Washington state to hike hunting and fishing fees

Sportsmen will be doling out more dough to hunt and fish starting next week under recreational fee changes approved by the Washington Legislature to help maintain state fishing and hunting opportunities.

A temporary surcharge on fishing and hunting licenses and other fees will help offset a $30 million cutback in state funding for the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW), said Joe Stohr, the department’s deputy director.

In all, the new fees approved by the Legislature are expected to raise $11 million for fish and wildlife management over the next two years, Stohr said.

Changes in license fees include:

•Two-year surcharge of 10 percent on sales of recreational licenses, permits, tags, stamps and raffle tickets starting July 26. This is the first across-the-board recreational license fee increase in more than a decade, Stohr said.

•Two-pole option allowing anglers to use two fishing rods in specific waters for an additional annual fee of $20 ($5 for resident seniors). This option will not be available until the state Fish and Wildlife Commission designates waters where two fishing poles will be allowed.

•Salmon-steelhead endorsement pilot program for the Columbia Basin will debut next year with a $7.50 annual fee for adult anglers who fish the Columbia River and its tributaries for salmon and steelhead.

Pheasant permit fee increases will affect hunters in Western Washington pheasant hunting areas. Fees to hunt pheasants in these West Side areas will be $35 for youth, $75 for resident adults and $150 for non-resident adults, although a separate small-game license will no longer be required.

Migratory bird permits will be issued by license dealers starting Sept. 1 instead of being sold by mail through the Fish and Wildlife Department, saving $20,000 in staff time and mailing costs.