Curious about outdoor card

[BobT]

Just curious. I applied and have now received mine but what was the reason for this card? Wouldn't it have been easier and less costly just to raise the price of licenses instead?

[croixflats]

http://www.moosehorn.net/non-resident-ontario-outdoor-card.htm

The main function of the card is to have all your contact and license information in a database so if you come across a game warden or conservation officer in the bush while fishing or hunting, it takes them seconds to know who you are and verify that you do have a license by showing them your outdoor card.

Another advantage is when you buy a fishing or hunting license, you just have to show your outdoor card. You don't have to pull out old licenses from your state or any other ID. You can also buy your license on-line with the card number.

This program also prevents counterfeiting of fishing and hunting licenses because everyone is issued his or her own unique number. It will be a great help in preventing poaching and other wildlife crime.

[BobT]

I wonder why MN doesn't consider some kind of card. I've even sent suggestions that they could use our driver's license. With a card reader a CO could very quickly scan our driver's license and find out if we are licensed for whatever it is we are doing. Could save a lot of cost in paper licenses and save us the hassle of carrying 12 pieces of paper with us. Plus, a driver's license or card ID is waterproof, unlike our hunting and fishing licenses.