Hunters and anglers in Georgia appear willing to pay higher license fees to get better service.

The state Department of Natural Resources does not set hunting and fishing license fees, but it can recommend an increase and submit it to Governor Deal and the state legislature.  Fees have remained unchanged in Georgia for two decades.

Currently, an annual hunting license costs $10, while an annual fishing license costs $9.  Dan Forster, director of the Wildlife Resources Division, would like to simplify the number of licenses offered through a single, higher-priced license to cover more activities.

Forster says the extra money generated by higher fees could pay for more shooting ranges, boat ramps and rangers.  According to Morris News Service, those recommendations are based on feedback from a DNR survey and series of public meetings.

Forster says 90 percent of survey respondents would support what he describes as a "modest" increase in license fees.  The state would also be eligible for federal matching funds.

Department staffers will now work up proposed fee hikes for consideration.