Michigan Hunting, Fishing, and Boating Licenses Likely to Increase

Governor Gretchen Whitmer recently announced the state budget for 2026, which includes raising hunting, fishing, and boating license fees.

Michigan's Current Hunting, Fishing and Boater Fees

I live in the middle of nowhere in Newaygo County and don't have internet or satallite TV. I'm not home enough to merrit the cost plus they continue to raise prices but not the quality of service.

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Rather than blow what little extra money I have on satallite TV or internet that is sub par I purchase annunal hunting and fishing licenses. I am a big fan of Michigan's combo hunting and fishing license because its a good deal and one of the most affordable things I can do since I own all the equiptment necessary.

It is no secret that to hunt and fish in Michigan, is license is required. In 2025, an annual all species resident fishing license is $26. A resident base hunting license is $11, a deer license in $20, and a deer combo is $40. The best bang for your buck is the hunt/fish combo license that includes base, 2 deer, and annual all-species fishig is $76. That is a great deal. Governor Whitmer is proposing that the fees for hunting, fishing, and boating go up in 2026.

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I thought it was to good to be true that hunters may soon be able to get to free doe tags for deer season and now we know why it was brought up.

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Michigan Hunting, Fishing, and Boating Fees May Increase Significantly in 2026

Michigan is a great state for hunting, fishing, and boating. All three sports bring in a lot of money to the state and businesses that are realted to the industries. Like anything we buy, when there is a price increase, shouldn't the product be better?

The proposed base hunting lincense fee for small game would be $17 for residents. That is only a $6 increase but when you look at the combo fishing and hutning lincense combo will move up to $115 for residents from $76. That is a $39 increase and it would be easier to swallow if the fishing and hunting were getting better in Michigan and they are not. There are less people hunting and fishing each year because the quality is going down and now licensesing fees possibly going up.

According to FOX 17, an all species fishign license would go from $26 to $40 per year. Michigan is looking to increase the costs for senior fishing fees from $11 to $30.

I wish the increases were becuase the fishing was better but I firmly believe its because less people are fishing and hunting and the only way to increase the revenue is stick it to the people who continue to buy licenses.

Boating fees have not increased since 1993 and I feel that boating is better across the state. Many of Michigan's boat ramps have been improved, parking lots made bigger, easier access to many lakes and rivers. Currently boat fees range from $14 to $448 based on the size of the watercraft. The new fees with range from $24 to $773.

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I don't have a problem with the increase in boating license fees but I think the fishing and hunting should show obvious improvement to justify any increase in licensing fees and so far neither have improved.