News  Public hearings scheduled for new proposed fishing and hunting license fees

For the first time since 1996, MassWildlife is proposing changes to hunting, freshwater fishing, and trapping license fees. These fee changes are necessary to ensure the continuation of scientific management of fish and wildlife, management of wildlife lands, and popular programs including trout and pheasant stocking, Hunter Education, and Angler Education.

MassWildlife has released a new license proposal, which incorporates public input on the original February proposal. In the new proposal, most fee increases will be phased in over five years beginning in 2022 and fee increases for hunting permits and stamps are lower than originally proposed. Public hearings will be held on June 22, 23, and 24 on Zoom to provide the public an opportunity to comment on the new proposed changes. 

The current proposal incorporates public feedback gathered through six information sessions held in February and March, phone calls, emails, letters, and a webform. Although many stakeholders expressed an understanding of the need to raise fees after 25 years, there was a strong desire to see fee increases phased in over time, and to lower the proposed increases to hunting permits and stamps. In response, MassWildlife and the Department of Fish and Game worked with the Baker-Polito Administration to revise the original fee proposal. Recognizing that all Massachusetts residents benefit from MassWildlife’s work to conserve wildlife, protect open space, and preserve clean water and air, the Baker-Polito Administration will work to diversify MassWildlife’s funding and reduce the burden on the fee-paying sporting community. This change will make it possible to maintain MassWildlife’s programming and services with lower fees than originally proposed. Please click here to view the current and proposed fees for hunting, fishing, and trapping licenses, permits, and stamps.

You can provide public comment by speaking at one of the hearings, or provide written comment through 4 p.m. on July 8, 2021 using this convenient feedback form, or by mail to: MassWildlife Re: License Fee, 1 Rabbit Hill Road, Westborough, MA 01581. 

Find more information about how MassWildlife is funded, why an increase is needed, and details about the upcoming public hearings at mass.gov/masswildlife-funding