Governor Bob Wise officially unveiled the Division of Natural Resources’ new on-line hunting and fishing licenses system.

The new Internet-based system called “goWild!” (West Virginia Internet Licensing Data system) provides hunters and anglers access to licenses 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. No lines, no hassles.

“This new licensing system is a prime example of how state government can employ technology to increase the convenience of government services to our citizens,” Wise said.

Ashlee Thompson, age 16 of St. Albans, a recent participant in the second annual Governor’s Spring Turkey Challenge, joined the governor in becoming the first resident to purchase licenses from the system. “People my age use the Internet every day. Buying a hunting license on-line will be a great benefit,” Thompson said.

The “goWild!” licensing system can be accessed on the web at www.wvhunt.com or www.wvfish.com. Users are guided by the system through the license selection process. After selecting the desired licenses and stamps, payment is made by using a credit card through a secure server and the users can print their licenses on their home printers. At the completion of the transaction, an e-mail is sent to the license buyer containing a hypertext link back to the license. This allows users to easily reprint their licenses whenever they need a replacement. To encourage use of the system, users will not be charged an issuing or convenience fee.

“By combining the abilities of state agencies and the private sector, we can provide a quality product at a very reasonable price,” Wise said. “This is just part of my bigger plan to revamp the delivery of government services to the public. We need to meet the challenge of providing services to our citizens when, where and how they need them.”

The “goWild!” system was developed by a coalition of state agencies and the private sector as one of Wise’s technology initiatives for improving state government. The system represents the first major West Virginia state government e-commerce service. The Division of Natural Resources managed the project and provided system design and testing. The Governor’s Office of Technology and TMC Technologies, a West Virginia small business based in Fairmont, provided programming and development. The state’s government Information Services and Communications Division is hosting the application and website on its servers. The State Treasurer’s Office will use its e-commerce server to process the credit card transactions for the system.

Noting that there is no charge for this service, Division of Natural Resources Director Ed Hamrick said, “We hope not charging an issuing fee will encourage the sporting public to use this terrific new system.”

Historical Treasure Returned
To South Mountain Recreation Area

Frederick County Maryland’s South Mountain Recreation Area in Boonsboro recently acquired a Model 1844 Remington contract of a Harper’s Ferry design more commonly known as the “Mississippi rifle”. In an effort to give citizens a chance to enjoy and celebrate Maryland’s great contribution to our nation’s history, the historical treasure is currently on display for public viewing.

“Due to precise documentation, we are certain the weapon was actually carried and used on the South Mountain battlefield on September 14, 1862. Its owner was Private Samuel F. Slaton, of Company F, 12th Alabama Infantry Regiment,” said Ranger Al Preston, Assistant Park Manager, Historical Interpretations. Due to the events of the fateful day, the rifle was left on the field and picked up after the battle by a citizen of Boonsboro. The documentation that accompanies the weapon establishes its ownership from that day until the present.

Additional research is planned to learn more about the man who carried the Mississippi rifle onto the field and his regiment. Until that time, it will be displayed in the museum at Washington Monument State Park. The museum is open daily during the summer from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. For more information, contact Ranger Al Preston, (301) 432-0452 or call South Mountain Recreational Area, (301) 791-1410.

West Virginia Divisions Sponsoring
“Roadsides in Bloom” Photo Contest

The West Virginia Divisions of Natural Resources and Highways are holding a photo contest to select pictures to appear in the 2003 "Roadsides in Bloom" WV Operation Wildflower Calendar. The deadline for entries is October 1, 2002.

Photographs must be taken in West Virginia.

Entries must be submitted as an 8 1/2" X 10" glossy color print.

Name, address, phone number and e-mail (if available) must appear in the upper left hand corner on the back of the photo.

A short description of the photo, including location on an 8 ½" X 11" sheet of paper, must accompany the photo.

Flowers in the photograph must be growing along a road and the road must appear in the picture. Flowers may be growing naturally or in a DOH-cultivated bed along an interstate highway.

No more than three entries per person.

Open to all ages.

Twelve winners will be selected to represent the months of the year. A grand prize winner will be chosen to appear on the calendar cover.

The state reserves the right not to print the calendar if sufficient entries are not received.

For additional information please call 1 800 322-5530. Please attach a self-addressed, stamped envelope if you wish for your photograph to be returned. Submit photos to:

Operation Wildflower
WV Division of Natural Resources
1900 Kanawha Blvd. E.
Bldg. 3, Room 732
Charleston WV 25305

Employees of the WV Divisions of Highways and WV Natural Resources and their families are not eligible to participate in this contest.