Reassignement (PCS) orders arrive and you’re at a new Post. Job change happens and you find yourself in a new region or district. Spring is coming. How can you get a jump on a new fishing season? If you are right out of the training base, the maze of bureaucracy can be a major obstacle. You can beat it.
Each state and each post is different and has their own set of rules. You have to do some research and find the answer. In the links part of the menu, on the bottom of Bluecordfishermen (BCF), are links to Fort Bragg and Fort A.P. Hill hunting and fishing managers. Most Army bases use iSportsman and have the details.
Every post I’ve been to requires a state license to fish. Some states give breaks to active duty soldiers. A lot can be found on line but nothing beats face to face at the fishing counter at Walmart or head to Dick’s or Bass Pro Shop for details on getting a license. The sporting places normally have better sources working the counter but any of them will check the local regs and steer you in the right direction. In many cases, the Post Rod and Gun Club is colocated with the wildlife managers. So there remains a link to the past. You just need to find it.
Most Army installations require a local post permit to fish or hunt on base. Some have very elaborate requirements like A.P. Hill (back ground check). A.P. Hill also requires electronic check in for fishing as well as hunting. None of the bases acknowledge cross base memberships. These funds go to the MWR fund and help manage the lakes for fishing. Its not a another $25.00 flushed down the hopper.
My favorite Rod and Gun Club remains McKellars at Fort Bragg. McKellars has a buffet lunch each work day. The bar is open only on Friday nights to 2100. Across the road from McKellars is the Wildlife management office where you can get a annual fishing permit for $25.00. Lake, bow range, gun range, game check and bar all within a short walk of the parking lot. (See Face Book: https://www.facebook.com/pages/McKellars-Lodge/)
Bottom Line: Don’t let the bureaucracy stop you from getting out. Get a state license and a Post permit.