New Hampshire Fish and Game plans to hike fees on hunting and fishing licenses for 2016 to close a $1.2 million gap in its proposed budget for this biennium.

"The Legislature is counting on this new revenue to keep the department from having to reduce services for sportsmen and women," Fish and Game Executive Director Glenn Normandeau said in a statement Wednesday.

"The question we’re seeking input on is not whether to raise prices, but which prices should increase and by how much."

The proposal would increase regular hunting and fishing license fees by $10. Resident freshwater fishing licenses would rise from $33 to $43, hunting licenses from $21 to $31, and combination hunting and fishing licenses from $44 to $54.

Annual license fees for nonresidents would also increase by $10. One-, three- and seven-day fishing permit fees wouldn’t change.

Residents who reach their 68th birthday after Jan. 1 would pay an annual fee of $10 for a fishing license or combination hunting and fishing license. Those licenses are currently free.

Residents who turn 68 before Jan. 1 will be eligible for a free license. Permits for turkey, bear and pheasant would continue to be purchased by all those older than 68.

Resident hunting and fishing guide permits would increase from $59.50 to $100. Permits for nonresident guides would go from $200.50 to $350.

Basic hunting and freshwater fishing license fees haven’t increased since 2003, Normandeau said.

These public hearings will be held, all beginning at 6:30 p.m.:

Sept. 24 – Fish and Game Region 1 Office, 629B Main St., Lancaster.

Sept. 28 – Keene High School, 43 Arch St.

Sept. 29 – Urban Forestry Center, 45 Elwyn Road, Portsmouth.

Sept. 30 – New Hampshire Fish and Game Department, 11 Hazen Drive, Concord.

Written comments will be accepted through Oct. 9. They may be sent to comments@wildlife.nh.gov (use "Fee Increase" in the subject line) or Executive Director, N.H. Fish and Game Department, 11 Hazen Drive, Concord, NH 03301, or faxed to 271-5829.

For more information, visit wildnh.com/funding.

Kathryn Marchocki can be reached at 594-6589, kmarchocki@ nashuatelegraph.com or @Tele-graph_KMar.