Tips for e-tagging fish and game

IN THIS ARTICLE‌

1. Tips for e-tagging fish
2. Tips for e-tagging turkey and big game
3. Tips for paper taggers

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.

Here are some quick tips for avoiding common mistakes while tagging.‌

• Be sure you have downloaded the MyODFW app on your phone (which lets you tag when out of cell reception).
• Login to the app before fishing or hunting and be sure your licenses and tags are in your portfolio.
• Buy your big game tag or redeem your SportsPac voucher by the tag sale deadline.
• If you are in an area with poor cell service, toggle to offline mode in the app (under Settings) or put your phone in Airplane mode to make e-tagging easier. Using the app's offline mode also helps with e-tagging when using peripherals (GPS, fish finder, camera) that use your WiFi connection.
• Immediately tag your fish or animal after harvest and enter required information properly. Tag by pressing the "Add Harvest" button and saving for a combined angling tag or pressing "Validate" for a big game tag.
• Keep your phone charged—it's your responsibility to be able to show your license and tag to OSP.

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 (503) 947-6101 or email (odfw.websales@odfw.oregon.gov) for help prior to going out in the field.

Once you’re logged in, hit “Sync Account” under Settings 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.
• Tag a fish on your Combined Angling Tag by pressing the "Add Harvest" button and don't forget to save.
• 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.
• Be sure to get the location code correct – don't tag an ocean harvested fish in a coastal river system, for example.

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.

3. Try toggling to offline mode in app settings if you have problems tagging or opening app while in the field.

When a phone has limited connectivity, use Toggle Offline Mode under app settings, which should make e-tagging easier. You can also switch to "Airplane Mode" which also conserves battery life. Using the app's offline mode also helps you tag when using other peripheral devices (such as GPS, fish finders or camera) that use your WiFi connection. ‌‌

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. ‌‌

Don't forget to toggle back to online mode in app settings as soon as you are back in an area with good connectivity.

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.

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 (503) 947-6101 or email (odfw.websales@odfw.oregon.gov) for help prior to going out in the field.

Once you’re logged in, hit “Sync Account” under Settings 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. 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.

Important: Hunters should not "validate" their tag prior to hunting. The validate button is used when you actually tag your animal if you harvest one.‌

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 toggling to offline mode in app settings if you have problems tagging or opening app while in the field.

When a phone has limited connectivity, use Toggle Offline Mode under app settings, which should make e-tagging easier. You can also switch to "Airplane Mode" which also conserves battery life. Using the app's offline mode also helps you tag when using other peripheral devices (such as GPS, fish finders or camera) that use your WiFi connection. ‌

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. ‌

Don't forget to toggle back to online mode in app settings as soon as you are back in an area with good connectivity. ‌

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.

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. Harvest statistics are captured separately from tag validations and mandatory reporting requires additional information.

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.