New Michigan hunting and fishing licenses for the 2009 seasons, which begin April 1, will be available for sale online, at local retailers and at Department of Natural Resources offices across the state starting on Sunday, March 1. License prices remain the same as 2008.

Also available on March 1 for the first time is the ability to purchase DNR E-Gift Cards online, which can be redeemed for hunting and fishing licenses or snowmobile and off-road vehicle trail stickers. The E-Gift Cards are available in $15, $30 and $50 increments, and can only be used to purchase licenses online. They cannot be redeemed at retailers or DNR offices.

Purchasers of E-Gift Cards will receive a printable certificate to give to the gift recipient, who then may redeem it online at www.michigan.gov/dnr for a hunting or fishing license or a snowmobile or ORV trail sticker.

Persons wishing to purchase a license from a retailer or DNR office can find the list here.

The online site accepts Visa, Mastercard, and Discover Card. A valid Michigan driver's license, Michigan identification card or DNR Sportcard is required to purchase a license.

DNR officials also remind hunters and anglers there is a 15 percent discount when four or more licenses are purchased at the same time. Also, when purchasing a license for a minor who does not yet have a Michigan driver's license, you are required to purchase an DNR Sportcard for $1.

"The revenue from license sales goes into the Game and Fish Protection Fund, and is used to support the bulk of the conservation work the DNR performs every day to provide exceptional hunting and fishing opportunities in our state," DNR Director Rebecca Humphries said. "For decades, the hunters and anglers of Michigan have strongly supported the conservation of natural resources in our state."