Online Registration System for DFG Special Hunts

DFG offer speeds up application process.

Most of you know that the California Department of Fish and Game rolled out ALDS, the Automated License Data System.  ALDS phases out printed hunting and fishing licenses. It does also away with the need to go to a license agent in order to buy a hunting or fishing license and/or  required special stamp. The new system links  DFG sales offices, license agents and the new online service        electronically to a central database. Licenses and license related items are created instantly on demand. They can be purchased online.

ALDS also brought us a faster, easier, more convenient way to register for drawings for special hunts organized and conducted every year by DFG: The  Special Hunts Online Registration System.

The new electronic system  allows hunters  to “apply online for random lotteries to participate in DFG Special Hunts, including Upland Game Bird Heritage Hunts, and certain special deer, wild pig, and waterfowl hunts, to view drawing results and current hunt information on hunts you have applied for and finally to view drawing results for all upcoming hunts”.
Special hunts conducted by the DFG License and Revenue Branch on State and Special Wildlife Preserves are not part of the online registration system.

Before using the new system a hunter must first create a an active DFG web account. I opened mine in about 15 minutes including the time I had to wait for e-mail activation. The activation key lets you set your own login password to the Online Registration System. 

Login leads to a Data Portal that lists numerous hunting applications. Selecting  'Online Registration System'  brings up another screen on which a hunter can select the game he wants to hunt from a drop down list and to another drop menu showing available special hunts for that species. The listing also specifies details of the special hunts, such as number of hunters in a party, junior hunts, hunts for mobility impaired hunters and other pertinent conditions. A valid hunting license number or GO ID (the electronic hunting license number) or  the number of a certificate of successful completion of a hunter education course is required before you can proceed any further.

All registration applications take part in computerized drawings. Successful applicants will receive notification by e-mail, including detailed instructions regarding the special hunt.
The system also allows hunters to check on the status of the application process and whether they are among the winners.

The combined systems with their multiple screens are very intuitive and simple. The setup is easy to use even for those who are not exactly computer wizards.
It may take a little time and effort to get your data entered into ALDS and then to open an active DFG web account, but the rewards in the form of ease of use, time savings and reduced hassle during future registrations is well worth it. Give it a try.  Apply for a special deer or quail hunt.
PJJ