PA Fish and Boat Commission offers multi-year licenses for first time

(Harrisburg) -- Midstate anglers can now make sure they're ready to fish in Pennsylvania waterways for the next few years.

The Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission is launching a first-of-its-kind program where anglers can buy either three- or five-year licenses.

Timothy Schaeffer, the group's director of Policy and Planning, says the move is partly designed to bring more revenue to the agency.

He says it's a common misconception that the organization receives state funding. "We rely almost entirely on fishing licenses, boat registrations, and federal funds that are collected in the form of an excise tax on fishing tackle, fishing rods, [and] motorboat fuel. Those funds go into the federal Treasury and come back to the states, like Pennsylvania, largely based on the number of fishing licenses we sell."

Schaeffer says the program will also help consumers save money since they won't need to pay yearly transaction and processing fees.

A three-year residential license rings in just under $65, and a five-year license is nearly $107.

The licenses can be purchased online or at a wide range of stores and agency offices.