Wisconsin DNR shutting down popular fishing, hunting mobile apps after glitches

The state Department of Natural Resources says technical glitches have forced the agency to eliminate two popular mobile phone apps used for a variety of outdoor activities.

The mobile apps by Pocket Ranger have been used for hunting, fishing and wildlife viewing, as well as for a guide for state parks and state forests. The apps also are used by natural resource agencies in other states.

The DNR said Tuesday it asked Pocket Ranger to take steps to shut down the apps immediately. The DNR is also asking users to stop using them. 

The apps launched in 2013 and, in a media release in November 2015, the DNR called the software "amazing."

DNR spokesman Jim Dick said in an email that the app for hunting, fishing and wildlife had a total of 293,587 downloads on Apple and Android devices; the guide for state parks and forests had 157,580 downloads.

The apps, which included GPS mapping features, were used to help find places to hunt and fish and navigate state properties. 

They also included information on hunting and fishing regulations; provided news alerts; and allowed hunters and anglers to post their photos.

But the DNR said the quality of the apps has eroded as users upgraded phones. In some cases, the apps no longer worked after users made upgrades. 

"It seemed like a matter of technology changing so quickly that Pocket Ranger couldn’t keep up with it," Dick said.

"Rather than trying to have the developer put Band-Aids on a product so many of our customers were relying on, we decided to shut it down. Better to temporarily have no product than one that was unreliable and frustrating for our customers, especially heading into hunting season."

Dick said that updating information was difficult and the agency was fielding complaints, including problems with inaccurate information.

Hunting regulations were not updated in time for the start of this year's various hunting seasons starting in September, he said. 

The DNR has removed a link to the Pocket Ranger from its website and instead advises users to go to the agency's mobile-friendly website for information.

The DNR plans to find replacement products. 

Dick said the apps did not cost the DNR out-of-pocket funds, but there were costs associated with employees spending time working on the apps and providing content.