If you’re planning a fishing or hunting trip late this month, or expect to register a vessel, the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission is advising that you plan ahead.
Those who need to purchase a license, or register or renew vessel registration are encouraged to do so before June 27, commission officials announced Thursday.
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That’s because the commission is launching a new license and vessel registration system July 1. As part of the transition, hunting and fishing licenses, including coastal recreational fishing licenses, and vessel registrations will be unavailable for purchase from 5 p.m. Tuesday, June 27, to 8 a.m. Saturday, July 1.
The new system is called Go Outdoors North Carolina, and the commission said it will include new features to improve the user’s experience, features recently highlighted in a Wildlife Commission blog.
The new features include the ability to better manage customer accounts with your license, permit hunt and vessel registration history. You’ll be able to view and print certifications, including hunter education and boater safety courses, and upload documents such as vessel registration documentation, forms, applications and birth certificates.
License and registrations holders will be able to set up auto-renewals to avoid expirations.
Officials said a Go Outdoors North Carolina mobile app will be available beginning July 1 through Apple’s App Store and Google Play and offers the ability to purchase licenses and store digital licenses for yourself and others; determine sunrise and sunset times based on location; find places to hunt and fish nearby; access hunting and fishing regulation information; report big game harvests, even when cell service is unavailable; and share catch and harvest photos with the commission.
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Commission officials said the transition would not affect sales of Division of Marine Fisheries’ commercial fishing, for-hire or recreational commercial gear licenses, but those who wish to purchase a commercial fishing vessel registration should renew their Wildlife Commission boat registration before June 27 and bring it with them when they purchase the commercial registration.
License and vessel registration renewals may be purchased online through the Wildlife Commission website, in person through a wildlife service agent, at most Division of Marine Fisheries offices, and by phone, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday at 888-248-6834 for licenses, or 800-628-3773 for vessels.
