The Wyoming Game and Fish Department has announced it will be charging a fee for credit card transactions starting in 2019.

The department released a statement on Dec. 27 saying credit card transactions will be subject to a 2.5 percent processing fee on a purchase total. The fee applies to applications, licenses, stamps, and gift shop purchases made online or at department offices.

The department says credit card processing fees on hunting applications, license sales, and refunds cost Game and Fish $1.8 million dollars a year out of the operating fund. Card processing costs are not covered by application fees, which are required by Wyoming state law to "compensate owners or lessees of property damaged by game animals and game birds."

The new, non-refundable processing fee was approved by the Game and Fish Commission in July.

“The new 2.5 percent processing fee will offset the costs charged to Game and Fish for accepting credit cards. Game and Fish will not profit from this fee,” said Greg Phipps, Game and Fish chief of the fiscal division, in a statement. “This was an issue the Wyoming Game and Fish Commission addressed to reduce administrative costs and will maximize resources to support wildlife.”

The department notes that license or stamp purchases made at authorized license selling agents will not be affected by the new fee.

The fee will go into effect on Jan. 1, 2019.

 

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