Digital Hunting, Fishing and Trapping Licenses in effect

WASILLA—Last week, House Bill 260 was signed into law. Now in effect, this legislation is effort to “enter the digital age” and make it possible to acquire digital hunting, fishing, and trapping licenses on their cell phone, according to a recent press release.

“When Alaskans head into the backcountry to hunt or fish, they also pack a cellphone with their fishing equipment and firearms,” Rep. Dan Saddler (R-Eagle River) said in the press release. “This legislation makes it easier for Alaskans to comply with the law and for Fish and Game officials to verify compliance with the law.”

Paper licenses will still be available. In an interview with the Frontiersman, Saddler said that this new legislation will help the Alaska Fish and Game and community since more people will acquire licenses due to the convenience of accessibility.

“Everyone’s got their cell phone with them,” Saddler said. “I’m tickled to bring a traditional Alaskan activity into the 21st century.”

Currently, there still is no way to report harvest digitally but the Alaska Department of Fish and Game is developing apps and other technology to serve that purpose. Until then, harvest reports still need to be done the traditional route.

Under HB 260 anyone cited for failure to display a license has 30 days to cancel the ticket by delivering a paper or digital license to the citing agency.

For more information about HB260, contact Representative Dan Saddler or Press Secretary Jeff Turner at 907-529-4999. For more information regarding hunting, fishing and trapping licenses, visit: www.adfg.alaska.gov