The shift to an online permit purchasing system was made in order to make permit buying easier for resource users. There have been several questions like this posed throughout the process. It is my understanding that currently we still require permits to be printed, signed, and on your person when fishing, hunting, etc. (SEE BELOW). One obvious fact is that some permits (such as deer and turkey tags) require additional action to be taken to invalidate the permit. Currently that is done through notching the permit, which requires a printout. I am sure there are computerized methods to “notch” permits and to add a digital signature, however for uniformity statewide and ease of use to the permit holder and Agents it is required that permits be printed.

Consider this. If there is an issue with the permit or a violation that would require the permit be held as evidence, a permit only held electronically may require that the electronic device (your phone) be held as evidence until the case is resolved. That is something that we would all like to avoid.

3 CSR 10-5.210 PERMITS TO BE SIGNED AND CARRIED
All permits and method exemptions shall be signed and carried by the permitee. Permits, or temporary permit authorization number(s), and method exemptions shall be exhibited to any officer charged with the enforcement of this Code, or to any transportation company or postal employee when presenting wildlife for shipment.

3 CSR 10-7.405 GENERAL PROVISIONS

  1. Any person while hunting or while using dogs or birds of prey in pursuit of wildlife in any manner, including training, shall have on his/her person the prescribed permit, temporary permit authorization number(s) or evidence of exemption….


**This specifies the permit be on person, not an electronic image of the permit.

3 CSR 10-8.505 Trapping and 3 CSR 10-6.405 General Provisions (fishing) are stated similar.


Posted: 04 March 2013
-Dan Schepis
Conservation Agent
Clay Co., MO