Ralph Loos: Time to raise the price for an Illinois fishing license – Outdoor News
This typically is the time of year when I graciously warn you that I’m about to say something stupid – then follow it up by, well, saying something stupid.
It’s time Illinois raise the price for its fishing license. There, I said it. Sorry I forgot to warn you.
March in our state is the month when we all come face-to-face with a vendor so we can legally fish and hunt for the next 12 months. Actually, most of us come face-to-face with a computer screen, or a smartphone, to buy our licenses and permits. Me, I always get the Combined Sportsman’s License, which expires each year on March 31.
AN ANNUAL REMINDER FROM DNR came with a twist this year. In the final days of February, the agency sent an email announcing fishing licenses and stamps are available for purchase. A resident fishing license, DNR promoted, is $15. Fifteen bucks. Fifteen wieners. Fifteen crackers. Fifteen claps. A lousy 15 silver dollars.
It sounds cheaper and cheaper each time I repeat it.
“When anglers purchase an Illinois fishing license, they’re paying for more than fishing privileges for the year,” DNR added, using a new promotional approach I had not seen them apply before. “They’re investing in conservation, education, and economic activity all over the state.”
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That’s fluff. But here was the kicker: “Illinois fishing licenses – among the most affordable in the nation – go on sale March 1,” DNR noted, admitting to a mistake I think it has been making for at least a decade, that being undercharging us anglers.
The price has slowly slinked up over the years, but is still too petty. I took a few minutes to look at the cost of fishing licenses in neighboring states: Wisconsin $20, Iowa $22, Indiana $23, Kentucky $23, Michigan $26. The only neighbor with a price in our league is Missouri, where residents pay $13 a year to fish.
On the other hand, California charged $62 for its resident fishing license in 2024.
WE DON’T NEED TO BE CALIFORNIA, and I mean that in more ways than one, but shouldn’t we at least be Iowa or Indiana? Maybe even Michigan? Why not just make a fishing license an even 20 bucks, or even 25, if DNR is feeling particularly frisky?
Please put your fingers in your ears for a minute while I say this, because I don’t want to be confused with someone willing to pander to DNR. But it’s honest to mention the state’s Division of Fisheries basically runs on cash and coins from fishing license and stamp sales.
As DNR fluffed, “By purchasing a fishing license, anglers are ensuring sport fishing, hatchery production, and habitat enhancements are here for current and future generations to enjoy.”
ANYWAY, I’VE BEEN MAKING THIS argument – that Illinois needs to raise the price of its fishing license – for a long, long time, and always at this time of year. And for a long, long time, each time I make the argument this time of year, my fellow anglers around the state are quick to suggest that maybe I should, well, “shut the hell up and stop saying stupid things.”
So I will. Besides, I have other important thoughts and opinions to occupy my mind and keep myself out of trouble.
Has anybody noticed how cheap our deer permits are?
