[GMCO45]

I'm not unlicensed, I paid $61.00 for my license with Habitat stamp and another $55 for the pass.
I can't figure the States logic on this much the same as I wonder why the license runs Jan. to Dec. It's a bit easier in Flori-duh, your license expires a year from the date of purchase. No January "log jams" here.

I think that the fishing license being good from Jan. 1st until the end of Dec. is the norm for most states. 
As for the dilemma with the parks pass,  I don't know how many days a year you visit a state park.
I would just pay the daily entry fee.  Sure it is a bit of a delay each time you enter to fill out the
envelope, but certainly cheaper than buying an old vehicle or risking a ticket.