Beginning July 8, 2026 WDFW will cease the use of waterproof and tear resistant paper for all hunting/fishing licenses and catch record cards in a move to pressure the public towards their mobile app in order to “save money”. 

The problem: The app and/or phone can be unreliable, lose connection/battery, stop working, etc. To those of us who would like to continue using paper: we are subject to catch record cards where we have to constantly pull out our licenses to record catches. This often happens in wet environments whether on the river, sea or in the rain. Regular printer paper will be destroyed quickly in these conditions, and will be difficult to work with.

The solution: WDFW continues to use the old style waterproof and tear resistant paper for all licensing.

We ask that WDFW continue to provide a good option in addition to the app. Many of us have had issues with WDFW apps, or simply prefer not to use them. 

DISCLAIMER: This petition is not against the mobile app, this petition only pertains to the TYPE of paper used for paper licenses (for those who would prefer paper).