MyODFW

I’ll preface with, the only license I typically renew is my annual fishing license. I appreciate being able to renew online, but the process of getting access to my proof of license is inconvenient. I checked out via the ODFW website, which told me I would be able to add an electronic copy to my apple wallet. After searching and not finding the option on the website, I found instructions to download the app in order to get the e-license. Annoying, but I downloaded the app. And still I could not easily find the option anywhere. Finally in my profile settings I found the option to switch from paper tagging to e-tagging… but now at this point it finally warns me that I won’t be able to switch back for the remainder of the calendar year. The whole process is annoyingly circuitous. Not everything needs an app, and especially not if the app is going to be bare bones and convoluted to use. I’ll be deleting the app and just printing the paper I guess, but I’d been wanting to have access to both.

I feel as tho ODFW could learn a thing or two about how to set up a DFW app from WDFG, even if it has its issues. The app has too few features to be anything but an ID card, which never gets checked anyway and all the poachers know it. One of the three times I have ever been checked was when this app first came out. I was fishing Hagg Lake and did not have reception and relied on the app for proof of license. Well, the sheriff asked to see my license, which I was happy to oblige. However the app had reverted to my cloud storage and was inaccessible, which left me without proof of license. Luckily the sheriff was smart enough to realize I was not at fault and we both agreed a paper backup was a good idea. Seems redundant in any case... Nice try, keep at it and get the app right with more features. Also, issue waterproof paper licenses again, or even ID's that can be ran through a database... SOMETHING, but ODFW is falling short again. Just run all the rec reports through the app, doing great on the tutorial/rec report side of things, saving grace. Maybe use some of the CRBE funds ya'll seem to lose track of to invest in a better app if you won't use it as we all voted for.

The most recent app update prevents me from logging in on the app entirely. I’ve reset my password multiple times and I can log into the website just fine, but the app prevents my login (yes, I did use the correct password each time). I went to the local ODFW office and explained my issues. They acknowledged that lots of fishermen/hunters are experiencing issues with this terrible app. Many of my fishing partners have experienced issues with the app as well. I was converted back to paper tagging for the remainder of this year and will continue to paper tag going forward. I work in technology, so this is not an instance of some luddite who doesn’t know how to manage current technology. This is simply a terrible app that was not ready to go public. Prior issues I’ve had with this app… Many times, prior to leaving on a fishing trip, I’ve checked my app only to find that I’ve been logged out (it’s supposed to keep you logged in). I’ve also made sure that I’m logged in prior to leaving for a trip and by the time I get to the river, I find that been logged out. This has happened multiple times in areas with no service. So, in order to fish legally, I have to drive to find service and login again. I am done relying on this app. At least with paper tags, the responsibility will be completely on me. I won’t have any more glitchy license issues that impact me even though I’ve done everything I’m supposed to do. Wake up ODFW. Hire a reliable company who had the capacity to manage such a system.