Hunters in Arkansas can look forward to an easier process for verifying their turkey harvests this season due to a new online game-checking service launched by the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission (AGFC).
The Quick Pass option, found on the AGFC website, is designed to minimize the inconvenience of having to remember passwords.
"If you possess the smartphone application, you can continue using it as usual. You also have the option to verify your harvested turkeys via the website by signing in. However, approximately thirty percent of our hunters still attempt to utilize the phone-checking system to avoid dealing with passwords and login requirements," explained AGFC Chief of Information Technology Kyle Curry.
Curry mentioned that during peak hunting periods, hunters might face delays when utilizing the telephone system. He stated, “Two minutes can feel like forever when you're up on a mountainside with only one or two bars of signal strength, so our aim is to provide them with a more convenient option.”
To confirm a harvest with Express Check, hunters have the option to visit www.agfc.com Click on "Game Check" in the upper-right corner, then input your turkey tag number, surname, and birthdate. If the provided turkey tag is legitimate, it will produce a confirmation number, thus finalizing the procedure.
"Although we plan to utilize the Customer Identification Number down the line, currently we're employing an eight-digit tag number assigned to every turkey tag," Curry stated. He recommended that hunters buying permits from dealers should confirm they get both the turkey tags and their licenses.
The procedure for using the smartphone app has not been altered since last year; however, phone checks now incorporate an automated system featuring computer-generated voice cues along with keypad input.
"Should you require help during your check-in process, you might still reach out to a live agent; however, your initial point of contact should ideally be through the automated telephone system," Curry explained. This shift aims at cutting down waiting periods and decreasing miscommunication problems.
The turkey hunting season in Arkansas begins on April 21 across the state, ending on April 29 in Turkey Zone 1 and carrying on until May 11 in Turkey Zone 2.
The special youth turkey hunt for participants under 16 years old is set for April 12th and 13th.
Every turkey you gather needs to be verified through agfc.com, using the AGFC mobile application, or by calling within 12 hours after harvesting.
If inspected promptly, no physical tag is needed; however, if not, a possession tag has to be attached to the bird until it is examined.