fee increases in their 2025–26 budget plan before they were stripped out during negotiations.

However, House Speaker Matt Hall, R-Richland Township, maintains firm opposition:

“One thing we’re never going to have is increases in our hunting and fishing fees,” Hall said. “We’re never going to have that so long as I’m speaker.”

The Senate approved the plan on a 23–13 bipartisan vote, but its fate in the House remains uncertain.

Criticism and Public Reaction

Opponents, including Sen. Ed McBroom, R-Vulcan, accused the DNR of mismanagement and cited recent controversies involving animal control and policy enforcement.

“People are up to their ears in frustration with this department,” McBroom said. “Instead, we’re going to give them more money. It’s unbelievable.”

Some hunters and anglers also worry the higher costs could deter participation, further shrinking the customer base that funds Michigan’s conservation system.

Still, conservation and outdoor recreation groups have voiced cautious support, calling the increases overdue and essential for maintaining Michigan’s “user-funded” conservation model.

Looking Ahead

If the proposal clears the House and is signed into law, future license fees could be indexed to inflation — allowing automatic adjustments tied to the Consumer Price Index (CPI) to prevent another long gap like the one since 2014.

Supporters argue the package represents a modernized approach to funding outdoor recreation — balancing sustainability, access, and education.