When you realize that Michigan’s hunting & fishing industry has a more than $11-billion impact on the state’s economy, you understand why game officials are hoping for a repeat of last year’s record sale of fishing licenses.
Turns out that the people of Michigan and visitors to the Great Lakes State purchased a record-setting 1.5-million state fishing licenses in 2020 — a jump from the 1.3-million sold in 2019 as the pandemic brought an influx of people outdoors looking for socially distance recreation.
While restrictions on outdoor capacity limits have been eased heading into the summer of 2021, Michigan officials are looking to kick-off another banner year of fishing beginning with a Free Fishing Weekend on June 12th and 13th.
Conservationists are hopeful that the upcoming Free Fishing Weekend will keep the momentum going from the huge boost during the pandemic.
Michigan Wildlife Council Chair Nick Buggia tells us, “Last year was a banner year for fishing in Michigan as tens of thousands of men, women, young people and first-time license holders were able to rediscover or learn the joys of fishing while making memories that will last a lifetime.”
Buggia says the June 12th-13th Free Fishing Weekend is a great time to introduce and reintroduce people to one of Michigan’s premier outdoor family-fun activities. On those two days, Michigan and out-of-state residents can fish on both inland waters and the Great Lakes for all species of fish without purchasing a fishing license. Despite the free opportunity, all fishing rules and regulations will still apply.
Along with fishing licenses, a state Recreation Passport, which is a parking pass for all state parks, will not be required for entry into state parks and boating access sites on that weekend, as Buggia says, “We want to get even more folks hooked on fishing, which in the long run benefits everyone in the state.”
Hunting and fishing have a combined $11.2 billion economic impact on Michigan and provide an estimated 171,000 jobs, according to a 2019 study released by the Michigan United Conservation Clubs in partnership with Michigan State University.
The Michigan Department of Natural Resources reports that the 1.5 million fishing licenses sold last year was an 8-percent increase from 2019. First-time license purchasers totaled 321,835 – 68,000 more new customers than in 2019.
Fishing license sales to young adults ages 17-24 saw a 20-percent increase to 155,196 from 128,387. The number of women purchasing fishing licenses jumped 22-percent to 272,070 from 221,995.
Buggia notes the increase in licensed anglers is good news for Michigan conservation efforts, which are primarily funded through the sale of hunting and fishing licenses and equipment, not taxpayers.
Conservation activities keep animal populations in balance, protect Michigan waters from habitat degradation and invasive species as well as safeguard the state’s forests to provide habitats for thousands of wildlife species and reduce the risk of wildfires and flooding.
Licenses purchased by hunters and anglers generated an estimated $65.5 million for the Michigan Game and Fish Protection Fund in 2020. The fund is the DNR’s largest revenue source and is critical to its conservation work. The sale of hunting and fishing equipment raised an additional $29.4 million to support wildlife and natural resource management.
Outside of Free Fishing Weekend, those 17 years of age or older must purchase a license to fish in Michigan. Any adult actively assisting a minor must also be licensed. Fishing licenses can be purchased online at this link: https://www.michigan.gov/dnr/0,4570,7-350-79119_79146_82448—,00.html or in person. You can find in-person license options at this link: https://www.michigan.gov/dnr/0,4570,7-350-79134_97893—,00.html.
The Michigan Wildlife Council is entrusted with educating the public about the importance of wildlife conservation and its role in preserving Michigan’s great outdoor heritage for future generations. More information is available at http://www.HereForMiOutdoors.org.
