reglab/statecodes huggingface dataset:
2023 Minnesota Statutes › Chapters 97 - 102 — Game And Fish › Chapter 97B — Hunting › Section 97B.901 — Registration And Tagging Fur-bearing Animals.

97B.901 REGISTRATION AND TAGGING FUR-BEARING ANIMALS.
(a) The commissioner may, by rule, require persons taking, possessing, and transporting fur-bearing animals to tag the animals. The commissioner shall prescribe the manner of issuance and the type of tag, which must show the year of issuance. The commissioner shall issue the tag, without a fee, upon request.
(b) The pelt of each bobcat, fisher, pine marten, otter, and wolf must be presented, by the person taking it, to a state wildlife manager designee for registration before the pelt is sold and before the pelt is transported out of the state, but in no event more than 48 hours after the season closes for the species.
(c) The whole carcass of each wolf, with the pelt removed, must be presented by the person taking it to a state wildlife manager designee for registration before the pelt is sold and before the pelt is transported out of the state, but in no event more than 48 hours after the season closes. The commissioner may require that the entire carcass or samples from the carcass be surrendered to the state wildlife manager designee.
History:
1986 c 386 art 2 s 67; 1991 c 259 s 23; 1993 c 269 s 20; 2001 c 206 s 3; 2004 c 215 s 27; 2012 c 277 art 1 s 71
2023 Minnesota Statutes › Chapters 97 - 102 — Game And Fish › Chapter 97B — Hunting › Section 97B.903 — Use Of Body-gripping Traps.

97B.903 USE OF BODY-GRIPPING TRAPS.
A person may not set, place, or operate, except as a water set, a body-gripping or conibear-type trap on public lands and waters that has a maximum jaw opening when set greater than 6-1/2 inches and less than 7-1/2 inches measured from the inside edges of the body-gripping portions of the jaws, unless:
(1) the trap is in a baited or unbaited enclosure and the trap trigger is recessed seven inches or more from the top and frontmost portion of the open end of the enclosure;
(2) no bait, lure, or other attractant is placed within 20 feet of the trap; or
(3) the trap is elevated at least three feet above the surface of the ground or snowpack.
History:
2012 c 277 art 1 s 72
2023 Minnesota Statutes › Chapters 97 - 102 — Game And Fish › Chapter 97B — Hunting › Section 97B.905 — Fur Dealer's Licenses.

97B.905 FUR DEALER'S LICENSES.
Subdivision 1.
License requirement.
(a) A person may not buy or sell raw furs without a fur-buying-and-selling license, except:
(1) a taxidermist licensed under section 97A.475, subdivision 19, and a fur manufacturer are not required to have a license to buy raw furs from a person with fur-buying-and-selling licenses; and
(2) a person lawfully entitled to take fur-bearing animals is not required to have a license to sell raw furs to a person with a fur-buying-and-selling license.
(b) An employee, partner, or officer buying or selling only for a raw fur dealer licensee at an established place of business licensed under section 97A.475, subdivision 21, paragraph (a), may obtain a supplemental license under section 97A.475, subdivision 21, paragraph (b).
Subd. 2.
Nonresident license.
A nonresident must obtain a license under section 97A.475, subdivision 22, to buy or sell raw furs within the state, except a license is not required to buy from a person licensed under section 97A.475, subdivision 21.
Subd. 3.
Bond required for fur-buyer-license applicants.
Applicants for a raw-fur-dealer's license must, at the time of application for the license, furnish a corporate surety bond in favor of the state for $1,000 payable upon violation of the game and fish laws.
History:
1986 c 386 art 2 s 68; 1989 c 287 s 6; 1994 c 623 art 1 s 37
2023 Minnesota Statutes › Chapters 97 - 102 — Game And Fish › Chapter 97B — Hunting › Section 97B.9251 — Beaver Season.

97B.9251 BEAVER SEASON.
The commissioner may establish open seasons and restrictions for taking beaver from 9:00 a.m. on the Saturday nearest October 26 in the North Zone and from 9:00 a.m. on the Saturday nearest October 30 in the South Zone. The seasons shall be open until May 15.
History:
1Sp2015 c 4 art 5 s 27
2023 Minnesota Statutes › Chapters 97 - 102 — Game And Fish › Chapter 97B — Hunting › Section 97B.926 — Pine Marten And Fisher Zone.

97B.926 PINE MARTEN AND FISHER ZONE.
Where a combined pine marten and fisher trapping zone exists, the commissioner must provide an option of a combined limit of fisher and marten.
History:
1997 c 226 s 35
2023 Minnesota Statutes › Chapters 97 - 102 — Game And Fish › Chapter 97B — Hunting › Section 97B.928 — Identifying Traps And Snares.

