Those 65 and older may have had a gripe when the state Legislature passed a bill last year to eliminate the senior citizen fishing license, requiring them to pay full price.

However, considering the state budget deficit, it's hard to argue that somehow the Legislature has been picking on senior citizens.

For senior citizens, the license fee will go to $18. While nearly three times the former fee of $6.50, the cost is relatively inexpensive considering the benefits: the right to fish in Minnesota's plentiful lakes and rivers.

In addition, the estimated $1 million the extra fees will raise, the Department of Natural Resources says, will go toward purchasing walleye fingerlings and improve the state's hatchery system.

No question, senior citizens have done a lot for our economy during their lifetimes. However, in light of what the Legislature will be asking of Minnesotans in the near future to fill the budget gap, an extra $11.50 for a fishing license seems like a relatively small burden for senior citizens.