Hunting and fishing fees up

Massachusetts is hiking its freshwater fishing and hunting license fees for the first time in more than a quarter century, state wildlife officials said.

The fishing, hunting and trapping license fee increases announced Monday will be phased in over five years and are the first such increases in 26 years, according to the agency.

Under the new fee structure, resident fishing and hunting licenses will increase annually from $22.50 this year to $40 by 2026. A non-resident big game hunting license will go from $94.50 this year to $112 by 2026.

The higher fees will be used to address MassWildlife’s current revenue shortfall, fund core operations and maintain programs and services.