The calendar insists it’s almost the middle December – regardless of what the thermometer says – meaning 2015 will soon become 2016 and time to renew hunting and fishing licenses. A 2016 hunting, fishing or combination license is a permission slip for a year’s worth of outdoor enjoyment. 2016 resident hunting and fishing licenses go on sale December 15. It makes an excellent gift for the holidays and one that could be purchased online up to the last minute at www.iowadnr.gov.

The menu of license options includes the popular Outdoor Combo annual resident hunting/fishing/habitat combo license for $47; the Angler’s Special three-year fishing license for $53; and the Hunter’s Special three-year hunting license with habitat included for $86. Also available is the Bonus Line option for $12 allowing resident and nonresident anglers to fish with one additional line in addition to the two lines allowed with the regular fishing license.

Iowa hunting and fishing license fees remain unchanged for 2016. Annual licenses, including those special three year license purchased in 2013, expire on Jan. 10, 2016.