DNR license system glitch

[Lee Borgersen]

   DNR license system has glitch on Monday

Go Wild, the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources' new license system, experienced a software glitch on Monday which stalled sales of leftover turkey permits to more than 5,000 customers.

The system error was detected shortly before the 10 a.m. start of sales, according to the agency.

Hunters attempting to purchase a permit were placed in a queue. Customers using the Internet to access Go Wild were informed of a problem and told to wait.

At 10:30 a.m., the message to customers said "The number of users ahead in line is 5,014. The line is paused."

The agency said it implemented its backup Turkey Reservation System and began processing sales through the backup system at 10:30 a.m.

By 10:35 a.m., DNR's information technology vendor had uncovered the source of the problem on the Go Wild system and fixed it, according to the agency.

While purchases through the Go Wild system were delayed, all customers were eventually able to purchase a permit.

"We know hunters are excited about the opportunity to participate in the spring turkey hunt and we apologize for any inconvenience caused by the delay," said Mark Rappe, of DNR's bureau of customer and outreach services. "We appreciate everyone's patience and the system is now up and processing incoming orders more efficiently than the previous system."

Go Wild was developed by and is managed by Wisconsin Interactive Network, a Madison-based subsidiary of NIC. The parent company specializes in "self-funded eGovernment" products and is headquartered in Olathe, Kan.

The Go Wild system has had a shaky start. The system was planned to be in place by early March but didn't launch fully until March 17.

Last week the DNR announced the system would be phased in over the coming weeks. It is expected to begin issuing issue boat, ATV and snowmobile registrations in late March.

Last weekend, many hunters and anglers reported long delays or being unable to purchase a license, even at sales outlets.
However, the system was able to process more than 175,000 hunting and fishing licenses through the weekend, according to the agency.

Go Wild is available at gowild.wi.gov and at about 1,100 license sales outlets. It is not available by phone.

Leftover turkey permits for Zone 2 go on sale at 10 a.m. Tuesday.