State offers credit after hunting license price hike

If you bought a Connecticut hunting or fishing license last year, you might have noticed that the price had doubled from what it was the previous year.

You might also have noticed that, several months later, the price went back down again.

Dennis Schain, a spokesperson for the Connecticut Department of Environmental Protection (DEP), said that, “the Legislature had doubled fees across all state agencies. Later, they went back and decided to scale back the increase for fishing and hunting licenses.â€

The higher priced licenses went on sale Oct. 1, 2009; the prices were reduced April 14, 2010.

Due to high response from hunters requesting refunds following the price reduction, the DEP has decided to offer a credit that can be used toward the purchase of a 2011 hunting or fishing license, which became available Dec. 1.

However, many hunters still are not aware that they are eligible for this credit. It was news to hunter Bert Hughes of Middlebury, Conn., for example. He was out in Kent on Skiff Mountain last Thursday with his brother, Dave (who lives in Watertown), and said, “I didn’t know about it until my brother told me.â€

This may be due to restrictions on where the credits are available. According to the DEP, the credit can only be obtained if the 2011 license is purchased by mail, at the DEP main office or at one of the DEP field offices.

“You cannot get the credit if you buy your license online or from the town clerk’s office,â€Schain said, adding that, “We’re trying to make it as workable and user friendly as we can.â€

For more information, visit the DEP website at ct.gov/dep/sportmensfeereduction, or visit the Western District DEP field office in Harwinton (860-485-0226).

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