New Automated System for Hunting and Fishing Licenses

Department of Fish and Game Director John McCamman announced today that Californians will soon purchase hunting and fishing licenses using a real-time automated system. Developed especially for DFG, the Automated License Data System (ALDS) is already in place at DFG license sales offices. The system will be piloted at select license agent locations beginning the week of Sept. 20, with full statewide implementation expected between November 2010 and early January 2011.

“This system is the largest of its kind in the world,” said Director McCamman. “This long-awaited, long-requested system will provide an unmatched level of service to our license-buying constituents.”

Unlike automated systems in other states, California’s ALDS is a real-time system.

“A real-time system gives customers immediate access to our license inventory which will eliminate the need to visit a DFG office or wait for high-demand products to be issued via mail,” said James Fong, chief of DFG’s License and Revenue Branch. “For example, a deer hunter will be able to go to his or her local license agent and immediately purchase any available deer tag rather than having to mail in an application or travel to a DFG office to make the purchase.”

ALDS will provide numerous advantages to fishing and hunting license buyers. License Agents won’t run out of licenses and stamps, for example, and customers will be able to easily replace lost licenses at any license agent for a reduced fee.

“The advantages of this system go far beyond convenience,” said Fong. “Not only will we be able to improve customer service, but we will be able to use the information in the database to better manage wildlife and comply with federal grant requirements, which translates into more revenue for our wildlife management and enforcement programs.”

During the first year of ALDS, customers should be aware that new requirements exist. For example, items issued through ALDS will be subject to a three percent surcharge for system maintenance. Also, customers must provide some form of legal identification and a telephone number when they first make a purchase through ALDS. Customers are able to purchase licenses for other people as long as the licensee’s prior year license is provided along with a driver license number. Without the prior year license, the purchaser must provide the licensees date of birth, legal identification number and type, address, and physical description. If the purchaser does not have all of the licensees personal data, they can purchase a license voucher that can be redeemed for a sport fishing or hunting license at any ALDS license agent.

The new requirements will ensure a complete and accurate customer database, reduce the risk of fraud, improve DFG’s ability to better manage resources, provide more equitable outdoor opportunities and meet federal mandates that require complete customer data. Although customers may experience slower license sales transaction times the first year, the process will be quicker in the future, as the customer’s information will already be in the system.

The license agents in the initial pilot of ALDS include:

– Browns Sporting Goods – Garberville, Calif.

– Kalinas Hardware – Malin, Oregon

– The Tackle Box – Salinas, Calif.

– H & M Landing – San Diego, Calif.

– *Big 5 – El Segundo, Calif.

– *Walmart – Susanville, Calif.

– *Sports Authority – Temecula, Calif.

– Broadway Bait, Rod & Gun – Sacramento, Calif.

– Herb Bauer Sporting Goods – Fresno, Calif.

– Doms Outdoor Outfitters – Livermore, Calif.

– Diamond Sporting Goods – Ukiah, Calif.

– Floyds General Store – Bakersfield, Calif.

– The Grant Boys – Costa Mesa, Calif.

– *Bass Pro Shops Outdoor World – Rancho Cucamonga, Calif.

– Half Moon Bay Sportfishing and Tackle – Half Moon Bay, Calif.

– Newport Landing – Newport Beach, Calif.

* Named location only

Traditional hunting and fishing licenses will still be available at non-ALDS license agents until the system is fully implemented statewide. Fishing licenses also continue to be available for purchase online at www.calicensetofish.com. Hunting licenses are expected to be available for purchase online in 2011.