Advocates want hunting, fishing fees increased

Hunting and fishing advocates gathered at the State Capitol Monday to support the passage of a game and fish bill that includes license fee increases.

Minnesota's hunting, fishing and trapping fees have not changed in nearly 12 years, and that's putting on strain on the Department of Natural Resources' Game and Fish Fund. Professional angler Al Lindner told the crowd that the increases are necessary and long overdue.

"It's an embarrassment to the state," Lindner said. "We haven't addressed an issue that's one of the most valuable resources in the state: our game and our fish."

The Republican author tabled the Senate game and fish bill last week after an amendment with the fee increases failed. There were also concerns about the bill's elimination of conservation fishing licenses. The House has already passed a game and fish bill without the increases.