When are the new fee increases going into effect? I keep hearing May 1 but most new laws go into effect in July.

New laws do generally go into effect July 1, but in the case of these license and fee changes, the effective date is indeed May 1. Lawmakers understood that the financial crisis at Fish and Game needed urgent remedy and agreed on a May 1 effective date. If you buy before May 1, you may save significant money on this year's licenses and tags. A lifetime license is a particularly attractive deal before May 1.