HB 6229 Summary

• Lowers the minimum age for hunting and fishing licenses from 17 to 16 years old for aquatic species and fishing licenses.

• Increases hunting and fishing license fees statewide, including base licenses ($10 to $15), deer licenses ($20 to $30), waterfowl licenses ($12 to $18), pheasant licenses ($25 to $38), and fishing licenses ($25 to $38), with automatic annual adjustments based on Consumer Price Index changes from December 1, 2024 forward.

• Creates a shooting and education fund to support operation and maintenance of state-owned shooting ranges and shooting education programs, funded through permit fees charged for range use.

• Reduces senior citizen hunting and fishing license discounts from 60% to 25% off resident rates.

• Establishes a conservation maintenance subaccount allowing individuals to voluntarily contribute $25 or more when purchasing licenses, with funds dedicated to maintaining conservation projects and infrastructure.