Oregon proposing hunting, fishing fee increases

SALEM, Ore. — Washington sportsmen may have to pay more to hunt and fish in Oregon beginning in 2016.

The Oregon Fish and Wildlife Commission last week approved a $357 million budget proposal for the Department of Fish and Wildlife for the 2015-17 budget period that includes increases to licenses and fees.

The proposal will be submitted to the governor’s office. Final determine of the budget will come from the 2015 Oregon Legislature.

Under the proposals, an annual Oregon nonresident hunting license would increase from $148.50 currently to $160.50 in 2016, $167 in 2018 and $172 in 2020. A nonresident deer tag would increase from $383.50 now to $4145 in 2016, $430,50 in 2018 and $443.50 in 2020.

A nonresident elk tag would increase from $508.50 to $549 in 2016, $571 in 2018 and $588 in 2020.

Anglers would pay more too.

A nonresident annual fishing license would decrease initially from $106.25 now to $96 in 2016 and $102 in 2018 before increasing to $109 in 2020.

However, nonresident salmon, sturgeon and steelhead anglers would be required to have an adult combination tag, which would cost $55 in 2016, then increase to $66 in 2018 and $79 in 2020.

One-day fishing licenses would increase from $16.75 to $18.50 in 2016, $21.50 in 2018 and $24.50 in 2020.

A three-day nonresident bird hunting license would increase from $26.50 to $30.50 in 2016, $31.50 in 2018 and $32.50 in 2020.

Fees would increase in steps in 2016, 2018 and 2020 for Oregon residents also.

A new $10 annual ocean endorsement is proposed for marine fish other than salmon. The ocean endorsement would be $1 for daily licenses.

Raffle tags for unique, to-be-determined fishing opportunities would cost $5 per ticket.

Premier controlled hunt series applications would cost $8. The tag would allow hunting for an extended period of time.

Oregon licenses are popular with Clark County anglers who like to fish for spring chinook in the Multnomah Channel of the Willamette River.