Just got this from Bill Foreman in an email:

Various staff have been contacted concerning the information about “lifetime’ licenses that was presented in the “Connecticut fishing” column that appeared in the April 18-19, 2009 edition of the Manchester Journal Inquirer.

This article indicated that the original “lifetime” age 65 and older fishing licenses were no longer valid, and that holders of those licenses were required to return to their town hall and obtain a new license issued through the new system (otherwise they would be subject to a $77 fine). This information is inaccurate and has caused significant confusion. We would like to correct some misconceptions present in this piece:

• There is definitely no requirement that holders of “lifetime” (age 65 and older) Connecticut fishing licenses return to a town hall and reregister for a new license. The existing “paper” license that was obtained prior to full implementation of the electronic licensing system remains valid.

• Note that should one lose their “lifetime” license, they would need to obtain a replacement through the electronic system, either by visiting a town hall or DEP office that is participating in the electronic licensing system, or by accessing the licensing system from their home computer (www.ct.gov/dep ).

• Most individuals with “lifetime” hunting or combination hunting & fishing licenses will need to be entered into the electronic licensing system in order to obtain the appropriate permits and tags, and should contact DEP’s Licensing and Revenue office (860-424-3105) for assistance.

To add to the confusion, “lifetime” licenses issued by the system so far this year have been printed as being valid from 1/1/2009 through 12/31/2009, suggesting that the “lifetime” license is valid for only one year. As “lifetime” licenses are currently valid for the life of the holder, this is also an unfortunate presentation. Following discussion with the Licensing & Revenue office, these “lifetime” licenses will be printed as being valid through 2099 (the system requires an “expiration” date).

Note there have been a number of bills proposed for consideration by the state legislature that propose changes to the sportsmen license fees and structure (most importantly, a saltwater fishing license). Included in these various bills has been a proposal to change the “lifetime” (65 and older) license to a free annual license. This change is needed collect sufficient data to allow the state to meet new federal saltwater angler registry program requirements. Should this change occur, DEP would inform anglers through news releases and web site postings well before the law became effective.

How do you define "resident" for the purposes of licensing? I know someone who is over 65, owns property in CT and another state, and lives part of the year in CT. Does he qualify as a resident?

Fuzzy

Thanks.

At the time it is issued. If you turn 65 in December, you're 64 until then. If you turn 65 in February and you can hold off fishing for the month of January you come out ahead.