Olympia – Washington hunters and anglers will pay more money for their licenses starting this summer.
Gov. Bob Ferguson on Saturday signed a new law that raises fees for nearly all hunting and fishing licenses by close to 40%.
Under the law, an annual resident combination fishing license will now cost $62.79. A big game hunting license that includes deer, elk, bear and cougar tags would cost a resident $117.30. For nonresidents, the combination fishing license will cost just under $150 and the big game license will be just over $1,000.
The law goes into effect July 1. It’s the first time hunting and fishing fees have increased since 2011.
Fish and Wildlife officials said the license price hikes are not likely to result in a net increase in its budget because of expected cuts to the agency’s share of the state general fund. Agency officials are bracing for major cuts to several work programs and possible staff reductions.
Also on Saturday, Ferguson signed a bill increasing the cost of a Discover Pass from $30 to $45 starting Oct. 1. The pass is required for vehicle access to state parks and other state managed properties. Its price hasn’t been increased since the pass was put in place in 2011.
Most of the proceeds from the Discover Pass go toward Washington State Parks and make up a significant portion of the agency’s budget. Smaller amounts go to WDFW and the Department of Natural Resources.
(National Park Service photo)