97B.928 IDENTIFYING TRAPS AND SNARES.
Subdivision 1.
Information required.
(a) A person may not set or place a trap or snare, other than on property owned or occupied by the person, unless the following information is affixed to the trap or snare in a manner that ensures that the information remains legible while the trap or snare is on the lands or waters:
(1) the number and state of the person's driver's license;
(2) the person's Minnesota identification card number;
(3) the person's name and mailing address; or
(4) the license identification number issued by the Department of Natural Resources.
(b) The commissioner may not prescribe additional requirements for identification of traps or snares.
(c) Until March 1, 2013, the driver's license number under paragraph (a), clause (1), may be the person's previously issued Minnesota driver's license number.
Subd. 2.
Applicability.
From April 1 to August 31, the trap identification provisions of subdivision 1 do not apply to traps set for the taking of unprotected wild animals.
Subd. 3.
Penalty.
A person who violates subdivision 1, paragraph (a), is guilty of a petty misdemeanor.
History:
1993 c 231 s 45; 2007 c 131 art 1 s 46
2023 Minnesota Statutes › Chapters 97 - 102 — Game And Fish › Chapter 97B — Hunting › Section 97B.931 — Tending Traps.

97B.931 TENDING TRAPS.
Subdivision 1.
Restrictions.
A person may not tend a trap set for wild animals between 10:00 p.m. and 5:00 a.m. Between 5:00 a.m. and 10:00 p.m. a person on foot may use a portable artificial light to tend traps. While using a light in the field, the person may not possess or use a firearm other than a handgun or rifle capable of firing only rimfire cartridges of .17 or .22 caliber including .22 magnum.
Subd. 2.
Body-gripping traps.
A body-gripping, conibear-type trap need not be tended more frequently than once every third calendar day.
History:
1986 c 386 art 2 s 73; 1987 c 131 s 3; 1994 c 623 art 1 s 38; 1Sp1995 c 1 s 31; 2009 c 176 art 2 s 50
2023 Minnesota Statutes › Chapters 97 - 102 — Game And Fish › Chapter 97B — Hunting › Section 97B.941 — Tampering With Traps.

97B.941 TAMPERING WITH TRAPS.
A person may not remove or tamper with a trap legally set to take fur-bearing animals or unprotected wild animals without authorization. Authorized persons include the commissioner and the owner or lessee of the land where the trap is located.
History:
1986 c 386 art 2 s 75
2023 Minnesota Statutes › Chapters 97 - 102 — Game And Fish › Chapter 97B — Hunting › Section 97B.945 — Setting Traps Near Water Restricted.

97B.945 SETTING TRAPS NEAR WATER RESTRICTED.
A person may not set a trap within 50 feet of any water other than temporary surface water within 30 days before the open season for mink and muskrat without a special permit by the commissioner.
History:
1986 c 386 art 2 s 76; 1987 c 131 s 4
2023 Minnesota Statutes › Chapters 97 - 102 — Game And Fish › Chapter 97B — Hunting › Section 97B.951 — Use Of Snares To Take Unprotected Mammals.

97B.951 USE OF SNARES TO TAKE UNPROTECTED MAMMALS.
A snare set for an unprotected mammal may not be left in place after March 31 except as authorized by the commissioner for the predator-control program under section 97B.671.
History:
1993 c 231 s 46
2023 Minnesota Statutes › Chapters 97 - 102 — Game And Fish › Chapter 97C — Fishing › Section 97C.001 — Experimental Waters.

