The Pennsylvania Board of Game Commissioners recently gave preliminary approval to authorize hunters to carry e-licenses — electronic licenses — in place of paper ones while in the woods.

While harvest tags will still only be issued in physical form, by mail or at an agent location, hunters and trappers would legally be able to possess only a digital version of their license on a mobile device as long as it is possible to immediately retrieve and display it. A final vote on the matter will be held at the commission’s April meeting.

The move by the Game Commission appears to be another initiative, following last year’s Sunday hunting decision, to attract new hunters. For a number of years, there has been a decline in young hunters to replace the older ones who are either not able to go out anymore or have died.

While many hunters didn’t like the concept of Sunday hunting because it broke from traditions to which they’d become accustomed to over a period of decades, one of its purposes was to be more accommodating for those scheduling weekend hunting trips, so they’d have an extra day.

The decision to grant digital licenses appears to be another move to create more appeal for hunting in the state. While older hunters might not be inclined to get on board with this latest initiative, it could be a draw for younger ones.

Of course, there are some drawbacks regarding the proposal. Cellphone reception can be spotty in wooded regions and there could be problems displaying the new e-licenses in such areas. Those who decide to only get a digital license should download a copy of it to their phone, so it’s easily accessible, rather than rely on the internet connection in the woods. It’s also a good idea to print out a copy to bring along with you and carry a portable charger.

But while everyone won’t likely get behind the game commission’s new plan, it’s a good way to possibly draw some interest to hunting in the state. Although older, traditional hunters might be more inclined to stick with paper licenses, the concept could be one that younger hunters embrace.

Finding ways to appeal to younger generations regarding old traditions can often be a challenge, but the Game Commission’s latest proposal is a good idea.

– NCD