Wyo. mulls increasing elk hunting license fees

The Wyoming Game and Fish Department is mulling a proposal to increase licensing fees for elk hunters by up to 50%. Because of looming budget shortfalls and to prevent cuts in programs, the department is suggesting the adjustments along with four other possibilities. Those include a big game super raffle, separating white-tailed and mule deer licenses, adjusting license fees to inflation every year or two years or increasing the price of Wyoming Wildlife magazine. John Emmerich, Game and Fish's deputy director, says the department must generate between $8 million to $10 million per year to continue its current level of services. License fee changes would raise the most money. Emmerich says this is an initial proposal, and the public will have a chance to offer feedback.