State hunting, fishing license purchases will be unavailable this weekend

FROM STAFF REPORTS

If you are planning an outdoor activity this weekend that requires a state hunting or fishing license, you need to make that purchase now.

Because of a necessary security upgrade and installation, South Carolina Interactive - the technology company that operates official state agency websites and facilitates online transactions for many state and local government agencies in S.C. including SCDNR - will be shutting down the computer networks that run these transactions beginning at 7 p.m. on Friday and potentially lasting through Sunday night, according to a news release from SCDNR.

License purchases normally available through SCDNR offices, online, through the toll-free call center or via third-party vendors such as sporting goods stores, bait and tackle shops or Walmart stores will not be available this weekend.

Those most likely to be affected are residents or non-residents who plan on going fishing this weekend and who will need to purchase a recreational fresh or saltwater fishing license to do so legally. If you are planning a trip or vacation this weekend that involves fishing, double-check to make sure you have the required license prior to Friday afternoon.

The planned work by SCI may also impact services offered by other state and local government agencies in South Carolina who offer online transactions facilitated by SCI such as the SCDMV, S.C. Elections Commission and others.

More information about SCDNR licenses and permits can be found at: http://www.dnr.sc.gov/licensing.html