Madison County Democrat

License Price To Be $2 This Fall

Governor Frank J. Lausche has affixed his signature of approval to House Bill No. 387 which among other legislative acts effecting the Department of Natural Resources, raised the Ohio hunting and fishing licenses from $1 to $2 each.

It will become effective within 90 days. This means that the $2 license plus the regular 25c agents fee will be in effect when the 1951 fall hunting season begins. The opening of which will be announced following the State Game Hearing scheduled for July 12 in Columbus.

Increase of the fishing license to $2 does not become effective until March, 1952.

The bill also provides an increase in the fee charged by agencies selling fishing licenses from 10c to 25c. This increase applies to both resident and non-resident licenses. The bill did not contain a provision for increasing the non-resident licenses themselves. They will remain at $1 for the ten-day temporary permit and $3 for the seasonal non-resident license.

Sportsmens clubs and conservation agencies, many of which sell fishing licenses, will benefit from the 15c increase in fees. The additional revenue will provide them with more funds for pursuing conservation activities in the communities.

It marks the first increase in hunting license in the state of Ohio since 1913. For several years Ohio has had one of the lowest license fees of all the 48 states. Although even with the new increase the state still ranks well down the list.

The increase in the fishing license was the first since a 50c increase was approved in 1946. The increase will provide much needed revenue for operation of the Division of Wildlife.