The proposed changes would reduce the cost of the small game and fishing combination license and resident deer, elk and turkey permits. But the cost of resident and nonresident hunting licenses would increase. So would the cost to submit a drawing application.

"People already participating in hunting and fishing will experience a very minimal effect," said Jim Karpowitz, director of the Division of Wildlife Resources (DWR). "People who are only participating in the hunting draws will see a significant impact."

Hunters are now allowed to apply for special hunts with a $5 application fee. If they draw the permit they must then purchase the appropriate license and tag for the species. If the proposal is passed, the application fee would increase to $10 and any special permit applicants must purchase a hunting license to get an application.

The plan is to change it from a small game license to a hunting license and charge $26. The hunting license would allow people to participate in drawings and small game hunting. Other states have long required hunters to own a license before they apply for special permits.

The change is important not only for the money generated directly from the requirement - officials estimate more than 80,000 apply for permits without purchasing a license - but also for federal money that is awarded based on the number of licensed hunters in each state.

"This requirement will greatly increase our federal aid revenue when it kicks in," Karpowitz said. "We expect it could mean between an extra $1.5 to $2 million each year."

Federal money is based on hunter numbers from two years prior, so the benefits of the change would not be realized until 2009.

DWR officials hope hunters and anglers will spend the extra $4 and purchase the combination license.

"It obviously benefits [the DWR], but we feel like anglers who haven't hunted for years and hunters who haven't fished might be tempted to try those things again for $4," said Alan Clark, assistant DWR director.

One increase wildlife officials were reluctant to propose involves requiring 12- and 13-year-old anglers to purchase a fishing license, but the benefits were too great, they felt.

Officials kept the youth fishing fee low ($5), and they said for every license purchased they will get $12 to $14 in matching federal money, which the agency plans to use in support of the community fisheries program.

Hunters are not the only outdoors group which could be impacted by the 2007 Legislature. The state is also proposing a new Watchable Wildlife Pass that would require visitors to the state's wildlife and waterfowl management areas to purchase a $10 annual pass. The pass could also be used for Watchable Wildlife events and festivals where there is a fee.

brettp@sltrib.com