The Fish and Wildlife Commission (Commission) operates under a mandate from the Legislature to preserve, protect, perpetuate, and manage wildlife, fish, and shellfish, and their habitat.  This responsibility includes providing opportunities for recreational and commercial harvesting of fish, shellfish, and wildlife in a manner that does not impair the long-term survival of the species. The Commission sets hunting and fishing season dates and adopts rules for issuing licenses, permits, tags, stamps, catch record cards, and raffle tickets.  The Department of Fish and Wildlife (Department) has been delegated the responsibility to carry out rules and policies adopted by the Commission.

A recreational license is required to hunt, fish, or take fish, shellfish, wildlife, or seaweed.  Licenses and permits may be purchased at the Department's website or at an authorized license dealer.  When purchased online, the Department mails the licensee a physical license or permit.  Most licenses require the licensee to have physical possession of either the license or the license-specific transaction number.  Most licenses also must be signed by the licensee, contain the licensee's personal identification information, and, if required, be accompanied by a valid catch record card.

The Commission's authority to adopt rules regarding licenses, permits, tags, stamps, and catch record cards extends to the issuance of electronic licensing documents as well as the ability to use, display, and present such documents to Department staff in an electronic format.