Cost of hunting/fishing licenses increasing Apr. 1

By Jamie Rieger

The cost of hunting and fishing in Alberta is about to go up at the request of the Alberta Conservation Association according to a statement released by Alberta Environment and Sustainable Resource Development (ESPD) last week.
“The Alberta Conservation Association does important work to help sustain and improve the outdoor experiences enjoyed by Albertans, and I am pleased to help them expand those efforts,” said Kyle Fawcett, minister of ESRD.
Much of the increase in levy funds for hunting and fishing licenses will be going toward fish stocking, lake aeration, rehabilitation for native fisheries, enhancement of fish and wildlife habitat, pheasant release programs, and mentoring programs such as Kids Can Catch and the Taber Pheasant Festival.
“Hunters and anglers of Alberta clearly told us that they would support a levy increase as long as we used the funds to increase our conservation efforts. We will ensure that we deliver on those expectations so that fish, wildlife, and habitat benefit from the generous support provided by Alberta’s outdoor enthusiasts,” said Alberta Conservation Association’s Todd Zimmerling.
While the increases apply to most hunting and fishing licenses, there are some that will not be affected. However, the cost of a resident sport-fishing license will increase from $25.66 to $28.00 and the cost of a resident white-tail deer hunting license will increase from $36.95 to $39.95. Hunting and fishing license fees last increased in 2008.
The increases will bring in approximately $2 million in additional revenue, that will be directed to the ACA to fund its programs.

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