Oregon Fish and Wildlife switching to smartphones for licenses, tags

Updated 6:39 PMPosted 5:34 PM

In this 2006 file photo, a fly fishing instructor leads a class at West Linn Adult Community Center.(James W. Prichard)

MEDFORD — The Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife plans to use an electronic licensing system that will allow hunters and anglers to buy licenses and tags online.

The Mail Tribune reports hunters and anglers also will be able to download an app that will allow them to use their smartphones to tag their salmon, steelhead, halibut, deer and other species that require tagging.

The new system is scheduled to go live in December, when the agency begins selling licenses and tags for 2019.

Fish and Wildlife says the change will save the agency about $1.4 million a year, in part because the licenses and tags won't be printed on special paper.

Those who want to carry paper licenses and tags can print them out themselves, according to ODFW in The Mail Tribune report.

Those without access to a computer and printer can still go to any license agent to get licenses and tags over their computers, ODFW spokeswoman Michelle Dennehy said.

The current point-of-sale system handles about 2.2 million transactions each year.

-- The Associated Pr