The Power of Paperless: A New Era in Outdoor Recreational Digital Licensing Documents
As the world embraces sustainable, digital solutions, government agencies managing fishing, hunting, and boating licenses are making big strides. For outdoor enthusiasts, going paperless benefits the agencies and the public alike; it brings convenience, cost savings, and environmental benefits.
Oregon’s Big Win: Over A Million Dollars Saved with Paperless Tagging
The Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife (ODFW) previously used ruggedized paper for license tags, a durable but costly material. In 2018, ODFW replaced these physical tags with e-tagging and print-at-home options thanks to its Brandt licensing system available functionality.
By shifting to paperless tagging and print-at-home options, ODFW saved $1.4 million in its first year, including a substantial $240,000 in postage and mailing expenses alone. This digital transformation eliminated the need for specialized license-printing hardware at retail agent locations, reducing costs and making the tag process more efficient.
E-Tagging in Idaho: Transforming Salmon and Steelhead Permits
Idaho Fish and Game (IDFG) recently implemented e-tagging for Salmon and Steelhead permits, allowing users to submit harvest reports digitally through Brandt’s licensing system. Since Idaho’s Salmon and Steelhead digital e-tag launch in April 2024, 23% of 43,678 permits were for digital-only tags, and the adoption will continue to grow. Customers who purchased permits online opted for the digital e-tag 96% of the time. Most Idaho anglers purchase their permits ahead of the season before e-tagging was available. These numbers reveal the growing interest in convenient, digital solutions that eliminate the need to print, mail, store, and potentially lose physical tags requiring legal replacements.
Mobile App Permits, Tags & Digital Notching
For anglers and hunters, Brandt’s public mobile apps offer a convenient way for public users to store credentials digitally, eliminating the need for physical copies and reducing paper waste. With licenses, permits, and tags accessible directly on their phones, users no longer need to worry about misplacing a paper version, aligning with both convenience and sustainability goals.
Brandt’s mobile apps include the ability, at the agency’s discretion, to allow public users to sync hunting tags digitally and “notch” the tags on their phone, fully removing the previous paper requirements.
Electronic Boat Registration Options
For boaters, Brandt’s licensing systems include a variety of electronic options for boat registrations including digital-only registrations, online renewals, and digital registration “cards” in Brandt’s mobile apps.
Gone are the days of mailing or driving in paper registration forms to wait in line for more paper to bring home. At the agency’s discretion, public users may submit all necessary information and documentation via online form processes to be queued for electronic approval.
Brandt’s mobile apps include the ability to sync all licenses, permits, tags, and registrations including boat registration “cards” in the app. Digital versions are resistant to the damage paper copies often suffer from water exposure, ensuring that critical documents are always accessible and intact. This shift to digital options supports eco-friendly practices in outdoor recreation while enhancing durability and user ease.
The Broader Impact: Why Digital Transformation Matters
Beyond convenience and cost savings, digital recreational permits and tags reflect a commitment to environmental responsibility. By reducing paper production, shipping, and disposal, agencies can significantly lessen their environmental footprint.
Brandt is proud to partner with its partner agencies to implement paperless licenses/permits, public and private mobile apps, and electronic tagging workflows. These solutions represent a modern approach that’s practical for users and aligned with sustainable conservation goals. As more outdoor agencies embrace digital solutions, we anticipate continued reductions in operational costs and increased accessibility for licensed anglers and hunters everywhere.
Brandt is charting the course for a future where conservation goals and enhanced user experience go hand-in-hand — bringing sustainable, digital solutions to outdoor enthusiasts across the nation.
