The Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR), Division of Wildlife has entered into a contract with The Active Network, Inc. to build and implement a Web-based license sales and game check system. The new system will replace the existing hunting, fishing and trapping license/permit sales system on March 1, 2011.


“This new Web-based license and game check system will strengthen and enhance the Division's fish and wildlife management abilities,” said David M. Graham, chief of the Division of Wildlife. “Sound wildlife management ensures healthy, sustainable wildlife populations for the benefit of anglers, hunters, trappers and wildlife watchers.”


ODRN said the new system will incorporate better management and integration of license sales information, hunter education, publication distribution and tracking, special permitting initiatives, controlled hunt allocations, arrest report tracking and improved game check processes — all in real time.


The new system will cost $16.3 million over 8 ½ years. Funds to pay for the new system will come from the Wildlife Fund. Money generated from the sale of fishing, hunting and trapping licenses make up the Wildlife Fund. State tax dollars are not part of this fund.


Prior to the March 1, 2011 implementation date, a number of pilot projects will be implemented to ensure the new system's readiness.


Hunters, trappers and anglers will see minor changes in the appearance of their license, but the licensing process will remain the same. Deer and turkey hunters will be introduced to a new system that will allow them to easily and conveniently check game at a license vendor, by phone or on the Internet.


A proposed change to the Ohio Revised Code, currently in House Bill 1, would allow resident landowners the convenience of automated game checking that all other hunters in Ohio would have, but would require them to acquire a free deer or turkey permit in order to use the system.


The Active Network is the largest global provider of integrated technology solutions, marketing services and online media properties that encourage and enable participation in activities and events. The Active Network is either maintaining or developing automated hunting and fishing licenses systems for 26 states.


Any customer that would like more information can log on to the Division of Wildlife's web site at wildohio.com. Once on the Division's home page, visitors should click on the “Proposed New License Sales and Game Check System” line under the Ohio Wildlife News heading. As the new system moves through development, the wildohio.com Web site will keep customers updated.