97C.001 EXPERIMENTAL WATERS.
Subdivision 1.
Definition; designation.
(a) Experimental waters are lakes and streams where special regulations are used and evaluated to meet a specific fisheries objective.
(b) The commissioner may designate any waters of the state having free access to the public as experimental waters. The designated experimental waters may not exceed 200 lakes and 50 streams at one time. For all experimental waters, the commissioner shall develop an evaluation plan and specify a termination date. On the termination date, the commissioner shall vacate or extend the experimental waters designation, or designate the experimental waters as special management waters under section 97C.005. The commissioner shall by rule establish methods and criteria for public initiation of experimental waters designation and for public participation in the evaluation of the waters designated.
(c) Designation of experimental waters under this section is not subject to chapter 14.
Subd. 2.
Public notice and meeting.
(a) Before the commissioner designates, or vacates or extends the designation of, experimental waters, a public meeting must be held in the county where the largest portion of the waters is located.
(b) At least 90 days before the public meeting and during the open angling season for fish the taking of which is, or is proposed to be, regulated under subdivision 3 on the waters under consideration, notice of the proposed designation, vacation, or extension must be posted at publicly maintained access points on the water.
(c) Before the public meeting, notice of the meeting must be published in a news release issued by the commissioner and in a newspaper of general circulation in the area where the proposed experimental waters are located. The notice must be published at least once between 30 and 60 days before the meeting, and at least once between seven and 30 days before the meeting.
(d) The notices required in this subdivision must summarize the proposed action, invite public comment, and specify a deadline for the receipt of public comments. The commissioner shall mail a copy of each required notice to persons who have registered their names with the commissioner for this purpose. The commissioner shall consider any public comments received in making a final decision.
(e) If a water to be designated is a lake with a water area of more than 1,500 acres, or is a stream or river with a reach of more than six miles, a public meeting must also be held in the seven-county metropolitan area.
Subd. 3.
Seasons, limits, and other requirements.
The commissioner may, in accordance with the procedures in subdivision 2 or by rule under chapter 14, establish open seasons, limits, methods, and other requirements for taking fish on experimental waters.
History:
1985 c 248 s 70; 1986 c 386 art 3 s 1; 1992 c 462 s 15; 2000 c 473 s 12
2023 Minnesota Statutes › Chapters 97 - 102 — Game And Fish › Chapter 97C — Fishing › Section 97C.007 — Northern Pike Experimental And Special Management Waters.

97C.007 NORTHERN PIKE EXPERIMENTAL AND SPECIAL MANAGEMENT WATERS.
The combined number of lakes designated for northern pike under sections 97C.001 and 97C.005 may not exceed 100 at one time. Until November 1, 2021, the designated lakes must be selected from the lakes identified in rules adopted under sections 97C.001 and 97C.005 with northern pike slot limits effective on January 1, 2011. A designation under this section must continue for at least ten years, at which time the commissioner shall determine, based on scientific studies, whether the designation should be discontinued.
History:
1Sp2011 c 2 art 5 s 55
2023 Minnesota Statutes › Chapters 97 - 102 — Game And Fish › Chapter 97C — Fishing › Section 97C.02 — Acquiring Critical Aquatic Habitat.

97C.02 ACQUIRING CRITICAL AQUATIC HABITAT.
The commissioner shall acquire lands that are critical for fish and other aquatic life and that meet criteria described for aquatic management areas in section 86A.05, subdivision 14. The lands that are acquired may be developed to manage lakes, rivers, streams, and adjacent wetlands and lands for aquatic life, water quality, intrinsic biological value, public fishing, and other compatible outdoor recreational uses. The land may be acquired by gift, lease, easement, or purchase. The commissioner shall designate land acquired under this subdivision as aquatic management areas for the purposes of the outdoor recreation system.
History:
2000 c 495 s 40
2023 Minnesota Statutes › Chapters 97 - 102 — Game And Fish › Chapter 97C — Fishing › Section 97C.021 — Angling Restricted In Trout Streams.

97C.021 ANGLING RESTRICTED IN TROUT STREAMS.
A person may only take fish from a designated trout stream during the open season for trout in the stream.
History:
1986 c 386 art 3 s 5
2023 Minnesota Statutes › Chapters 97 - 102 — Game And Fish › Chapter 97C — Fishing › Section 97C.025 — Fishing And Motorboats Restricted In Certain Areas.

97C.025 FISHING AND MOTORBOATS RESTRICTED IN CERTAIN AREAS.
(a) The commissioner may prohibit or restrict the taking of fish or the operation of motorboats by posting waters that:
(1) are designated as spawning beds or fish preserves;
(2) are being used by the commissioner for fisheries research or management activities; or
(3) are licensed by the commissioner as a private fish hatchery or aquatic farm under section 17.4984, subdivision 1, or 97C.211, subdivision 1.
An area may be posted under this paragraph if necessary to prevent excessive depletion of fish or interference with fisheries research or management activities or private fish hatchery or aquatic farm operations.
(b) The commissioner will consider the following criteria in determining if waters licensed under a private fish hatchery or aquatic farm should be posted under paragraph (a):
(1) the waters contain game fish brood stock that are vital to the private fish hatchery or aquatic farm operation;
(2) game fish are present in the licensed waters only as a result of aquaculture activities by the licensee; and
(3) no public access to the waters existed when the waters were first licensed.
(c) A private fish hatchery or aquatic farm licensee may not take fish or authorize others to take fish in licensed waters that are posted under paragraph (a), except as provided in section 17.4983, subdivision 3, and except that if waters are posted to allow the taking of fish under special restrictions, licensees and others who can legally access the waters may take fish under those special restrictions.
(d) Before March 1, 2003, riparian landowners adjacent to licensed waters on April 30, 2002, and riparian landowners who own land adjacent to waters licensed after April 30, 2002, on the date the waters become licensed waters, plus their children and grandchildren, may take two daily limits of fish per month under an angling license subject to the other limits and conditions in the game and fish laws.
(e) Except as provided in paragraphs (c), (d), and (f), a person may not take fish or operate a motorboat if prohibited by posting under paragraph (a).
(f) An owner of riparian land adjacent to an area posted under paragraph (a) may operate a motorboat through the area by the shortest direct route at a speed of not more than five miles per hour.
(g) Postings for water bodies designated under paragraph (a), clause (1), or being used for fisheries research or management under paragraph (a), clause (2), are not subject to the rulemaking provisions of chapter 14, and section 14.386 does not apply.
History:
1986 c 386 art 3 s 6; 1993 c 231 s 47; 1Sp1995 c 1 s 32; 2002 c 351 s 21; 2006 c 281 art 2 s 42
2023 Minnesota Statutes › Chapters 97 - 102 — Game And Fish › Chapter 97C — Fishing › Section 97C.035 — Endangered Fish Populations.

