By Shauna Scott Rhone
The Cincinnati Enquirer

Change is coming in the great outdoors, but not yet.

When Ohio's fiscal budget began July 1, many people assumed that all fee increases signed into law with the budget took effect that day.

Not so fast, says the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) Division of Wildlife.

"Fishing and hunting license fee increases recently passed in the state budget bill will not take effect until March 2004," the office announced in a recent press release.

In March, Ohio's resident hunting and fishing licenses increase by $4, to $19. Deer and turkey permits for the 2004 seasons will also be increased by $4 to $24.

The 2004 season also will offer reduced-price deer and turkey permits for hunters 15 and younger. In the past, young hunters had to pay the adult fee for deer and turkey permits.

Starting next season, these permits will be reduced from $20 each to $12, half the $24 that adult hunters will pay.

Ohio's latest budget bill also restructured senior licenses and permits. Ohioans currently 66 years or older will continue to receive free hunting and fishing licenses and permits.

The 2004-05 licenses and permits go on sale in mid-February 2004.

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E-mail srhone@enquirer.com