Hunters and anglers may either have to reel in a new hobby or hunt for another state to pursue their passion if they do not want to pay the new fees announced by Governor Tony Evers as a part of his 2025-2027 budget.

Fees would increase by $10 to $40 depending on the license being obtained under the proposal. For example, a resident deer hunting license would jump from $22 to $42, and a resident fishing license would increase from $20 to $30. According to the Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel, inflation and sluggish license sales are the culprits for the increase. The DNR relies on license sales for portions of its budget and has seen cost increases for some of its services. Non-resident fees were increased in 2023, but Wisconsinites have not seen their fees for hunting and fishing rise since 2005.

Several Republican members of the Assembly have spoken against the increases, with Rep. Ron Tusler and Rep. Tyler August saying that the state should be doing more to encourage hunting and fishing and not price them out. Rep. Joel Kitchens joined that frustration in his weekly e-update, wishing Governor Evers worked with the outdoors community before releasing his budget. While he opened the door to some more modest increase, he added that “these dramatic fee hikes won't be included in the budget plan we send back to Governor Evers.”