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Frequently Asked Questions for 2012 Purchase of Sporting Licenses & Checking Game

To eliminate paperwork, save postage and printing costs, and to provide sportsmen and sportswomen with 24-hour licensing and game reporting services, the Division of Fisheries and Wildlife (DFW) is announcing that all 2012 licenses, stamps, and permits will be obtained electronically from either an online computer, participating license vendor, or from a DFW office. In addition, this new system, MassFishHunt, will provide hunters an opportunity to check game online.

Below are a series of Frequently Asked Questions regarding the MassFishHunt system. If your question isn't here, please e-mail us at mass.wildlife@state.ma.us and we will get you an answer and maybe post it on this site for others who might have the same question!

What Major Changes Can Sportsmen and Women Expect?

Buying 2012 freshwater fishing, sporting, hunting, trapping licenses, and stamps (FAQs link on this topic)
Applying for and buying 2012 turkey, bear, and antlerless deer permits and completing Harvest Information Program (HIP) surveys by migratory game bird hunters (FAQs link on this topic)
Tagging, checking/reporting harvested game (FAQs link on this topic)

FAQs -- BUYING 2012 FRESHWATER FISHING, SPORTING, HUNTING, TRAPPING LICENSES AND STAMPS

Is it true that 2012 licenses will be sold by computer?

What do I need to purchase a license from my home computer?

Can I print out my own license, tags, stamps, and permits?

I don't have a computer or printer, how can I buy a license, stamps or apply for permits?(includes Antlerless Deer Permit Info)

What is a Customer ID Number and why is it important?

Can a minor (15-17 years of age) buy a fishing license through a computer with Internet access?

Can a minor buy a hunting or sporting license through a computer with Internet access?

Can I buy a trapping license online?

I have purchased my MA sporting licenses online in the past, is my old customer information in the MassFishHunt system?

How do blind, paraplegic, or developmentally disabled people obtain a fishing or hunting license?

How do I pay for my license, permits, and stamps?

Is there a service fee for purchasing online?

I'm 70 years old (or older), will I still have to pay a service fee or any commissions for my required licenses?

What if I lose or damage my license, tags or permits?

Answers on Buying 2012 fishing, sporting, hunting, trapping license and stamps

Is it true that 2012 licenses will be sold by computer?

Yes--All 2012 Massachusetts freshwater fishing, trapping, hunting and sporting licenses, permits, and stamps will be sold electronically through an online licensing system called MassFishHunt. After your purchase either from online or through a participating license sales agent, you will be able to print licenses, permits and tags immediately from a computer and printer with access to the Internet. MassFishHunt replaces traditional paper licenses, stamps, and hunting permits formerly issued from license and stamp books or via postal mail.

What do I need to purchase a license from my computer?

If purchasing from your home computer (or at a computer with public access such as those available at public libraries), you need:

A major credit card. (Visa, MasterCard, Discover, Amex) Debit cards are not accepted, but debit cards that also work as credit cards can be used.
Access to an online computer and printer to print licenses, permits and stamps.
Plain, white, letter-sized printer paper.

Can I print out my own license, tags, and permits?

Yes -- The MassFishHunt system allows you to print your licenses, permits, and tags, immediately after making the purchase. You will not be mailed a license or permit. No more waiting by the mail box!

I don't have a computer or printer, where can I buy a license or stamps or apply for permits?

If you don't have a computer or printer you can go to the following locations:

License vendor locations at participating retail stores as well as some town and city halls. Statewide Listings of 2012 participating town and city clerks.
Division of Fisheries and Wildlife (DFW) District offices, Westborough Field Headquarters, and the Boston office.
Public libraries or other venues with internet access and printers.

What is a Customer ID Number and why is it important?

When you use the MassFishHunt system your license information will be recorded and you will be issued a Customer Identification Number. Your Customer ID number will be your license number and it will stay the same from season to season and year to year, allowing you to easily reprint your license if lost, track your purchases, add permits or stamps to your current license and purchase future licenses.

Can a minor (15-17 years of age) get a freshwater fishing license at a home computer?

Yes-A minor may obtain a fishing license online from home. As of 2012, this youth license is now free!

