Silly question: Do businesses make money off of issuing fishing licences?
 

I've always wondered this, and figured someone on here would know. Curious as to whether I should bother going out of my way to go to a small family owned place to get my licence, or just to CT. I assume the incentive for the retailer would be getting the customers in their store, but I thought they perhaps received a small percentage.

They make very little compared to the time it takes to process them. Most retailers that sell them, sell outdoor gear as well and sell them for the spin-off sales it generates in the store.

Not sure about Alberta but when I outfitted for bears in Manitoba years ago they paid us 50 cents a licence sold. Doubt they get very much at all

I can't remember if it is a percentage or a certain amount per license but it doesn't amount to much and they often take more time then they are worth. I think they have to pay to even be able to sell licenses though so good to support a small store if they offer it and aren't too busy when you are there.

my last year in which i need a licence..Anybody see them for sale & the Ab.fishing guide mag...The one The late Barry Mitchell used to publish....Soory for the hack...

Yes, but it doesn't even cover the wages of the employee that has to stand at the machine to sell it to you.

Here in Montana they get paid pennies on the dollar for it. I forget how much it
Is but for something like a snowmobile trail ps which costs 18$ for a resident or 25$ for a non resident I believe statute allows for 2$ per pass.

Back in the '80,s I sold fishing licenses. Paid $4.50 and sold them for $5.00. Not sure how its done these days.

The fishing shop in High Prairie quit selling licences because the guy who owned it swore he lost money on them. Of course when one is at a fishing store and they direct you to the gas station to purchase a licence, one just tends to buy their bait at the gas station as well...

It is like selling lottery and having a post office instore....Make very little money but brings customers in to buy other merchandise.....

Used to sell fishing/hunting lic.back in the late 60s, got .25cents per lic, but on the plus side got to meet a lot of people, some celebs because I am down on here on the 49th us/can border. Bing Crosby, Phil Silvers, Willie, Kris Krostofferson are a few that come to mind. Great days...