Buy your Mi. License now, or don't complain later.

[Walleye Express]

With price hike approval suspected for the 2007 Michigan license fee's, theres a buyers window now to avoid them for at least this year.

2007 Hunting and Fishing Licenses on Sale Starting Today

The Department of Natural Resources announced that 2007 hunting and fishing licenses go on sale starting today. The prices for the licenses remain unchanged from 2006, however if a fee increase is approved by the Legislature later this year, it may take effect before next year, DNR officials said.

“We encourage hunters and anglers to purchase their licenses early this year if they would like to take advantage of the current prices,†said DNR Director Rebecca Humphries. “We are continuing to work with the Legislature to develop a new license fee package that will likely see incremental increases spread over the next few years. Should the Legislature approve new fees, we hope they will be enacted immediately, but for now licenses remain at 2006 prices.â€

Anglers who purchase a 2007 license should hold on to and use their Michigan Fishing Guide from last year. The guide is now a two-year publication, as a cost-saving measure to the department. A new guide will be published again in 2008. The guide also is available online at the DNR Web site at www.michigan.gov/dnr under the Publications and Maps section.

Hunting and fishing licenses are available at several retailers around the state, and a list of locations to purchase licenses can be found under the Hunting section of the DNR Web site. Licenses also can be purchased at DNR Operations Services Centers and some DNR field offices, or can be purchased online at the DNR Web site by clicking on the Hunting and Fishing License Section. The online site accepts Visa, Mastercard, Discover Card and American Express. A valid Michigan driver’s license, Michigan identification card or MDNR Sportcard is required to purchase a license.

DNR officials also remind hunters and anglers there is a 15 percent discount when four or more licenses are purchased at the same time. Also, when purchasing a license for a minor who does not yet have a Michigan driver’s license, you are required to purchase an MDNR Sportcard for $1.

“The revenue from license sales goes into the Game and Fish Protection Fund, and is used to

support the bulk of the conservation work the DNR performs every day to provide exceptional hunting and fishing opportunities in our state,†Humphries said. “For decades, the hunters and anglers of Michigan have strongly supported the conservation of natural resources in our state.â€

The DNR is committed to the conservation, management, use and enjoyment of the state’s natural resources for current and future generations.