By Steve Weisman

There is little doubt that fishing and hunting are important activities to many Iowans. Just look at the fishing that goes on at Iowa’s lakes and rivers, along with the upland, waterfowl and deer hunting that takes place. These licenses help drive Iowa’s economy, with related recreation contributing over $1 billion to the state’s economy. This money, in turn, supports thousands of jobs, and generates substantial tax revenue through license fees and excise taxes.

That’s the good news! Now for the bad news! There has not been a fishing/hunting license increase since 2019. Over the past six years, inflation has continued to escalate and yet license costs have remained the same. As a result, the Iowa DNR has had to make cuts in both operations and personnel.

When the last license increase occurred in 2019, the word was that license increases would be looked at every three years or so. Even the cost of increases was set at a maximum of 5%. Findings would then be compiled by the DNR and given to the Natural Resources Commission so they could analyze and make recommendations to the State Legislature. From what I have learned, this has never been done. My question is this…who made that decision?

As a result, there has been no movement at all, and six years have passed. It seems as if any proposed license fee increase becomes a political football. Battle lines are drawn, and it’s like pulling teeth to even get the topic on the agenda.

Why is that? The increase does not affect all Iowans. It is really a user fee paid by those of us that purchase fishing, hunting and furbearer licenses. Currently, there is a groundswell of Iowa’s sportsmen and women across the state pushing for a 5% license increase. On a $22 fishing license, a 5% increase would be $1.10 per license.

Where the buck starts and stops

The Natural Resources Commission (NRC), a seven-person commission appointed by the Governor and confirmed by the Senate for a four-year term, is where the buck starts and stops. Areas of work include reviewing and approving hunting and fishing administrative rules; public land donations, acquisitions, and easements; construction projects; general business contracts; leases; grants; and the annual budget.

The NRC normally meets on the second Thursday of the month and have a predetermined agenda at the public comment period for each meeting. The meeting agenda, including location and time, is published on the Iowa DNR website before the meeting.

If people have concerns or recommendations, they can request to get on the NRC’s agenda. At the recent Iowa Great Lakes Fishing Club’s Fall DNR Night, a total of 132 adults in attendance signed a petition in favor of the 5% license increase. In advance of the DNR Night, IGLFC president, Terry Thomsen spoke at the November Natural Resources Commission’s November meeting presenting the need for the license increase. He presented just how desperately the DNR needs this increase. His final plea was this: “Really sportsmen/women are willing to do that. There is no doubt about it. Everybody that I’ve talked to is way in favor of this license fee increase.”

Unfortunately, the wheel isn’t moving yet. More people need to write and call the NRC members and voice the need for a 5% license increase. Here are the commissioners and their contact information. Oh, and don’t forget about elected senators and representatives and, of course, the Governor.

Where the license fees go

The Iowa Fish and Game Trust Fund is a dedicated financial resource established to support the conservation, management and enhancement of fish and wildlife resources throughout the state of Iowa. The fund plays a crucial role in sustaining Iowa’s natural habitats, promoting outdoor recreation, and ensuring long-term ecological health.

The primary objective of the Fish and Game Trust Fund is to provide reliable funding for programs and initiatives that benefit Iowa’s fish and wildlife populations. The fund is used for activities such as habitat restoration, fish stocking, wildlife management, research, education, and enforcement of conservation laws.

A major source of funding comes from the purchase of fishing and hunting licenses: Revenues generated from the sale of fishing and hunting licenses contribute significantly to the trust fund.

What’s Next?

Bottom line…we let our voices be heard. You know the old adage, “The squeaky wheel gets the grease.” We need to be THE squeaky wheel so that we can get the license increase that Iowa’s natural resources so greatly need! We do have the power to make the change. A groundswell of Iowa’s anglers and hunters can beat down the door! Let’s start the wheel rolling!

(photos by Steve Weisman) License fees, which go into the Iowa Fish and Game Trust Fund help ensure that Iowa’s fisheries continue to improve. These quality fish are the result of the game management efforts.