There are tons of problems with the whole license button program, which I discussed at length with the Commission although I am a fan and buy more than one for different hats so I don’t forget my license.
First - Pink?? The color choice is a popularity contest open to the world and should have been limited to the folks who bought a button the first time around. Pink, jeez!!
Second - They fall off if not secured properly although that is easily remedied.
Third - If you want to buy more than one online, each button has to be purchased SEPARATELY as a completely separate transaction meaning entering your name, address, CID#, credit card info, etc., each time for each button. A royal PIA if you want a bunch.
Fourth - Even though you can PURCHASE a button at a licensing issuing agent, they have to be ordered IN ADVANCE of pick-up so the custom printing can be done. In other words, you will be making two trips to a licensing agent if you don't order online.
Fifth - Since each button is high quality (except for the pin) and has to be custom printed with your CID #; they cost the Fish Commission as much as they do you, $5.00. Seriously, I’m not kidding. They don’t make any money on them which begs the question, why bother?
I did suggest a cheaper solution which was that they NOT custom print each button with the CID # but instead, you are able to purchase a button (at any place you buy a license) with no CID along with a custom CID sticker (printed with your license) which is applied to the button. However, law enforcement supposedly had an issue with forgery. Really, when you can always back it up with your paper license? Not to mention that is same system used with your motor vehicle registration, a sticker is applied to the license plate…
...oh well. :-?
Sixth - While the button meets the display requirement, you still need to carry your paper license.
Seventh - Having the button displayed makes it easy for the WCO hiding in the bushes to know if you have a valid license however he still has to walk up and ask you if you have a trout stamp or Lake Erie Permit, which is stupid.
To be honest, to make their job easier on opening day when trout fishing you should wear the button AND display your license with a trout stamp, which is moronic. Why not just make a different color button for a trout stamp, Lake Erie, or combination of the two.
That way they could leave the regular license as the only PINK button one out there. ;-)
