Why It Matters: Last month New Hampshire Fish and Game (NHFG) conducted a series of listening and comment sessions concerning long overdue license fee increases. The “user pays – public benefits” structure known as the American System of Conservation Funding (ASCF) provides critical annual funding for the NHFG to manage fish, wildlife, and other public trust resources for all Granite Staters. The last meaningful license fee increases date back ten years to 2016. The cost of doing business and operating has significantly changed for us all, as too with the 96% self-funded, New Hampshire Fish and Game. As of the department’s June 3, 2026, press release, those efforts have been shelved, at least until 2027.
Highlights:
- In May, NHFG held four public discussion sessions throughout the state where license fee increases were presented. The additional meetings for June 3rd and 10th were cancelled via the Department’s press release.
- With the conclusion of the public discussion sessions, NHFG has decided not to move forward with formal rulemaking.
- With the last meaningful increase occurring a decade ago, license fees are significantly outdated when factoring in the dramatic inflation during the last ten years.
It has been ten years since license fees have increased in New Hampshire. With significant inflation numbers during this period, a license fee increase would help the NHFG keep up with the rising costs of conducting operations. Following the June 3, 2026, decision not to advance the proposal, funding that could have been generated through a license fee increase to support staffing, infrastructure, equipment, conservation initiatives, and other growing operational needs will have to wait until at least 2027 for reconsideration.
The proposed increases were nominal with many of the license and habitat fees increasing by only a few dollars on average. With the NHFG 96% self-funded through license sales matched at the federal level, the time for common sense increases is past due. New Hampshire’s wild spaces, waterways, game and non-game species are hallmarks of the state and attract millions of visitors from out of state and across the globe. To help maintain these cherished resources, sportsmen and women supported the proposed fee increases, recognizing the benefits they would provide to the New Hampshire Fish and Game Department and all Granite Staters.
As previously reported, Chairman of the New Hampshire Fish and Game Commission, A.J. DeRosa stated, “New Hampshire hunters and anglers have shown their willingness to support our department’s self-funding initiatives and out critical mission of maintaining, restoring, and creating habitats, access, infrastructure, and the science that keeps the Granite State truly wild.”
According to the Department’s press release, Executive Director Stephanie Simek recognized and appreciated the participation of the public, “Thank you to everyone who participated in our public discussion sessions, our online and in-person surveys, our meetings with your club members, and our email comment opportunities over the past two months. Your engagement, your insight, and your support mean a great deal to us.”
The Director also commented, “The feedback we received was candid, constructive, and overwhelmingly positive, and it will meaningfully inform our management efforts moving forward. We look forward to continuing our public engagement work and building on the momentum these conversations created.”
The Congressional Sportsmen’s Foundation (CSF) strongly supported the proposed license fee adjustments. We look forward to continued engagement with NHFG and the members of the New Hampshire Legislative Sportsmen’s Caucus to bring about commonsense increases that align with the increased cost of business and the mission delivery of NHFG.