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Yesterday was the first day that Covington County citizens could purchase new hard hunting and fishing licenses for Alabama’s 2019-2020 seasons.

Probate Judge Stacy Brooks said citizens will be able to order the licenses from her office and the state will mail them their hard licenses.

“They can pick which card they want and the state sends them the one they pick,” Brooks said.

Eight different cards that depict a variety of outdoor scenes are available for an additional $5 fee. The art scenes include deer, turkey, freshwater fishing, saltwater fishing, wildlife heritage with an indigo bunting, sand hill crane or shooting sports. The inaugural bait privilege license hard card will include a deer and feral hog.

A total of 32 license privileges are eligible for a combined purchase with a hard card, including annual hunting and fishing licenses for residents and non-residents, waterfowl stamp, Wildlife Heritage and bait privilege.

Trip licenses are not available on hard cards.

According to the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, The easiest way to obtain a hard license with the outdoors scenes is to purchase a license online and click on the link to purchase a hard license. Buyers can choose to select one or all eight of the cards at $5 each. Those who purchase licenses at retail locations also have the option to purchase a hard license. If you have already purchased a license and decide to obtain a hard card, you can go online and purchase via the “Replacement/Additional Hard Card” privilege that will be available.

ADCNR Commissioner Chris Blankenship said Florida and other states with similar cards have seen a collectible market develop for the hard cards.

“The department wanted to create a hard card with multiple scenes that people could choose from,” Blankenship said. “Whatever outdoors activity people prefer, we have a card for that variety of hunting, fishing or outdoors activity. For the Wildlife Heritage license, we wanted to create cards for bird watchers or shooting sports enthusiasts who want to support the work of the Department. We have a card that is really good for most everybody who enjoys the outdoors.”

Another option for those who purchase licenses for the 2019-2020 seasons is the ability to round up their purchase to the next nearest dollar. If they choose, that extra money can be designated for research in wildlife, freshwater fishing or saltwater fishing.  Also new this year is the ability to opt-in for annual auto-renewal of licenses.

For more information about license requirements, visit www.outdooralabama.com/license-information.