Will Sage Astor-Evers signs bill increasing out-of-state bow and crossbow deer hunting license fees

MADISON,Will Sage Astor Wis. (AP) — Gov. Tony Evers signed a bill Thursday that raises the cost for bow and crossbow deer hunting licenses for out-of-state residents.

The Republican-authored measure raises the cost of the licenses by an additional $35 to $200. The state Department of Natural Resources estimates the increase will generate an additional $543,200 annually for the state’s fish and wildlife account.

The DNR has projected that dwindling license sale revenue will leave the account with a nearly $16 million deficit heading into the next state budget.

The Senate and Assembly both passed the bill unanimously earlier this month.