On The Ridge: Join the process
Published: 2/3/2021 6:34:17 PM
If you haven’t already heard, for the first time since 1996, MassWildlife is considering an increase in hunting and freshwater fishing license fees. During a Jan. 14 public presentation to the Fisheries and Wildlife Board, state officials noted that expenses have been exceeding revenue for several years. They also cited contributing factors such as inflation and declining license sales.
It is no secret that MassWildlife has taken on increased responsibilities over the last 25 years, including stewardship of 226,000 acres of wildlife lands, habitat management activities, and administration of the Hunter Education program. Strangely enough, the agency derives its funding primarily from hunting and fishing license sales and federal excise taxes from the sale of hunting and fishing equipment. I know for a fact how grateful MassWildlife is to the many sportsmen and women who purchase annual hunting and freshwater fishing licenses that help the agency ensure the health of wildlife populations, protect habitat, and maintain access for outdoor recreation. License fees are essential to ensuring the continuation of management programs, which includes over 226,000 acres of wildlife lands for trout programs, pheasant stocking, Hunter Education, and Angler Education.