I got a renewel the other day for my Conservation Card in the Mail from the MNR in Ontario.  Went online and purchased a renewel Conservation Card and fishing license.

website is :  ontario.ca/outdoorscard

SunCatcher

And here I thought I was getting my Quetico permit ... but I guess it is a little soon for that.

Yep, time to re-up.  Anyone going for the 3-year fishing license option?

dd

I always do the 3 year conservation.  Of course it makes sense being an Ontarian.

Got mail from Ontario MNR on Monday but haven't opened it yet.  Figured it to be the renewal fee for the green Sportman's Card ("Conservation Card"?) which I guess I got about three years ago.  I wondered at the time (ie. 3 years ago) why I needed BOTH this green card AND an Ontario fishing license but never really questioned their process.

When I renew this card (whatever it's called) this year, I'll STILL need to purchase an additional, separate Ontario fishing license in order to fish there, correct?  Also, as I understand it, I cannot purchase such a fishing license UNLESS I have the "card," correct?  Bottom line: said green card was simply another way to extract revenue, correct?

Is this what is happening?  Am I missing something?

Jimbo   8-)

I got mine too. I didn't know what it was but it came Par Avion so I was at first excited and then afraid but after opening and skimming a bit I thought I'd just buy mine once I was at the counter knowing exactly what dates I'd choose for my now usual (what 8 day?) conservation license. If a three year seasonal is a better value than picking up a license for my specific dates years from now I could be in, although it's hard for me to commit three years in advance these days.

I thought I was getting a good deal with the forever stamps. I was a bit surprised when the same price/value exchange for first class stamps took two rolls after asking if they had any forever stamps left. "Wait, no, I only wanted one hundred." ... Seems there are 50 per roll at twice the size as the old ones.

Jimbo wrote on Dec 7^th, 2011 at 8:38pm:

When I renew this card (whatever it's called) this year, I'll STILL need to purchase an additional, separate Ontario fishing license in order to fish there, correct?  Also, as I understand it, I cannot purchase such a fishing license UNLESS I have the "card," correct?  Bottom line: said green card was simply another way to extract revenue, correct? Is this what is happening?  Am I missing something?

Yep.  That's pretty much it.  But I seem to remember the original Ontario Card was maybe $5.00.  (Looks like Canada has experienced a bit of inflation.)  At least its not selective.  Ontario residents are required to purchase them as well.

Since my trips are always longer than 8 days, I've been going with the 1 year Conservation license.  After I ran the numbers, the only advantage of buying a 3 year license is avoiding future increased fees. 

dd

Jumbo
its about the need for more provincial income...and you willing to pay.

@Jimbo,
Correct EVERYONE needs a Conservation Card.
They are about $10, and You ALSO need a fishing license.
And You also need to CARRY them both with YOU.
And It is just another "TAX"  that is correct.
If you are a first time Conservation Card buyer, then you pay for it when you buy your license.  You get a temporary Conservation Card, then about 3 Months later they mail you the plastic one (like a credit card) in the mail.  Then It is good for 3 years.
SunCatcher

"Then It is good for 3 years."

----- or until you lose it like I did after my trip last year!  so now, I'd have to renew the card, maybe use it next year, maybe not, and lock it up in a safe so I could find it if I did want to use it next year -

and --------
"Important Change:   MNR will no longer be accepting mail-in applications."    - so that leaves me out anyway - I'll just go thru the hassle when and if I need one next time

Jimbo wrote on Dec 7^th, 2011 at 8:38pm:

Got mail from Ontario MNR on Monday but haven't opened it yet.  Figured it to be the renewal fee for the green Sportman's Card ("Conservation Card"?) which I guess I got about three years ago.  I wondered at the time (ie. 3 years ago) why I needed BOTH this green card AND an Ontario fishing license but never really questioned their process. When I renew this card (whatever it's called) this year, I'll STILL need to purchase an additional, separate Ontario fishing license in order to fish there, correct?  Also, as I understand it, I cannot purchase such a fishing license UNLESS I have the "card," correct?  Bottom line: said green card was simply another way to extract revenue, correct? Is this what is happening?  Am I missing something? Jimbo   8-)

You can do it all in one shot.  My card comes printed with the 3-year licence, no actual stickers.  You can get a card and buy stickers each year if you want.  I find it's easier to just do it all in one shot.

@Wally, it's called free market capitalism.  A fair price is what the market is willing to pay.  It's also married with a healthy dose of socialism.  I already pay taxes, so my money goes to the MNR if I fish or don't.  So I get a discount for having already paid.  A veritable peanut butter cup of two great systems that work great together.

More power to 'em!  Their country, their rules

I have absolutely no problem paying the Canadians for the opportunity to fish in their great lakes and country!  I'd pay more, happily.  And if a few others decide to stay out, that's okay too.

prouboy