News Release

FREDERICTON (GNB) – A change under the Fish and Wildlife Act means hunters and fishers may now present electronic copies of their licences to conservation officers when requested.

“Allowing hunters and fishers to show an electronic licence as proof to a conservation officer, instead of carrying a paper copy, is something they have long been asking for,” said Natural Resources Minister John Herron. “Most people carry a phone nowadays, which can make carrying a paper copy of the licence redundant.”

The policy change eliminates the need for a signature on licences issued via the Department of Natural Resources and Energy Development’s electronic licensing system, such as hunting, angling and trapping, as well as integrated draws systems, which include Crown reserve licences.

Licences may be presented to a conservation officer in formats such as JPEG, PNG or PDF via an electronic device. However, the licensee must still be able to present a copy of his or her licence upon request, regardless of internet connectivity or other mobile device problems, such as a dead battery.