Idaho Fish and Game to try for fee hike once again

Officials with the Idaho Department of Fish and Game are once again preparing to push a plan to raise hunting and fishing fees despite facing years of resistance from state lawmakers.

Director Virgil Moore announced earlier this week that his department has had to cut services because of a lack of funding over the past 12 years. The agency relies on revenue from licenses, tags and permits to cover operational costs.

Moore says his plan involves raising resident fees in 2018. However, a person can lock in the currently lower prices by buying a license in 2017 and each subsequent year.

Previous versions have stalled in the Statehouse after key lawmakers disagreed over the best method for the department to increase revenue.