Almanac: Increased fees are proposed for hunting, fishing licenses

Minnesota's hunters and anglers haven't had a general license increase in 10 years.

But they would under a Department of Natural Resources proposal included in Gov. Mark Dayton's budget. However, they also would have new options, including three-day licenses, that could save them money.

Agency officials presented the proposal to legislators at the Capitol last week, saying that inflation had eroded the buying power of the fees. It's unclear whether the Republican-controlled Legislature will support increases.

Under the proposal, an individual fishing license, now $17, would cost $24. A report done for the DNR said the current fee ranks 36th lowest in the nation.

The DNR says even the higher prices are good deals.

"A $24 license allows you to fish 12 months a year," said Ed Boggess, DNR Fish and Wildlife Section chief. "When you compare that to filling up the car with gas, or going to a movie or Twins game, it's a bargain."

New: A 90-day fishing license for $18; a three-day license for $12; and a three-year license for $69.

A deer license, now $26, would cost $30. A small game license, now $19, would cost $22. New: A three-day small game license, with no state stamps needed, for $14. And a small game license with duck and pheasant stamps for $37.

Nonresidents also would see increases. The $39.50 individual fishing license would cost $41. A small game license, now $84.50, would cost $97. A deer license, now $140, would cost $160. New: A three-day small game license, no stamps needed, for $60 and an annual small game license, with duck and pheasant stamps, for $112. For more, see www.startribune.com/a223.

One big buckThe monster 12-point buck roaming the Excelsior area near Lake Minnetonka -- in an area closed to hunting -- became legend last fall after a shaky video of the whitetail hit the Internet.

Now the legend is set to grow.

Jay Miller, 56, of Excelsior, recently found both massive antlers from the big buck, among the largest sheds ever found in Minnesota.

"I was excited," Miller said. "To find both was unbelievable."

Did you know?• A man hunting antler sheds near Albany found two mature bucks dead, their antlers locked together, in a wildlife area.

• Reports of dogs chasing deer have been common recently. Dog owners are subject to a $500 penalty, and dogs chasing big game can be legally killed.

• A DNR conservation officer reported that wolves chased a 3,000-pound bull through two fences recently near Carlton, where it then got stuck in a swamp and died.