Licenses or list of retail outlets now available on-line

The days of carbon copy license books and lick-and-stick wildlife stamps are gone. There's now a better way to buy an Indiana fishing, hunting or trapping license.

The Indiana Department of Natural Resources is launching an electronic licensing system that is faster, more accurate, and provides the DNR better fish and wildlife management data.

Known as Indiana Outdoor, all annual Indiana sport licenses will be available from local license retailers. Most Indiana residents need only a valid driver's license to use Indiana Outdoor. Residents without a driver's license will need current address information and a Social Security number.

People may find the nearest license retailer, purchase a license online, or sign up to become an authorized Indiana Outdoor retailer, by calling 866-859-0028 or going on-line to: www.indianaoutdoor.IN.gov

“We are very excited to bring Hoosiers this quicker, easier licensing system through Indiana Outdoor,” said Glen Salmon, director of fish and wildlife. “Gone are the days of searching for a license because retailers have a “no more deer licenses” sign on their door. Our folks can get the license they need in less than two minutes so they can get out into the woods or onto the lake.”

Almost 600 bait shops, sporting goods stores, DNR offices and even grocery stores across the state will offer Indiana resident and non-resident hunting, fishing, and trapping licenses as well as sport stamp privileges from Indiana Outdoor.

Lifetime hunting, fishing and trapping licenses are not available through Indiana Outdoor.

The new system will allow people to purchase licenses more quickly, as information for multiple license types can be entered electronically and printed on one easy-to-carry sheet of paper. Licenses may also be purchased online with no additional user surcharges.

“The web-based system designed by DNR to sell hunting & fishing licenses is extremely easy to use," said Robert Easterbrook, manager of store operations at K-Mart. "Our stores especially like the ability to have the customer's information recalled for an even faster transaction when they come back next season to renew their license. We here at K-Mart were happy to be one of the first major retailers to implement the new electronic system.”

The new system also will be available at the 2005 Indianapolis Boat, Sport and Travel Show, Feb. 18-27 in the DNR booth of the Blue Ribbon Pavilion.