That's good to know.  I'd assume though, that any sporting goods store in Ft Francis, or likely any outfitter could issue the card ?  be kind of stupid on thier part to turn away anyone who didn't know about the card ahead of time.

I WAS planning on buying my card and license at the Atikokan office, so thanks for the heads up - I'll have to stop in Ft Francis I guess - don't have any credit cards so I can't get the card online - all in all, its a pretty stupid system I think.

Unless things have changed, you can still get a fishing license at Q park office or at many other places.

You get a piece of paper, which is all you really need. A plastic card (like a credit card) comes in the mail maybe a month later, but you don't need that to legally fish, the paper is good enough.

When you pay, you pay separately for the card and the license, and no, you can't get the license without paying for the card. The card is good for 3 years, so next year, you only have to pay for the license, and the paperwork is faster too (since the card is linked to your name, address, etc on file.

Hope this helps.

I'd invest in a three year, eight day conservation license if the dates were flexible. That's a lot to ask for though.

Actually, according to the letter I received saying my card expired, they are offering a three yr deal on both sport and conservation licenses. I'd renew and get an 8 day now but I have a hard enough time deciding which 8 days to choose when I'm standing at the counter getting my permit.

"because the Atikokan office for some reason cannot process them (sport card I assume)."

I wonder if that reason is they don't want to bother? i.e.it takes too much time and backs up the line for permits ?

I looked at the Outdoors Card website to find locations for renewing the card and buying a lic in Ontario -

two groups of options - one is the places that always sell licenses, like bait shops (Voyageur Bait and Tackle on Hgy 11B, on the way in to town was one listed, others were outfitters, etc)

the second group was official MNR "Service Centers" - and one of those was specifically -  108 Saturn Ave, Atikokan - yeah, that same office that you go to to pick up your permit

I think I'll give tham a call before I head up there and see what the story is - maybe thier machine wasn't working, or maybe the volunteers who often staff the place aren't authorized to sell the cards ? or just what the story is - I bought my original Outrdoors card there, in 2009 I think it was - and it is listed as a Service Center where you can renew or buy an original card and license - so must be some technical problem ?