One of the country’s top destination states for deer hunters seeking big bucks and elk is considering a sizable increase in its non-resident fees, although state officials classify the recent proposal by its wildlife commission as “modest.”
Here’s the press release from the Kentucky Fish and Wildlife Department:
The Kentucky Fish and Wildlife Commission recommended modest increases in license and permit fees on select non-resident licenses, senior-disabled licenses and resident permits for deer and elk.
Rates for basic hunting and fishing licenses for adult Kentucky residents are not affected by the proposal. The new rates are proposed for the upcoming license year which begins March 1, 2014.
The commission also proposed the 2013-14 waterfowl seasons at its quarterly meeting, held Aug. 14.
The commission recommends all hunting, fishing and boating regulations for approval by the General Assembly and approves all expenditures by the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources. All recommendations must be approved by two legislative committees before they become law.
Commission members proposed increasing the fee for 13 non-resident licenses and permits, six resident permits and the senior-disabled license. Commission members also voted to create separate fees for cow and bull elk permits for both residents and non-residents.
Proposals include raising the deer permit for residents from $30 to $35; senior/disabled licenses from $5 to $11; deer permit for non-residents from $60 to $160; quota bull elk permit for residents from $30 to $100; and non-resident quota bull elk permit from $365 to $550; among others.
The commission also proposed the creation of two new licenses for Kentucky residents: a senior lifetime sportsman’s license for $82 and a three-year fishing license for $55. A list of all the proposed changes will be available online at fw.ky.gov, the Kentucky Fish and Wildlife website.
Commissioners Elected
The Commission elected officers to serve one year terms through August 2014. Louisville resident Stuart Ray, who represents the Third Commission District, was elected chairman while Second Commission District Member Frank Williams was elected vice chairman.
Gov. Steve Beshear re-appointed Dr. James Angel of Lebanon to represent the Fourth Commission District for a four-year term that expires in August 2017.
The next Kentucky Fish and Wildlife Commission meeting will be held at 8:30 a.m. on Dec. 6. Meetings are held in the Arnold Mitchell Building, located at 1 Sportsman’s Lane in Frankfort.
Persons interested in addressing the commission must notify the Kentucky Fish and Wildlife commissioner’s office in writing at least 30 days in advance to be considered for placement on the meeting agenda. People who are hearing impaired and plan to attend the meeting should contact Kentucky Fish and Wildlife at least 10 days in advance and the agency will provide a translator.
To request to address the commission, write to Commissioner Jon Gassett, Kentucky Fish and Wildlife, 1 Sportsman’s Lane, Frankfort, Kentucky, 40601.