Improvements into the future of Kansas wildlife programs are changing the ways of the past.
The state's hunting and angling law will soon require seniors between the ages of 65 and 74 to buy a license.
Hunters and anglers over the age of 65 have been able to get license for free in the state of Kansas since the 1970's. But starting January 1st that law will change and the state will require folks between the age of 65 to 74 to purchase their own license.
"Our department will generate a little bit of revenue through the hunting and fishing license sales, but more importantly it will allow us to capture federal excise tax moneys" says Kansas Department of Wildlife David Jenkins.
According to the Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism, the change is necessary and it could bring in tens of thousands of dollars in revenue in the next ten years.
"The baby boomers are a very large group of people and it's going to be our largest group of users, so to generate a little bit of revenue from those folks will go a long way" says Jenkins.
Jenkins says the change is required to get federal aid for the department, which will help with long term projects, but not everyone is happy with the change.
"Charging the elders something else they have to pay for, and I think that it's been in effect for a while that they don't have to and I think they should leave it that way" says resident Larry Johnson.
Like many who fall into the category, Johnson is not thrilled at the thought of having to pay for a license. As a 74 year old he says he will likely forgo a fishing license this year.
"I think there are enough people coming up that they could cover the expense of the older people" says Johnson.
A sentiment John's Sporting Goods employees in Pittsburg says many of their customers has. In fact, they say many of the younger generation have come in to purchase license as a holiday present for elderly family members who are refusing to pay the fees.
Folks 75 and older will continue to be exempt from all license requirement fees in Kansas.
The new fees range from $9 to $40 dollars for a lifetime license.
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