With the opening of the season rapidly approaching I thought it might be helpful to mention a few things that will help expedite the purchase of a license and get you on the water faster. I work at a very busy tackle shop in Wisconsin and on opening weekend see the frustration of anglers who end up waiting for long periods when they would rather be in the boat. Here are a few things to help.
First of all, know what kind of license you want. For non-residents there are 4 day, 15 day, and annual licenses as well as 15 day and annual family licenses. Those will include children who are 16 or 17 years old.
If you can, beat the rush. The weekend is obviously the busiest time. Saturday morning is going to be a nuthouse at most license sellers. You can also avoid the lines completely by purchasing your license online at the Wisconsin DNR website. If you have purchased a license before, bring the old one with you. This has an ID number that the selling agent can use to bring up your information. He or she then just needs to confirm that your info is still valid. You are required to have a valid ID with you like a drivers license.
If you have not purchased a license before or it was before the automated system went into effect you are required to present the ID mentioned above and also give your social security number. Your social security number does not get printed on the license for anyone who is concerned about security issues. The automated system that the DNR uses has improved immeasurably over the last few years but every now and then a glitch can occur. Please remember that bait and tackle shops offer this as a service to their customers. Beefs about costs of the license etc. have nothing to do with the clerk (who would probably rather be out fishing himself!)
A few last things that I frequently get questioned about.
No there is not a discounted license for non-resident seniors.
Most clerks are knowledgeable about their local waters and happy to answer questions about regulations however, you as the fisherment are responsible to know and stay withing the guidelines and regs of any water you are fishing on. Ask for a regs book!
No you can't buy a resident license if you have a summer home.
You need a license if you are 16 years old and up.
Some selling agents will only take cash or check for license purchases.
Those that do take credit cards usually charge an extra fee of up to 3 dollars.
Most importantly, keep the license "on your person" when you are out fishing. Wardens are out checking licenses and CAN cite you if you don't have the license with you regardless of the fact that you actually purchased one. Hope this info has been helpful and reduces any confusion or "wait time" you encounter. Good luck and have fun!
First of all, know what kind of license you want. For non-residents there are 4 day, 15 day, and annual licenses as well as 15 day and annual family licenses. Those will include children who are 16 or 17 years old.
If you can, beat the rush. The weekend is obviously the busiest time. Saturday morning is going to be a nuthouse at most license sellers. You can also avoid the lines completely by purchasing your license online at the Wisconsin DNR website. If you have purchased a license before, bring the old one with you. This has an ID number that the selling agent can use to bring up your information. He or she then just needs to confirm that your info is still valid. You are required to have a valid ID with you like a drivers license.
If you have not purchased a license before or it was before the automated system went into effect you are required to present the ID mentioned above and also give your social security number. Your social security number does not get printed on the license for anyone who is concerned about security issues. The automated system that the DNR uses has improved immeasurably over the last few years but every now and then a glitch can occur. Please remember that bait and tackle shops offer this as a service to their customers. Beefs about costs of the license etc. have nothing to do with the clerk (who would probably rather be out fishing himself!)
A few last things that I frequently get questioned about.
No there is not a discounted license for non-resident seniors.
Most clerks are knowledgeable about their local waters and happy to answer questions about regulations however, you as the fisherment are responsible to know and stay withing the guidelines and regs of any water you are fishing on. Ask for a regs book!
No you can't buy a resident license if you have a summer home.
You need a license if you are 16 years old and up.
Some selling agents will only take cash or check for license purchases.
Those that do take credit cards usually charge an extra fee of up to 3 dollars.
Most importantly, keep the license "on your person" when you are out fishing. Wardens are out checking licenses and CAN cite you if you don't have the license with you regardless of the fact that you actually purchased one. Hope this info has been helpful and reduces any confusion or "wait time" you encounter. Good luck and have fun!
