Introduction:
Beginning March 1, 2001 all Washington state recreational hunting and fishing licenses will be sold through a new computerized system known as the Washington Interactive Licensing Database (WILD).
Following are some frequently asked questions about the WILD system:
Q: What is WILD?
A: WILD is an automated licensing system which electronically links computer terminals at each licensing outlet to a central database. The WILD system will replace the manual recreational license procedures formerly used by the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) and private recreational license vendors. Besides in-person license sales, the WILD system also offers customers the option of purchasing licenses remotely through an interactive telephone system, or over the Internet (http://fishhunt.dfw.wa.gov). The WILD system was developed by MCI Worldcom Communications, Inc., under a contract with WDFW.
Q: Why switch to a new license system?
A: The Washington State Legislature requested WDFW to take steps to modernize the recreational licensing system. The WILD system is the result of that effort. The new system is expected to improve service for customers and offer WDFW information to guide the science of wildlife management and improve business practices. For the customer, license sales should be faster. For WDFW, the WILD system will make information on license sales available instantly, speed collection of license revenues and reduce license fraud.
Q: When will the license system change?
A: The WILD system is scheduled to begin operation March 1 at all recreational license outlets statewide. All 2001 hunting and fishing licenses will be sold using the WILD system. Toll-free telephone license sales also are scheduled to be available as of March 1 by calling 1-866 2 GO WILD (1-866-246-9453). In addition, Internet license sales are scheduled to be available after May 1. Telephone and Internet license sales are offered as options for those who wish to purchase their licenses from home or another remote location.
Q: What license documents will be sold with the WILD system?
A: Starting March 1, 2001, all recreational fishing and hunting licenses, transport tags, special permit applications, and turkey tickets will be sold through the WILD system. In addition, hunters will use an interactive telephone number 1 877 WILD 4 WA (1-877 945 3492) to report hunting activity after March 1. Hunters interested in the spring turkey hunt raffle and in spring bear hunt special permits should note that these too will be handled electronically via the WILD system. The deadline for purchasing turkey raffle tickets or applying for spring bear hunt special permits is March 18. Once the bear hunt application is purchased, it must be submitted by calling (877) 945-3492.
Q: Will there be a fee for using the WILD system?
A: Yes. There will be a 9.5 percent transaction fee, approved by the Legislature, on each license purchase. That transaction fee reimburses the system contractor, MCI Worldcom Communications, Inc., for the cost of providing the equipment and training to operate the system. In return the contractor is providing equipment including 1,000 computer terminals, 2,000 printers, all license stock, a large-capacity computer server and backup system to run the database and Internet service and a toll-free telephone line for remote license purchases. By covering the WILD system costs through the transaction fee, WDFW and Washington taxpayers are spared the cost of investing in system equipment that would eventually become obsolete.
Q: What will the new WILD licenses look like?
A: Basic hunting and fishing license issued by the WILD system will be smaller and more resilient than the previously issued paper licenses. The WILD licenses will be slightly larger than a credit card (about 3-by-4 inches). Customers making purchases in person will be issued their licenses on the spot. Those making purchases by telephone or Internet will be issued an authorization number for use until they receive their license by mail. Catch record cards and transport tags will still be required as appropriate.
Q: What other changes are being made in the licensing process?
A: Social Security numbers will be collected from recreational license applicants, as required by federal law (U.S. Code Title 42, Section 666, Paragraph 13, Section A). That law, passed in 1996, requires states to collect the Social Security numbers of applicants for various types of licenses as part of a nation-wide effort to improve child-support compliance. WDFW has not been able to comply with the federal requirement until now because it previously lacked an automated license system with a central database. It is important to note that Social Security numbers will not be printed on license documents and will not be visible on WILD computer terminals once they are entered. License applicants will not be required to show a Social Security card. For more information see the fact sheet titled "Social Security Number Collection– Questions and Answers."
