If I keep an image of my signed freshwater fishing license on my (smart) phone, and I am approached by a CO, is it sufficient to show the electronic copy, or do I need a hard copy? I realize the issue about recording steelhead and springs on the paper form complicates this matter, but if I am not targetting those species, would it suffice?
These paper licenses get wet and mushy pretty quick...
Also I have questions about the reasons for recording catches at all - If at the end of the year I have caught some springs, steelhead etc., am I supposed to turn the license (with it's record) in to someone? Or is it just for on-the-spot inspection.
Kevgor
Good question on the electriconic copy, though, just print it half size and slip it in your wallet, since you need ID anyway, and I'm sure you're keeping it dry.
The recording is to keep you honest, no one to turn it into, and yes you could be dis-honest and just print a new one when you fill your license. It's more so if you do retain a spring or steelhead and get checked, you have filled in your catch. I have seen people get ticketed for not filling in thier catch even though they've stopped fishing and were on thier way to thier vehicle, since it's supposed to be filled in immediately.
I guess it helps more with inforcement when dealing with a group, eg - who's fish is it, who's filled in the license, and removes some questions, as in some circumstances you're supposed to stop fishing when you retain your fish.
Technically if you get checked by the same CO and he notes 4 written on your license and checks you at a latter date and sees you now have 0 on your license, you could end up in trouble, but considering I haven't seen a CO in years, the odds are low of that happening.