Georgia Lowering Fees for Hunting and Fishing License Purchases

In news that is sure to be welcome in the current economy - some of the transaction fees for recreational licenses are being reduced, according to the Georgia Department of Natural Resources, Wildlife Resources Division. The internet transaction fee is going from $2.75 to $2.50 and the in-store transaction fee will go from $3.25 to $3.00. The telephone transaction fee will increase, going from $4.00 to $5.00. These fee changes will go into effect on Jan. 3, 2011.

Two years ago, hunters and anglers were introduced to a new system for purchasing their recreational licenses including internet transactions, telephone transactions and in store transactions. This new system incorporated transaction fees for purchases. Fees are applied to each transaction (not each individual license, unless purchased at different times). License buyers also should remember to take advantage of a special discount of $2.75 on transactions if an annual license or a 2-year license is renewed before it expires.

"Per our agreement with the license vendor that we would be able to reduce the amount of transaction fees for internet transactions, we were able to determine that a reduction in fees would come at a future date," says Michael Spencer, Supervisor of the Division License and Boat Registration Unit. "So, I am pleased to announce that the time is now - there is a transaction fee reduction for both internet and in-store purchase of hunting and fishing licenses."

Licenses can be purchased online (www.georgiawildlife.com ), at an authorized retail license agent (find a list of retail agents at www.georgiawildlife.com) or by phone (1-800-366-2661).

All licenses that currently are free continue to be free and do not require a transaction fee. This includes: Harvest Information Program (H.I.P.) licenses, deer harvest records, senior licenses (65 and older) and honorary licenses. No credit card? No problem. Most retail locations take cash for transactions. Also, a prepaid credit card may be purchased at a variety of locations and used to complete transactions over the Internet or telephone.

Sales of hunting and fishing licenses and boat registration provide key financial support for fish and wildlife conservation.

For more information, visit www.georgiawildlife.com.