The new Go Outdoors Oklahoma license management system and mobile app took center stage during a Jan. 14 regular meeting of the Oklahoma Wildlife Conservation Commission.
Melinda Streich, Assistant Director of Administration and Finance for the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation, gave Commissioners an update after the system's Jan. 7 launch. For the first time, hunters and anglers are able to carry all of their license privileges in one place on their mobile device without having to carry separate paper licenses in the field.
The customer-based system is a “one-stop” shop that focuses on being user-friendly while better serving the customer, license dealers and the Department. The public can access the system through the "Licensing" link on the Department’s website at www.wildlifedepartment.com. The accompanying free mobile app is available for download for Apple and Android devices. It replaces the Department’s previous Pocket Ranger app, which is no longer supported by the app’s creators.
Returning customers are initially asked to provide information to complete their existing customer account, while new users will set up a new account. Each account holder will have a customer ID number, and all licenses and other transactions with the Department will be organized using the customer ID. This allows the Department to provide several convenient features to customers.
Some of the features offered with the new system and app include License Activity Packages that will include all required licenses for specific activities; the ability to select auto-renew on licenses; optional collector cards, featuring Oklahoma artwork, on which all of a person’s licenses can be loaded; applying for lifetime licenses online; mobile E-check of harvest regardless of internet connectivity; and convenient entry into controlled hunt drawings.
Streich said rollout to the public has been smooth during the first week with just some minor issues that are being addressed as they arise. She presented statistics about the system launch:
Data migration: 5.09 million customer names were imported from previous Department records, along with records of 13.33 million past transactions.
System configurations: Creation of 216 products available for customers, and incorporation of 311 license dealers across the state.
First 24 hours: 2,787 active users, 354 new customer accounts created, 1,635 mobile app downloads, 1,789 products sold, and the first-ever online sale of a lifetime license.
In other business, Commissioners:
- Recognized outgoing Oklahoma Secretary of Energy and Environment Michael Teague for his support of the Wildlife Department during his tenure in that position. Department Director J.D. Strong presented Teague a framed resolution of appreciation.
- Received reports on state and federal legislative and governmental activities that might affect wildlife conservation. One of those reports was a preliminary estimate of 2019 federal fund allocations to Oklahoma based on three quarters, with fish restoration funding up 7.2 percent compared to last year's preliminary estimate, and wildlife restoration funding down 12.8 percent from last year's preliminary estimate.
- Heard Director Strong’s regular report on various division activities in the Department, including a reminder that the annual March Rack Madness public antler-scoring event is scheduled for March 5 at Department headquarters in Oklahoma City.
- Recognized Charles Cowell, data analyst and programmer, for 30 years of service.
The Oklahoma Wildlife Conservation Commission is the eight-member governing board of the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation. The Commission establishes state hunting and fishing regulations, sets policy for the Wildlife Department and indirectly oversees all state fish and wildlife conservation activities. Commission members are appointed by the governor and confirmed by the Oklahoma Senate.