97C.035 ENDANGERED FISH POPULATIONS.
Subdivision 1.
Conditions.
If the commissioner determines that fish are in danger of dying, or if waters will be restored with the use of piscicides, the commissioner may rescue the fish under subdivision 2 or allow taking of the fish under subdivision 3.
Subd. 2.
Rescuing fish.
If the commissioner rescues fish endangered by lack of oxygen in the winter, the fish may be transferred to other waters, sold, or otherwise disposed of.
Subd. 3.
Taking fish.
(a) The commissioner may authorize residents to take fish:
(1) in any quantity;
(2) in any manner, except by use of seines, hoop nets, fyke nets, and explosives; and
(3) for personal use only, except rough fish may be sold.
(b) The commissioner may authorize the taking of fish by posting notice conspicuously along the shore of the waters and publishing a news release in a newspaper of general circulation in the area where the waters are located.
History:
1986 c 386 art 3 s 8; 1991 c 259 s 23; 1996 c 410 s 41; 1997 c 226 s 36
2023 Minnesota Statutes › Chapters 97 - 102 — Game And Fish › Chapter 97C — Fishing › Section 97C.041 — Commissioner May Remove Rough Fish.

97C.041 COMMISSIONER MAY REMOVE ROUGH FISH.
The commissioner may take rough fish and rainbow smelt with seines, nets, and other devices. The commissioner may hire or contract persons, or issue permits, to take the fish. The commissioner shall prescribe the manner of taking and disposal. The commissioner may award a contract under this section without competitive bidding. Before establishing the contractor's compensation, the commissioner must consider the qualifications of the contractor, including the contractor's equipment, knowledge of the waters, and ability to perform the work.
History:
1986 c 386 art 3 s 9; 2000 c 495 s 41; 2023 c 60 art 4 s 62
2023 Minnesota Statutes › Chapters 97 - 102 — Game And Fish › Chapter 97C — Fishing › Section 97C.045 — Removing Rough Fish From Boundary Waters.

97C.045 REMOVING ROUGH FISH FROM BOUNDARY WATERS.
The commissioner may enter into agreements with North Dakota, South Dakota, Wisconsin, and Iowa, relating to the removal of rough fish in boundary waters. The agreements may include:
(1) contracting to remove rough fish;
(2) inspection of the work;
(3) the division of proceeds; and
(4) regulating the taking of rough fish.
History:
1986 c 386 art 3 s 10
2023 Minnesota Statutes › Chapters 97 - 102 — Game And Fish › Chapter 97C — Fishing › Section 97C.051 — Special Permits To Use Piscicides.

97C.051 SPECIAL PERMITS TO USE PISCICIDES.
Subdivision 1.
Permit.
(a) The commissioner may issue a special permit, without a fee, to apply piscicides to restore waters at the permittee's expense. The commissioner may by rule prescribe insurance requirements for permit applicants.
(b) A permit under this section may be issued to an individual, a group of riparian owners, or a lake improvement association. The permit may only be issued if all riparian owners have consented in writing.
Subd. 2.
Taking fish.
The commissioner may set special open seasons, limits, and methods to take fish before the piscicides are applied. The commissioner must post the special provisions at or near the waters.
History:
1986 c 386 art 3 s 11; 1993 c 231 s 48
2023 Minnesota Statutes › Chapters 97 - 102 — Game And Fish › Chapter 97C — Fishing › Section 97C.055 — Removing Dead Fish.

