FWP'S Automated Licensing Has Some Confused

Print

Montana Fish, Wildlife & Park’s automated licensing system has some hunters and anglers assuming hunting is more "high-tech" these days than it is.

"FWP’s licensing system is automated, but all hunters and anglers must still carry their hunting and fishing licenses with them at all times while in the field and be able to show their licenses to FWP personnel if asked," said Ron Aasheim, FWP communications and education division administrator.

Aasheim said FWP enforcement personnel are encountering a growing number of bird hunters and anglers who say they aren’t carrying their licenses because they assume a game warden can access licensing records in the field via computer or cell phone.

Not so. Montana’s hunting regulations require that hunters and anglers have their licenses on their person and that they produce them when asked by FWP personnel.

"This isn’t a small matter, it is a $135 fine in the eyes of the law," said Wendy Kamm, FWP game warden in the Fort Benton area.

Kamm explained that FWP personnel have no way to verify a hunter’s identity or licenses status if their license and identification are left at home or in their truck several miles away. In this situation they are hunting or fishing without a license, and that is a violation in Montana.

Bottom line, some things simply have to be done the old fashioned way. If you are hunting or fishing, you need to carry your license on you, Aasheim said.

Montana’s hunting regulations also say that it is illegal to carry or have physical control over a hunting license or permit issued to another person while hunting, unless it is a license or permit issued to a spouse or minor and the spouse or minor is hunting with you in the field—not sitting in the truck, or at home planning to hunt another day, Kamm said.

Increasing numbers of hunters and anglers apply for licenses and special permits by going to the FWP web site at fwp.mt.gov and clicking on Online Services. This time saving convenience includes safeguards to prevent incomplete applications from being submitted, and the information supplied is kept for future purchases or license applications.

But remember—you must carry your licenses and permits on you when you are afield, and be ready to produce them if asked by an FWP official.