Computer Shutdown Means Hunters Must Buy Licenses Early

RALEIGH, N.C. (Dec. 3, 2004) — With Christmas and New Year’s fast approaching, North Carolina sportsmen with holiday hunting on their minds need to plan ahead and buy their licenses early. The N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission will shut down and upgrade its computer licensing system during the holidays. Anyone interested in purchasing a hunting, fishing or trapping license or registering a vessel from a wildlife service agent must do so before 5 p.m. on Dec. 23.

From 5 p.m., Dec. 23 through 5 p.m., Dec. 28, the public will be able to purchase licenses and renew vessel registrations only through the Wildlife Commission’s Web site, www.ncwildlife.org or by calling (888) 248-6834. After 5 p.m., Dec. 28, no one will be able to purchase a license or register a vessel until 8 a.m., Jan. 3, 2005.

Last year, more than 6,000 hunting, fishing and trapping licenses were sold and 800 vessels registered during this 10-day period.

“With most game in season and many folks home for the holidays, the period between Christmas and New Year’s Day marks one of the most popular times of the year to hunt,” said Col. Kenneth Everhart, chief of the Wildlife Commission’s Enforcement Division. “Because the computer will be shut down for the upgrade, it’s important for sportsmen to plan accordingly and buy their licenses early.”

The upgraded system, an automated license and vessel information network (ALVIN), is Internet-based, giving wildlife service agents real-time access to customer data. Real-time access will expedite customer transactions and allow wildlife service agents to assist any customer in the system for immediate, statewide service.

“So, if a hunter from the mountains loses his license while duck hunting on the coast, he’ll be able to get a license replacement immediately from the closest wildlife service agent location,” Everhart said.

For more information on the new ALVIN system, call the Wildlife Commission’s Division of Administrative Services at (919) 662-4370.

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