Two things start early in life—good habits and a love of the outdoors, said state Rep. Gary Howell, as he introduced a plan to bring back youth fishing licenses.

“This plan is not a moneymaker, but I believe bringing back the youth fishing license is important to restoring the sense of pride and responsibility for a child when they receive their first fishing license,” said Howell, of North Branch.

The third term lawmaker and chair of House Natural Resources and Outdoor Tourism Committee explained that because children under the age of 17 are not required by law to carry a fishing license, the youth fishing license was eliminated by the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) during a widespread effort to consolidate license types and improve efficiency.

Howell’s plan, House Bill 5002, and its companion bill, House Bill 5003, creates a $2 optional fishing license for children under 17.

“As a grandparent, it would be fun to give my grandchildren their very own fishing license with their name on it when we go fishing together,” Howell said. “I think it’s important that this symbolic gesture of passing on our outdoor traditions remains available.”

Howell noted that while the youth fishing license may not be a “moneymaker,” the sale of licenses to adult hunters and fishers funded $83.5 million worth of the DNR’s game and fish protection activity—equal to 20 percent of the department’s total annual budget.

“The youth license is just for fun—and I believe encouraging that enthusiasm while instilling good habits for young conservationists is one of the most important things we can do right now to protect and preserve our state’s outdoor heritage,” Howell said.

The proposal has been referred to the House Natural Resources & Outdoor Tourism Committee for consideration.

###