With March now here it is time for all Russell County sportsmen and sportswomen to purchase their new 2010-11 hunting and fishing licenses, according to the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife.

“A fishing license is a great deal for families looking for cost-effective recreation,” said Benjy Kinman, deputy commissioner and former director of fisheries for the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources.

“Kids under 16 fish free and parents pay less than the cost of a night at the movies to fish all year long, or they may simply purchase a one-day license. Fishing gets everyone outdoors, away from the TV. Fishing is an enjoyable escape and creates lifetime memories.”

Money from license sales produces many of the same benefits on land as it does on the water.

Deer and turkeys, whose numbers dwindled in the early 20th century, now thrive in Kentucky. The state routinely ranks in the country’s top five for Boone and Crockett trophy deer taken, according to state harvest statistics.

“Through purchasing a license, you are contributing to the conservation and management of wildlife in Kentucky,” said Karen Waldrop, wildlife division director for Kentucky Fish and Wildlife. “

License money pays for the restoration of species like deer and turkey, land acquisition and the continued management of fish and wildlife habitat and populations.”

Education programs reach hundreds of thousands of Kentuckians each year, including many in Russell County, through classroom conservation education, conservation camps, hunter safety courses, aquatic education and more.

Since the department receives no tax dollars from Kentucky’s general fund, none of this would be possible without the support of license buyers, according to the KDFWR.

Some of the most popular licenses include the annual fishing license, which is just $20; a resident combination hunting and fishing license for $30, which covers fishing, as well as hunting for small game and furbearer species; and a statewide deer permit, $20 for Kentucky residents, which in combination with an annual hunting license allows the holder to take two deer – one antlered and one antlerless, or two antlerless.

Families will also find a great value in licenses, according to the department of fish and wildlife. A joint husband and wife fishing license is available for $36, and kids under 12 don’t have to buy most hunting licenses at all, state wildlife officials say.

Sportsmen and sportswomen who fish and hunt for multiple species could pay up to $145 for the licenses and permits needed to take deer, turkeys, small game, ducks and geese, furbearers and all species of fish.

This is why Kentucky Fish and Wildlife offers a Sportsman’s License, according to state officials.

It’s a package deal that cuts $50 off the cost of buying those licenses and permits separately.

The $95 Sportsman’s License, available only to Kentucky residents, includes a combination hunting and fishing license, a statewide deer permit, spring and fall turkey permits, a state waterfowl permit and a trout permit.

The only extras hunters need are a federal duck stamp to hunt waterfowl, and an additional permit if they want to hunt at Peabody Wildlife Management Area or Land Between the Lakes National Recreation Area, officials said.

A bear hunting permit, trapping license and an elk lottery application must also be purchased separately.

In Russell County, fishing and hunting licenses can be purchased at these licensed agents: Kmart, Kroger, Indian Hills Resort/Alligator, Lake Country Outdoors, Martin's Supply, Lake Cumberland State Park, Adam's Bait and Tackle, Jamestown Resort and Marina, State Dock Marina Services, Lake Cumberland Country Store and Friends of Wolf Creek Fish Hatchery or Harris Grocery and Cave Springs Resort and Marina in the Nancy/Jabez area.

For complete licensing information, pick up a copy of the 2010-11 Kentucky Fishing and Boating Guide, or the 2010 Kentucky Hunting Guide for Spring Turkey & Squirrel, available online at fw.ky.gov and wherever licenses are sold.

Fore more information, call Kentucky Fish and Wildlife toll-free at 1-800-858-1549, or go online to fw.ky.gov.

Information from Kentucky Afield's Hayley Lynch and Dave Baker contributed to this article.