Can a minor buy a hunting or sporting license on his or her own computer?

No -Due to certain documentation requirements, a minor who wants a hunting or sporting license must go to a license vendor or a DFW office which sells hunting or sporting licenses with the following documentation:

Written consent to hunt from a parent or guardian and an additional statement that the minor will be accompanied at all times by a licensed person 18 years or older OR
Written consent to hunt from parent or guardian and a certificate of competency from the Massachusetts Basic Hunter Education Program or approved certificate from another state, Canada, or Mexico Basic hunter education program.

Can I buy a trapping license through my computer or at a license vendor?

Yes - Anyone who wants to trap on their own land may buy a trapping license online either through a home computer or visiting a license vendor. NOTE: If you plan to trap on someone else's land or on public lands open to trapping, you must also obtain a trap registration number. This number is issued through the Boston office (617) 626-1575 and is renewable every two years. In order to obtain a trap registration number, you must have a certificate of completion from the Massachusetts Trapper Education Course. Trapper education course certificates from other states are not accepted in Massachusetts.

I have purchased my MA Sporting licenses online in the past, is my old customer information in the MassFishHunt system?

For almost all customers the answer is Yes. The majority of people who purchased their online licenses from the old MassOutdoors system, (2010 or earlier) are already in the MassFishHunt system and still retain their customer identification number. They do not need to create a new account when buying a 2012 license!

How do blind, paraplegic, or intellectually disabled people obtain a license?

If you are eligible for a special freshwater fishing or hunting license as a blind, paraplegic, or intellectually disabled person, you must submit an application AND certain other documentation indicating your eligibility for specific licenses to the DFW Boston office. This is a one-time application process for anyone eligible for those licenses. Once approved, you will be able to acquire your license online in future years without the need for an application. More details and the application are available on line or call the Boston office for a hard copy at (617) 626-1590.

How do I pay for my license, permits, and stamps?

Credit cards and debit cards that also work as credit cards are acceptable for online purchase.
Most stores accept checks, cash, and credit cards.
Town clerks normally accept cash or checks and money orders, but no credit or debit cards.
DFW offices accept cash, checks, and money orders only. Sorry, but we do not accept credit or debit cards .

Is there a fee for purchasing online?

Yes --If you purchase a license online through the MassFishHunt system, either from a home computer or from any license vendor or location (other than a DFW office), you will be charged a convenience fee by Active Outdoors, the provider of this electronic licensing system. This fee pays for the development, hosting, and maintenance of the MassFishHunt system and the new benefits it provides. The convenience fee consists of a $1.50 charge for each license purchased plus 3% on the total transaction. Prior to the processing of your payment, the convenience fee will be itemized and clearly identified on your receipt. (See Example Below)

As in the past, if you purchase a license from a participating license agent (i.e. retail store or town/city hall), you also may be charged an agent commission (usually $1.00 - $1.50 per license).
Public libraries generally charge for printouts from their computers
No additional convenience fees or commissions will be charged at DFW offices.

Example: Online Purchase Cost for 18-64 year old buyer
LICENSE /STAMP PURCHASE ITEMS	COST
(H1) Resident Hunting License	$22.50
(W1) Resident Wildland Stamp (required with first license)	$5.00
(M2) Resident Waterfowl Stamp	$5.00
(M1) Resident Archery Stamp	$5.10
Subtotal of license fees	$37.60
Active Outdoors Convenience Fee ($1.50 + 3%)	$2.67
$1.50 + .03*($37.60 + $1.50)
Total Amount Due	$40.27

I'm 70 years old (or older), will I have to pay any fees for my required licenses?

It depends on where you purchase the license:

No - If you buy your license at a DFW office
Yes - If you buy your license online. The convenience fee will be $1.50 plus 3% on the total transaction. (See Example Below)
Yes - If you buy your license from a retail license agent (e.g. Wal-Mart/Sporting goods store) you pay the flat $1.50 convenience fee.
Yes - If you buy your license from a town/city clerk, you pay the $1.50 convenience fee.

