NEW CARD TO EASE PLERMIT PURCHASES

JEFFERSON CITY -- Wouldn't it be nice if getting your Missouri hunting or fishing permit were as easy as having a pizza delivered? Starting in 1996, it will be.

With the introduction of the new Missouri Department of Conservation Heritage Card, permit distribution for Missouri hunters, anglers and trappers will take a dramatic step forward in speed and convenience.

This system will let you purchase all the permits you need with a quick swipe of the plastic Heritage Card through a magnetic scanning device. And, just like ordering a pizza, you'll be able to get permits by phone, and charge them to your Visa or Mastercard. The computerized system, scheduled to be in place by 1996, will be similar to those used for credit card purchases. It will increase convenience for permit buyers and increase efficiency for the Department of Conservation.

Count on the Heritage Card to speed up lines at permit retailers. Instead of retrieving each permit individually from a ream of booklets, vendors will key the privileges desired into a computer and print out a single piece of paper containing all needed permits.

"Right now if a resident was participating in as many activities as he or she possibly could, it would mean keeping track of and carrying up to 10 pieces of paper around," said Bob Ramey, MDC fiscal services analyst. "With the Heritage Card they'll only need to carry one."

Heritage Cards will cost $2 and remain valid for five years. While the card is optional, it carries many benefits. Holders of the card will receive a 5-percent discount on publications, gift items and nursery stock purchased at MDC facilities. The card, which will be issued to all new certified hunters, will also serve as hunter education certification in all 50 states.

Subscribers to the Missouri Conservationist will be receiving their applications for the Heritage Card in the mail soon.