Ontario MNR card

[goblueM]

So I just got a credit-card looking thing from the Ontario ministry of natural resources. Has my height, eye color, stuff like that on it. Is this some sort of ID card, license... anybody else received one of these?

[NoWiser]

Its the new Outdoors Card that you paid a little extra for the last time you bought a license. I got mine a few months ago and here is what I found about it:

What is a non-Canadian resident Outdoors Card?

A non-Canadian resident Outdoors Card is a plastic, wallet-sized card issued by the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources and used for identification and administrative purposes.

Is a non-Canadian resident Outdoors Card a fishing licence?

No. For non-Canadian residents, a complete and valid licence to fish in Ontario consists of:

a non-Canadian resident Outdoors Card (plastic) or a Non-Canadian Resident Temporary Outdoors Card and Application (paper)

PLUS

a valid non-Canadian resident fishing licence tag carried as a separate document.

An Outdoors Card alone is NOT a fishing licence

I also heard that you would be able to buy a fishing license online for Ontario after they implemented this new system. I have not checked on this, but will find out and report back before January 6th when I leave for my next fishing trip up there.

[paul pachowicz]

The outfitter who sold us our non-res license told us it's just another fee he has to collect and send in to the provincial Gov't. The card is good for 5 (?) years and must be presented the next time you go or you'll pay the fee again. He wasn't really thrilled about it.

[goblueM]

wow good to know. the place i bought my license from didn't even mention this, which is upsetting

[superbee]

The card is good for 3 years and will end up simplifying the NR license after they get the glitches out of the new system and tweek it I am sure. Residents have had this for years and it is a very convenient system for us. They maybe should have told you, but it really doesn't matter much, it is mandatory and without it, you would not have been issued a fishing license.

[Moose-Hunter]

Can this card be obtained before heading to Canada?

[superbee]

You might be able to get it on online, but not 100%.

[SimilarIsland]

Try this number: 800-667-1940

[Dusty]

Yes, You can buy the outdoors card and fishing lic over the phone using the 800-667-1940. Just allow 4-6 weeks.