State says problems with deer license system are cleared up

LANSING, Mich. (AP) - Problems with the system that produces Michigan deer hunting licenses have been resolved, the state said Monday.

The traditional two-week season began Sunday. The Department of Natural Resources reported Saturday that the system was slow and canceling transactions on the eve of the big hunt.

The vendor, Tennessee-based Sovereign Sportsmen Solutions, cleared things up later that day, the DNR said.

“The DNR wanted to ensure the vendor’s system was selling licenses without issue for 48 hours before making this announcement,” the state said Monday.

Hunters who had hit the woods without a license still must obtain one. The accompanying kill tag can’t be used to get another deer if a hunter was already successful, the DNR said.

m on the eve of the traditional two-week deer season.

There were “unforeseen technical issues” with the system provided by Tennessee-based Sovereign Sportsmen Solutions, the Department of Natural Resources said.

“Some hunters may not have been able to purchase a base license and deer kill tags today. The DNR is working with the vendor to resolve these issues, which are occurring across several states, as quickly as possible,” the state said.

Hunters still are required to buy a license online or from a retailer as soon as possible. The DNR said it doesn’t have authority to waive the license requirement.

Kill tags with a hunter’s name and other details should be attached to the deer with “materials they have on hand,” the DNR said.

The firearm season begins Sunday.