Hunting and fishing licenses will soon be more expensive, and local officials from the Department of Natural Resources want people to know why.

Projections show that several divisions of the DNR, such as the Enforcement, Fish and Wildlife and Ecological and Water Resources may be in the red margin by 2014. The Hunting and Fishing Heritage Initiative aims to fix that.

Since March 8, the DNR has been holding meetings throughout Minnesota to inform the public about the initiative, which increases licenses fees. Changes might not come this year because proposals have to pass legislation, but that’s why the DNR is planning a couple years ahead. One of the meetings will be held at the Jay C. Hormel Nature Center 7 p.m. tonight. DNR officials from surrounding fisheries and wildlife offices will present their findings and answer questions. Officials will also listen to any proposals the public has to strengthen the budget.

According to Jeanine Vorland, DNR area wildlife manager, some DNR divisions receive significant funding directly from hunting and fishing licenses. She added the DNR hasn’t raised rates in roughly 10 years, but now is the time.

“We’d be laying people off — or at least not filling positions, which we’re already doing now,” Vorland said. “We’d just assume it happen (fee increase) sooner than later, so we don’t have to make serious cutbacks.”

Because of inflation and overhead costs, several DNR branches have tight budgets. However, the rate increase happens about every decade and outdoor enthusiasts may be accustomed to it.

But each time raises are proposed, the DNR has to find reasonable rates, so hunters and fishers will continue to buy. The DNR hired economic researchers to find how much would be too much, according to Vorland. Either way, there are always a few unsatisfied hunters and fishers.

“Any time we do have fee increases, we do tend to lose people just because of sticker shock,” Vorland said.

Some proposals include increasing annual fishing licenses from $17 to $24, small game licenses from $19 to $22 and deer licenses from $26 to $30.

Other ideas include more options of short-term licenses for in- and out-of-state residents.

All proposals and fee increases can be viewed at www.dnr.state.mn.us/heritage.