Those planning to buy a recreational license from a retailer to hunt or fish before April 2 may want to get their license before the end of this month.
The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries is beginning to transition to its new recreational hunting and fishing license sales system.
From Feb. 1 to April 1, retail sales of recreational licenses will be suspended, though sales will be available online at wlf.la.gov and at LDWF headquarters in Baton Rouge and the Monroe, Lake Charles, Opelousas and Alexandria regional offices.
Retail sales will resume on April 2.
If you need assistance with your online purchase, there will be a 24-hour help desk starting Feb. 2 at 888-362-5393. If you have other licensing questions, call the license office at 225-765-2887 or 225-765-2898 weekdays from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
The new system by Sovereign Sportsman Solutions will allow license holders to reprint their licenses online throughout the year at no cost as well as set-up autopay options to renew their licenses.
Users will also be able to create a username and password to log into their account online and update contact information or gain access to boater and hunter education information.
Last year, there were 2.5 million licenses purchased throughout the state. Of those, about 77,000 were purchased in Terrebonne Parish and 48,000 were purchased in Lafourche Parish.
Other states that use the system are Arkansas, Missouri, New Hampshire and Ohio.
-- Staff Writer Holly Duchmann can be reached at 857-2205 or holly.duchmann@houmatoday.com. Follow her on Twitter @holly_evamarie.