All 35 state senators in the state of Colorado recently voted in favor of raising the cost of hunting and fishing licenses as a funding mechanism for Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW), the financially struggling agency tasked with managing such activities.
According to the Denver Post, CPW cut $40 million from its budget since 2009 and eliminated 50 jobs. It also estimates a $22 million shortfall in funding by 2023.
CPW lobbied for the fee hike in order to maintain the number of hunting and fishing licenses as well as other services currently available.
If approved, the cost of an elk license would increase from $45 to $53.
(Photo source: Dave Anderson)