Q-Tip: Non-resident license

It's that time of the year again.

If you're looking for a different type of Christmas gift for that special fisherman or fisher woman in your life, have you considered buying him/her a 2000 California non-resident fishing license?

It's easy to do.

Most importantly, you can do it right over the telephone.

Here's how in three very easy and quick steps:

-- Just dial (916) 227-2246 in Sacramento, Calif. That is the telephone number of the License Revenue Branch of the Calif. Dept. of Fish and Game.

-- Then give them the recipient's full name, physical description and mailing address.

-- Finally, give them your credit card number information.

That's all you need to do.

Then, the good folks at the License and Revenue Branch will take care of the rest, including mailing the license to you in a festive gift envelope.

That envelope is the perfect size for a stocking stuffer, hanging on the Christmas tree or for simply handing to your favorite fishing buddy (male or female) when they are busy opening presents.

You should receive that fishing license within several days after the license and revenue branch gets your order.

To insure delivery before Dec. 25, you need to be sure to order it by no later than Dec. 10.

When you do receive that license in the mail, you will also receive a detachable receipt. Remove the receipt and keep it in a safe place. If your fishing license should become lost or if it is destroyed, you can purchase a duplicate fishing license at any California Department of Fish and Game office or any license agent outlet. You do it by just surrendering the receipt and paying a modest fee.

An annual California non-resident fishing license (ordered over the telephone) will cost you $72.25 for 2000. If you buy it at a sporting goods store, it will cost an additional five percent.

By way of comparison, when you order over the phone:

-- A California resident fishing license is only $26.75.

-- A California 10-day (10 consecutive days) non-resident license is also $26.75.

While you're at it, why not also buy the recipient a second rod stamp for $8.75. That stamp will then allow him/her to fish with two poles, during the upcoming 2000 California fishing year.

And, as long as you're ordering that gift license and second-rod stamp, why not also order your own at the same time.

That way, you can make two fishermen happy with one telephone call and one of them is you!

Do it today and then pleasantly surprise that special person on Christmas Eve or Christmas Day.

It will make a great present!

Remember: (916) 227-2246.