| For Immediate Release | For more information contact: |
| February 20, 2001 | Doug Champeau (651-296- 4305) |
ST. PAUL -- If there's an angler or hunter in your house who'd rather be on the river or in the field, Rep. Greg Davids says the perfect gift for that outdoors enthusiast will soon be available. Beginning March 1, Minnesotans will be able to buy lifetime fishing and hunting licenses.
"We have a lot of people in the southeastern Minnesota who regularly go hunting and fishing every year," said Davids (R-Preston) said. "A lifetime license for these dedicated hunters and anglers may be a better choice than buying a license each and every year."
The lifetime fish and game license legislation was enacted last year but will only become available for purchase on March 1. Non-resident hunters and anglers are also eligible but they will have to wait until 2002.
Lifetime license costs vary by type and ages. Prices for lifetime angling licenses are $227 for age 3 and under, $300 for ages 4-15, $383 for ages 16-50, and $203 for those 60 years and older. The same categories of lifetime small game hunting licenses would go for $217, $290, $363 and $213.
Several other states have lifetime license programs. Minnesota's system would be set up so that lifetime license holders would still have to pay annually for special permits like a trout stamp, and lifetime deer hunters would still have to apply for deer tags each year. Davids said the money from lifetime licenses would be invested, not spent. Interest gained from the fund would be used in the same way as income from annual license revenues.
"By earning steady interest on the funds earned from these license sales, the DNR should be able to maintain adequate revenue without having to rely solely on hunters and anglers buying a new license each year," Davids said "Lifetime licensing is a great idea and a good value. I hope our hunters and anglers give it serious consideration."
The lifetime licenses are only issued through the DNR's licensing bureau in St. Paul. You can obtain an application by writing the DNR Information Center, 500 Lafayette Rd., St. Paul, MN 55155-40404, or by calling (651) 296-6157 or toll-free at (800) 646-6367. If you have an internet connection, you can also obtain additional information and an application online at www.dnr.state.mn,us.
Lifetime license applicants will receive a letter from the DNR commissioner, a lifetime license certificate, card and medallion and an annual authorization form if applicable. It should take about thee weeks to process your application.
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