MN Licenses about to expire

On a bunny trial, check your boat registration before heading out for open water this weekend. Our local deputies from both WI and MN find the wrong color tags on the boat sticking out like sore thumbs.

2016 fish, game and trapping licenses expire Feb. 28

Minnesota fishing, hunting and trapping licenses for 2016 expire Tuesday, Feb. 28.

Licenses for 2017 are now available wherever hunting and fishing licenses are sold, online at mndnr.gov/buyalicense and by telephone at 888-665-4236. All 2017 fishing licenses become effective Wednesday, March 1.

New licenses are required for 2016 hunting and fishing seasons that continue past Feb. 28.

Customers who purchase online via a smartphone won’t receive a conventional paper license. Instead, they’ll receive a text message or email that serves as proof of a valid fish or game license to state conservation officers. A printed copy of the text or email also can serve as proof of a valid license.

License fee dollars support the ongoing work of DNR fish, wildlife and enforcement staff to conserve, enhance and protect our waters, fields and forests. Minnesota State Lottery and Legacy Amendment dollars are not available for the regular costs of doing that work. Learn how the DNR spends license dollars at mndnr.gov/LicenseDollarsAtWork.

Thanks for the reminder! I’m all screwed up from those few years of licenses expiring in April.

Thanks for the reminder and some good info BK!

I just bought a lifetime license this year. I figure I just can’t give enough money to support the DNR.

Good reminder. I stuck the 3 watercraft registration postcards in a drawer when they arrived, and miraculously, I remembered where I had put them!

Brian Klawitter wrote:

I just bought a lifetime license this year. I figure I just can’t give enough money to support the DNR.

Ralph Wiggum wrote:

Good reminder. I stuck the 3 watercraft registration postcards in a drawer when they arrived, and miraculously, I remembered where I had put them!

I’m quite sure mine has been eaten by the junk drawer, thankfully we have a lovely DMV in the SW metro that rarely if ever has a line. Yes, a DMV with no line, I know I couldn’t believe it either.

BigWerm wrote:

I’m quite sure mine has been eaten by the junk drawer, thankfully we have a lovely DMV in the SW metro that rarely if ever has a line. Yes, a DMV with no line, I know I couldn’t believe it either.

I’ve found that some of the DMVs let you make an appointment online. This is very handy, yet you have to deal with the death glares from other patrons as you walk in and are immediately called up.

Alternatively, you can renew online, which I just did.

Brian Klawitter wrote:

I just bought a lifetime license this year. I figure I just can’t give enough money to support the DNR.

so, you had to cut back on the Hamm’s and Spam??????????

i used to get my licenses online…..till i found out it was outsoursed to some place in tennessee!!!!!!!! now i just go down to the local gas station with the cute gals and get them!!!!!!!

At 14.99 for a 30 pack Hamms is always in the budget!

Yes, you can renew your registration online. BUT- if you need replacement stickers after painting your boat you can not do it online or over the phone. You must go to the DMV in person and whizz away your hour lunch break waiting in line- where they will turn you around and mail them to you anyway. Go figure. My favorite place on earth ;-).

I’m curious- where is this secret south metro location with low lines?????????????? Thanks

Alagnak Pete wrote:

I’m curious- where is this secret south metro location with low lines??????????????

Chanhassen

Alagnak Pete wrote:

I’m curious- where is this secret south metro location with low lines?????????????? Thanks

Southwest corner of 42 and 13. Best DMV I have ever walked into.

glenn57 wrote:

i used to get my licenses online…..till i found out it was outsoursed to some place in tennessee!!!!!!!!

Mine came last night from New York. I guess that doesn’t really bother me. I didn’t realize that there was going to be an extra “AIS” portion with my watercraft licenses that I need to sign and keep available.

Ralph Wiggum wrote:

I guess that doesn’t really bother me. I didn’t realize that there was going to be an extra “AIS” portion with my watercraft licenses that I need to sign and keep available.

Took effect this year in lou of a test.

I don’t recall what the penalties are if you don’t have it with you or have it signed.

It might seem a bit silly, but this is good education in my mind. Most on this site know the laws (more importantly the reasons behind them) but the person new to boating and we have a new group every year… don’t. Don’t take that as a blanket statement.

Brian Klawitter wrote:

I don’t recall what the penalties are if you don’t have it with you or have it signed.

It might seem a bit silly, but this is good education in my mind. Most on this site know the laws (more importantly the reasons behind them) but the person new to boating and we have a new group every year… don’t. Don’t take that as a blanket statement.

Fair enough, but two of my registrations are for stand-up paddleboards.

1) Transporting AIS on a SUP would be darn difficult.
2) Where should I keep this on my SUP?

Don’t even get me started on the obsurdity of the requirement to have these things registered.

Brian Klawitter wrote:

Took effect this year in lou of a test.

Its lieu Masta Brian. Not lou.

Thanks Tom. I see you got 25 out of 25 on your fb grammer test.

Ralph Wiggum wrote:

Fair enough, but two of my registrations are for stand-up paddleboards.

LOL! All watercraft means all watercraft…too large of paint brush!

If your registration is from a previous year,
did that have the ais form,
or are you ok till renewal next year?

They are being sent out with all New or Renewed registrations.

In other words…you’re good (unless of course you have 20 feet of milfoil being dragged behind your boat while driving down the road)

Brian Klawitter wrote:

Thanks Tom. I see you got 25 out of 25 on your fb grammer test.

Damn straight I did! You?

And I got my 2017 fishing license today. Individual. No walleye stamp and too old for the trout stamp. I’m good to go.

Tom Sawvell wrote:

Damn straight I did! You?

FAIL

I got my license yesterday. I got the combination sportsman license. But get this, I asked for the early light goose permit(spring snow goose). They aren’t available yet the clerk told me! The season opened March 1st, REALLY!!!, the day after the season opens and they still aren’t available

sticker wrote:

I got my license yesterday. I got the combination sportsman license. But get this, I asked for the early light goose permit(spring snow goose). They aren’t available yet the clerk told me! The season opened March 1st, REALLY!!!, the day after the season opens and they still aren’t available

You can purchase it on the website, so it should be available at a license center. Tell them code 521.

http://www.dnr.state.mn.us/licenses/hunting/index.html?type=hunting

Here’s a question. I’ve never bought my fishing license online. If I do, do I get a normal license mailed to me, or am I stuck with a printout? I like the water-resistance of the store-bought licenses.

Sandwich bag the license no matter what, even the store bought get ruined.

Ralph,

It’s paper when bought on line. But you can keep the PDF file on your phone as well.
I’ve printed off enough to keep one in the camper, tackle box, wallet and boat. The PDF is on my computer in the case I need a few more.

I’m lucky enough to have a lamination machine from my old office days so a couple get laminated as well.

Brian Klawitter wrote:

But you can keep the PDF file on your phone as well.

Oh, good. Then, I can drop my phone in the drink.