The Department of Natural Resources is taking steps to modernize its electronic hunting and fishing license system in the spring of 2020.
“Over the next two years, we will be modernizing the electronic license system to create a better and more efficient experience for customers – changes that will save the agency as much as $1.5 million,” said Steve Michaels, licensing program director.
“Customers will find it easier to purchase licenses and tags online and record their harvests from a mobile device or computer 24 hours a day, 7 days a week,” he added.
Currently, licenses are sold through a vendor that administers the electronic license system which allows customers to buy licenses in-person at nearly 1,500 locations around Minnesota, online and by telephone. The contract with the current vendor expires in 2020.
The first step in modernizing the license system was taken in late May when the agency requested bids on the project to develop a new system.
“The new system won’t go into effect for more than two years, but we have to begin work now to allow enough time to choose a vendor, design and implement the system, and communicate with customers and license sales agents,” Michaels said.
“Across the spectrum of retail, customers are demanding the convenience of modern technology as part of their purchasing experiences, whether it is movie theaters, airlines, or retail stores.”
The DNR sells about 1.5 million fishing licenses and 580,000 hunting and trapping licenses.
Use of the current system continues through March of 2020, and the DNR plans to provide regular updates through the development of the new system.
Buy fishing and hunting licenses at any DNR license agent, online with a mobile or desktop device.
Licenses can also be purchased by calling (888)665-4236. If using a mobile phone, buyers are sent a text message or email as proof of a valid fish or game license for state conservation officers.