Online License & Convenience Fees For 70+ License Buyer
LICENSE/STAMP PURCHASE ITEMS	COST
(S3) Resident Sporting License	$0.00
(M2) Resident Waterfowl Stamp	$5.00
(M1) Resident Archery Stamp	$5.10
Subtotal of License Fees	$10.10
Active Outdoors Convenience Fee ($1.50 + 3%)	$1.85
$1.50 + .03*($10.10 + $1.50)
Total Amount Due	$11.95

What if I lose or damage my license, tags, or permits?

You can protect licenses, tags, and permits by storing them in either a plastic license holder or a zip-lock type of plastic bag, but accidents do happen. You can reprint your license, tags, and permits from your home computer or visit any license vendor to reprint your license. Keep in mind that your ability to reprint or produce copies of licenses, permits, and tags does NOT authorize you to use more than the legal number of tags issued to you.

FAQs -- APPLYING FOR AND BUYING 2012 TURKEY BEAR AND ANTLERLESS DEER PERMITS, STAMPS AND COMPLETING HIP SURVEYS

Can I buy my turkey and bear permits when I buy a license?

How do I apply for and receive an antlerless deer permit?

Will I still be able to purchase a "real" or collector's waterfowl, archery, or primitive firearms stamp?

How do woodcock, waterfowl, and other migratory game bird hunters get their HIP number?

Can I buy my turkey and bear permits when I buy a license?

Yes - You can purchase and print out your permits when you buy your license or you can go online later in the year and purchase turkey and bear permits and print them out immediately. You no longer will mail in applications and and do not need to wonder if your applications or permits were lost in the mail!

How do I apply for and receive an antlerless deer permit?

This is a two-step process for deer hunters which requires your active presence online on two separate occasions:

As in the past, you must apply for an antlerless permit for one zone of your choice by July 16. It's best to do this at the same time you purchase your license, though you do have the option to go back into your account and apply as long as it is by July 16 . If you applied for an antlerless deer permit at the time that you purchased your hunting or sporting license, you will see both the zone for which you applied and a message that states "Return after 7/31/12 to try to win your deer permit" in the "items purchased" menu on your license.
Beginning August 1, 2012 (and continuing through the end of the year) hunters MUST RETURN to the MassFishHunt website and try to win a deer permit in the zone for which they applied (Instant Award Period). No more waiting and worrying about the mail and no more postcards!

The Instant Award system will still be based on a percent chance of winning, but permit issuance will be completely random, rather than based on the last digit of a hunting license number. This is NOT a first-come first-served system, hunters will have the same odds of winning a permit whether they "play" on day 1 or day 61. Hunters that apply will be limited to "play" for an antlerless deer permit ONCE during the Instant Award Phase.

Will I still be able to purchase a "real" or collector's waterfowl, archery, or primitive firearms stamp?

No - Sorry, we know there are some avid collectors of stamps among you, but with the new online system the collector-style stamps will no longer be produced. Your license will include the notation that you purchased the required "stamps".

How do woodcock, waterfowl, and other migratory game bird hunters get their HIP number?

All woodcock, waterfowl and other migratory game bird hunters are required to complete a Harvest Information Program (HIP) Survey. The HIP survey will be available only on the MassFishHunt system; the traditional telephone survey will no longer be offered.
If you hunt waterfowl, either solely or in addition to any other migratory game bird, you will automatically complete the HIP Survey when you purchase your Massachusetts Waterfowl stamp. Waterfowl hunters SHOULD NOT complete the HIP Survey that is an option on the main menu of the MassFishHunt website.
If you ONLY hunt woodcock, rail, snipe, and/or coot (but not waterfowl) then you must complete the HIP Survey that is located as an option on the main menu of the MassFishHunt website.
Once you have completed the HIP Survey online (usually when you are buying your license and/or MA waterfowl stamp) a "HIP Survey completed" notation will be printed on your hunting/sporting license. This is all you need to show proof that you have completed the survey. You will no longer be assigned a HIP number.
NOTE TO ALL MIGRATORY GAME BIRD HUNTERS (Woodcock, Snipe, Rails, and/or Coot): If you purchase your license at a licensing agent location, be sure to tell the agent that you need to answer the HIP Survey questions. If you hunt waterfowl the agent will be prompted to ask you the HIP Survey questions when you purchase your waterfowl stamp.

