Fishing license – don't leave home without it

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The late actor Karl Malden was the pitchman for American Express credit cards and traveler’s checks during the 1970s, urging Americans: “Don’t leave home without it.”

Now a state conservation officer (CO) with the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources is urging Minnesota anglers to do the same thing with their fishing license: Don’t leave home without it.

CO Marty Stage of Ely said the most common fishing violation is an angler not having their fishing license in their possession. Minnesota statute states anglers age 16 or older must have the appropriate license on their person when fishing.

Stage shared a recent encounter he had with an angler while patrolling the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness.

“Some people claim that since officers have computers, they don’t need to have a license in possession, but it can take conservation officers a lot of extra time to track down information on someone, especially a nonresident,” Stage said.

“Also, computers don’t work in the wilderness, and neither do phones. Anyway, the law is pretty clear: a person must have their fishing license with them while fishing. It’s best not to leave home without it.”

Major Roger Tietz, operations support manager for the DNR’s Division of Enforcement agreed.

“ ‘Well, I have one, but I just forgot to bring it with me’ is an excuse that conservation officers wish they’d hear less often than they do,” said Tietz. He also said it’s an excuse that can be easily corrected.

The state’s electronic licensing system (ELS) issues licenses and stamps through 1,800 license agent locations statewide. Agents charge an issuing fee for each license and stamp sold.

Instant licenses and stamps are also available online at www.dnr.state.mn.us or by telephone at 1-888-665-4236. An additional $3.50 convenience fee is added for sales via the website or telephone.

“The purchaser is licensed immediately, which is a tremendous feature. Then you’re on your way to your fishing spot,” said Tietz.

Tags: fishing license, news, northland, outdoors, fishing