QUINCY, ILL. (AP) -- Hunting and fishing licenses will cost more in Illinois next year.

State Senator John Sullivan was the chief Senate sponsor of the bill that set the higher fees.

The Rushville Democrat says the conservation groups and hunting organizations lawmakers contacted supported the hikes as long as the money went back into conservation programs.

Sullivan says the Department of Natural Resources has seen a drop in revenues to a point where park services have been jeopardized.

He says he hopes this will make the agency more self-sufficient.

The fee increases are forecast to bring in an additional $3 million a year.

The cost of a resident fishing license will climb to $14.50 from $12.50, while deer permits will go from $15 each to $25.

Small game permits will increase from $7 to $12.

Information from: The Quincy Herald-Whig, http://www.whig.com 

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