FAQs -- TAGGING & REPORTING/CHECKING IN GAME

Do hunters still have to tag their game after killing it?

What are the changes for hunters checking or reporting game?

NOTE: Be advised that the questions and answers below reflect what is planned for 2012. This reporting system is still "under construction." When the actual details are finalized, announcements will be made and this FAQ page will be updated to reflect the details. We hope to have some details finalized by spring turkey season, but it is not certain at this stage when online harvest reporting will be launched.

How do I report a turkey online?

How do I report or check deer online?

How do I report or check a bear?

How do trappers report/check their fur pelts?

Do hunters still have to tag their game after killing it?

Yes -- hunters are still required to tag certain game species immediately after killing it. Antlered deer tags are printed out with your hunting/sporting license. If you purchased turkey, bear, or antlerless permits, tags will also print out.

What are the changes for hunters checking or reporting game?

Starting in the fall of 2012, successful hunters will have two options for checking in deer, turkey, bears, or furbearers:

Checking at a traditional check station or
Checking or reporting game through the online MassFishHunt system.

If you check your game at a traditional check station, an official metal or plastic seal will be attached to the animal. As always, hunters have 48 hours to check deer, bear and turkey. The seal must remain on the animal until it is butchered, skinned, or otherwise processed..

If you check/report your game online with MassFishHunt you can check in/report your harvest from any online computer (home, library, etc.) with internet access. Hunters must still report deer, turkeys, and bears within 48 hours after the kill. Reporting your game harvest online can save you travel time (and fuel) to a traditional game check station and can be done at any hour of the day or night.

Some of you may have read earlier here that DFW anticipated beginning online reporting capability at start of the regular spring turkey season, however the system is still "under construction." Online turkey harvest reporting will not begin until fall 2012.

NOTE: Be advised that the questions and answers below reflect what is planned for 2012 hunting seasons. This reporting system is still "under construction." When the actual details are finalized, announcements will be made and the FAQ page will be updated to reflect the details.

How do I report a turkey online?

Beginning in the fall 2012 turkey season, when using the MassFishHunt reporting system, we anticipate that you will fill out an online form asking for basic information: the same information sportsmen have always been asked to provide at traditional game check stations. When checking or reporting in a turkey, you may be asked to measure and report the spur length and indicate if the bird is an adult or a juvenile. The DFW will provide helpful guides/information online for hunters to use online when reporting this biological information. When you report your game online, a confirmation number will be issued to you for that animal. The confirmation number, which you must write on the tag where specified, will be the "seal".

How do I report or check deer online?

In 2012, deer hunters will have the option of reporting their harvested deer online or at traditional check stations during the archery and primitive firearms seasons. When you report your game online, a confirmation number will be issued to you for that animal. The confirmation number, which you must write on the tag where specified, will be the "seal". NOTE: There is an exception during the shotgun deer season and it will be required that all successful hunters bring their harvested deer to a traditional check station where DFW personnel will be collecting necessary biological data.

How do I report or check a bear?

When using the MassFishHunt reporting system, you will fill out an online form asking for basic information: the same information sportsmen have always been asked to provide at traditional game check stations. The DFW is planning to provide helpful guides/information online for hunters to use online when reporting this biological information. When you report your game online, a confirmation number will be issued for that animal. The confirmation number, which must be written on the tag where specified, will be the "seal".

How do trappers report/check their fur pelts?

Trappers with furbearers must still report their pelts within the 4 days after the 2012-2013 season has closed. Except for otter and bobcat pelts, trappers have 2 options for reporting their harvest:

They can take their pelts to a traditional furbearer check station (some deer check stations also check coyotes) within 4 working days of the end of the season. NOTE: Otter and bobcat pelts must be checked in at a traditional furbearer check station.
Trappers can report their harvest online through MassFishHunt within 4 working days of the end of the season. Exact details on this process will be finalized later in 2012. Remember, otter and bobcat pelts may not be reported online.