Tips for e-tagging fish and game

All anglers and hunters who signed up for e-tagging need to be familiar with the e-tag process before they head out to harvest fish or wildlife. First, you must have created an account on ODFW's online licensing system. Then, you need to download the MyODFW app so you can tag your game when you're out of cell phone range. If you don't already have an account in the online system, here are directions for creating one.

The Oregon State Police report that failing to tag the harvest of fish and wildlife species (when required) properly and immediately is a common violation in the field.

Tips for e-tagging fish

Whether it’s halibut, salmon, sturgeon or steelhead, you need to record the fish on your Combined Angling Tag immediately.

1. Update and log into MyODFW app before you go fishing.

Make sure you have the latest version of the MyODFW app. Check your MyODFW app on the Google Play store on Android devices or the App store on Apple devices.

The MyODFW app works without cell reception, but you need to be logged in to see your profile and to be able to use the app out of cell range.

So, if you haven’t used the app in a while you may need to login again – even if you never logged out.

Forgot your username or password? Follow the system prompts on the ODFW Licensing System page to recover them, or contact ODFW by phone or email for help prior to going out in the field.

Once you’re logged in, click the three lines on the upper right corner and hit “Sync Account” to be sure the app is fully synced and has your latest information.

2. Record it immediately -- halibut, salmon, steelhead or sturgeon.

• Upon harvesting an adult salmon, steelhead, legal-size sturgeon or Pacific halibut, you must immediately enter the codes for the species caught, location code where the fish was taken, and the month and day of catch.
• You also need to record if any salmon or steelhead you keep are hatchery (fin-clipped) or wild. Anglers are not required to tag jack salmon.
• If you’re keeping a halibut or sturgeon, you need to record the length of the fish, in inches.

3. Remember, immediately means:

Before rebaiting and putting the rod back out to water, you must tag.  Before taking a snack or drink break, you must tag.  Don’t wait until you’re on the way back to the dock.

4. Keep your phone charged with a portable charger or other method.

Anglers must have and display their license and tag to ODFW or OSP, when requested. If you chose electronic tagging, you need to have enough battery life (or an external battery source) so you can show your license or tag. Putting your phone in Airplane Mode will conserve battery life when out of cell range.

Note that ODFW and OSP will also be able to access information about your licenses and tags while in the field and not in cell range.

5. Make sure kids have paper tags or their own smart phone.

Each angler must carry their own license or tag, so young hunters/anglers need to have their own phone or tablet, or use paper tagging.

Tips for e-tagging turkey and big game

Hunters must immediately tag turkey and big game.

1. Update and log into MyODFW app before you go hunting.

Make sure you have the latest version of the MyODFW app. Check your MyODFW app on the Google Play store on Android devices or the App store on Apple devices.

The MyODFW app works without cell reception, but you need to be logged in to see your profile and to be able to use the app out of cell range.

So, if you haven’t used the app in a while you may need to login again – even if you never logged out.

Forgot your username or password? Follow the system prompts on the ODFW Licensing System page to recover them, or contact ODFW by phone or email for help prior to going out in the field.

Once you’re logged in, click the three lines on the upper right corner and hit “Sync Account” to be sure the app is fully synced and has your latest information.

2. Be sure to “buy” your tag before your hunt, even if you have a Sports Pac.

The tag sale deadline is always the day before the hunt begins for big game hunts (and Sept. 27 to purchase a bear or cougar tag). See how-to video on how to use your voucher to get your big game tag.

Sports Pac holders still need to pick up their controlled or general season tag before the deadline. The tag won’t cost anything, but you’ll still need to “purchase” it by visiting a license sales agent or logging in to your account and going through purchase steps.

3. Don’t forget flagging tape, duct tape or some other material to “tag” your animal.

If you’re using e-tagging, your first step is to validate the tag in the MyODFW app. Then, write down the confirmation number provided by the app, plus your name, ODFW ID, date of birth and harvest date on anything that will stand up to the elements (like flagging or duct tape). Affix it to the animal like a traditional tag and keep it attached to the carcass in transport.

Hunters must still physically tag an animal so they can be visually identified by OSP and other hunters. See the Oregon Big Game Regulations for more information on tagging.

4. Try turning off your WiFi and put the phone in “Airplane Mode” if you have problems tagging or opening app while in the field.

When a phone has limited connectivity, switch to “Airplane Mode” to conserve battery life and be ready to tag your harvest. The ability to make a phone call or send a text uses a different type of connection than accessing the app.  Each phone shows connectivity differently, so the display of service bars or network (LTE, 4G, etc.) is not always enough information to know if you are connected to the internet. 

If you’re connecting other peripheral devices (such as GPS or camera) through your phone's wireless connection, you may need to disconnect your WiFi to validate your tag in the app. If you get a message that says “An error has occurred,” try turning off your WiFi and put the phone in “Airplane Mode.” You can turn it back on once you’re done tagging.

For iPhone users: Turn off the dark mode if you have any issues with a blank screen when trying to validate a tag.

5. Keep your phone charged with a portable charger or other method.

Hunters are required to have and display their license and tag to ODFW or OSP, when requested. If you chose electronic tagging, you need to have enough battery life (or an external battery source) so you can show your license or tag. Putting your phone in Airplane Mode will conserve battery life when out of cell range.

Note that ODFW and OSP will also be able to access information about your licenses and tags while in the field and not in cell range.

6. Make sure kids have paper tags or their own smart phone.

Each hunter carry their own license or tag, so young hunters/anglers need to have their own phone or tablet, or use paper tagging.

Final note for hunters: You’re are still required to complete the mandatory harvest report on your big game or turkey tag even if you e-tagged it during the season.

Tips for paper taggers

1. Protect paper licenses/tags in a plastic bag or other waterproof container.

Lost licenses can be reprinted if you have an online account, but if you lose your tag, you must visit an ODFW office or license sales agent and pay $2 for a reprint. The new tag will have a new barcode and your old tag will be invalid.

2. Consider these additional tips when using paper tags:

• Fill out as much of the tag as you can ahead of time – name, ODFW ID number, date of birth, etc.
• Keep both the tag and a pen in the same bag, one that’s big enough to stick your hand in. That way, if it’s wet or raining you’ll be able to complete the tag without taking it out of the bag.
• Attached the completed tag, in its plastic bag, to the antler, horn or leg of the animal, just as you’ve done in the past.

Header photo by Keith Kohl.