Legislation marking the first significant increase in hunting and fishing licenses in Georgia is on its way to Gov. Nathan Deal’s desk.
The House on Thursday gave final approval to House Bill 208.
The bill, sponsored by state Rep. Trey Rhodes, R-Greensboro, has the backing of major wildlife and conservation organizations.
The bill is expected to raise $7 million to $8 million a year for the Department of Natural Resources.
Should the governor sign the bill into law, lifetime sportsman’s licenses will increase from $350 to $600 for youth and from $500 to $750 for adults. A new “older adult” category will be created for those ages 50 to 59, for whom licenses would cost $375.
Annual hunting licenses would rise from $10 to $15 under the bill; annual fishing licenses would increase from $9 to $15.
