Conservation ID Simplifies Process

Mandatory reporting of all deer and turkey harvests through Alabama's Game Check system is now required by the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (ADCNR). Hunters will have 48 hours to report their harvest through the recently updated Outdoor Alabama mobile app, online at www.outdooralabama.com, or by phone at 1-800-888-7690.

Hunters are encouraged to utilize Game Check via the updated mobile app or go online to report their harvest. Hunters will need to manually update the Outdoor Alabama app through the Apple or Android app stores or reinstall it to make sure they have the most recent version.

Besides providing a convenient way to report your harvest, a smartphone with the Outdoor Alabama app will be accepted in lieu of a paper harvest record. Hunters who plan to Game Check online or by phone are still required to possess a harvest record and hunting license during their hunt.

Reporting via the updated mobile app can be completed offline regardless of cellphone or data coverage. Just input the information and the app will automatically submit it when cellphone or data coverage is restored. The phone number is provided as a service for hunters who do not have internet access.

"It's a very simple process that takes just a few minutes to complete," said Chuck Sykes, Director of ADCNR's Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries Division (WFF). "With multiple reporting options and a reasonable time frame to input the data, there are no barriers to using the Game Check system."

Also new for the 2016-17 hunting season is the introduction of the Conservation Identification (CID) number. The 6-digit CID number is unique to each hunter and can be used to purchase future licenses, Harvest Information Program (HIP) permits, and report deer and turkey harvests. Unlike an annual hunting license or Hunter's Exempt License Privilege (H.E.L.P.) number, the CID number will never change, making it easier to use and remember.

"Hunters are not required to obtain a Conservation ID, but having one will save them time in the future," Sykes said. "From buying a new hunting license to reporting a harvest, you'll only need to remember two pieces of information, your birthday and your 6-digit Conservation ID number."

Information required to Game Check a harvest includes the date of harvest, the type of animal (deer or turkey), sex of deer and age of gobbler (adult or jake), county of harvest, and if the harvest was on public or private land. Once the information has been submitted, you will receive an email confirmation.

To address concerns or questions hunters may have about the Game Check system, ADCNR has produced a how-to video about the reporting system. To watch the video, visit https://youtu.be/NnqkytvbKcg.



Deer archery season opens on October 15 (buck only for the first 10 days of bow season in Zone B). Hunters are encouraged to obtain their annual hunting license, H.E.L.P., or 6-digit CID number prior to the start of the season. For additional season dates, bag limits and hunting information, check out the 2016-17 Alabama Hunting and Fishing Digest or visit www.outdooralabama.com/hunting.

The Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources promotes wise stewardship, management and enjoyment of Alabama's natural resources through four divisions: Marine Resources, State Lands, State Parks, and Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries. To learn more about ADCNR, visit www.outdooralabama.com.