97C.055 REMOVING DEAD FISH.
The commissioner shall remove and dispose of dead fish that accumulate in or upon the shores of public waters in quantities that are a public nuisance or are detrimental to game fish.
History:
1986 c 386 art 3 s 12
2023 Minnesota Statutes › Chapters 97 - 102 — Game And Fish › Chapter 97C — Fishing › Section 97C.061 — Dragging Weight Or Anchor Through Vegetation.

97C.061 DRAGGING WEIGHT OR ANCHOR THROUGH VEGETATION.
A person may not use a motorboat to drag an anchor or other weight through aquatic vegetation, except by commissioner's rule.
History:
1986 c 386 art 3 s 13; 1991 c 259 s 23
2023 Minnesota Statutes › Chapters 97 - 102 — Game And Fish › Chapter 97C — Fishing › Section 97C.065 — Pollutants In Waters.

97C.065 POLLUTANTS IN WATERS.
A person may not dispose of any substance in state waters, or allow any substance to enter state waters, in quantities that injure or are detrimental to the propagation of wild animals or taint the flesh of wild animals. Each day of violation is a separate offense. An occurring or continuous violation is a public nuisance. An action may be brought by the attorney general to enjoin and abate nuisance upon request of the commissioner. This section does not apply to chemicals used for pest control for the general welfare of the public.
History:
1986 c 386 art 3 s 14
2023 Minnesota Statutes › Chapters 97 - 102 — Game And Fish › Chapter 97C — Fishing › Section 97C.071 — Structures In Public Waters.

97C.071 STRUCTURES IN PUBLIC WATERS.
A person may not construct or maintain a dam or other obstruction, except a boat pier, in or over public waters without a permit from the commissioner. The commissioner may establish permit conditions for the construction or modification of a fishway around or over a dam or obstruction.
History:
1986 c 386 art 3 s 15
2023 Minnesota Statutes › Chapters 97 - 102 — Game And Fish › Chapter 97C — Fishing › Section 97C.075 — Fish Screens In Flowing Waters.

97C.075 FISH SCREENS IN FLOWING WATERS.
A person may not obstruct a creek, stream, or river to prevent the passage of fish with a rack or screen without the permission of the commissioner. The person that erected the obstruction, or the owner of the land where the obstruction is located, must immediately remove the obstruction upon order of the commissioner.
History:
1986 c 386 art 3 s 16
2023 Minnesota Statutes › Chapters 97 - 102 — Game And Fish › Chapter 97C — Fishing › Section 97C.077 — Fish Screens In Lakes.

97C.077 FISH SCREENS IN LAKES.
Subdivision 1.
Lake in single county.
If all or a major part of a navigable lake is located within a single county and has been stocked with fish by the United States government, the county board, in order to maintain fish in the lake and prevent their escape from the lake, may erect and maintain screens at the inlets and outlets of the lake. The county board may appropriate from the county treasury money for the erection and maintenance of the screens.
Subd. 2.
Lake in more than one county.
If a lake is located in more than one county, the county boards of the affected counties may jointly provide for the erection and maintenance of screens. The expense of the screens and maintenance must be paid equally between the counties, and the county boards must appropriate money from the county treasury of their respective counties to pay the expenses of the screens and maintenance.
History:
1990 c 391 art 8 s 26
2023 Minnesota Statutes › Chapters 97 - 102 — Game And Fish › Chapter 97C — Fishing › Section 97C.085 — Permit Required For Tagging Fish.

97C.085 PERMIT REQUIRED FOR TAGGING FISH.
A person may not tag or otherwise mark a live fish for identification without a permit from the commissioner, except for special fish management tags as authorized under section 97A.551.
History:
1993 c 231 s 52; 1Sp2005 c 1 art 2 s 114
2023 Minnesota Statutes › Chapters 97 - 102 — Game And Fish › Chapter 97C — Fishing › Section 97C.087 — Special Fish Management Tags.

97C.087 SPECIAL FISH MANAGEMENT TAGS.
Subdivision 1.
Tags to be issued.
If the commissioner determines it is necessary to require that a species of fish be tagged with a special fish management tag, the commissioner shall prescribe, by rule, the species to be tagged, tagging procedures, and eligibility requirements.
Subd. 2.
Application for tag.
Application for special fish management tags must be accompanied by a $5, nonrefundable application fee for each tag. A person may not make more than one tag application each calendar year. If a person makes more than one application, the person is ineligible for a special fish management tag for that calendar year after determination by the commissioner, without a hearing.
History:
1Sp2005 c 1 art 2 s 115; 1Sp2011 c 2 art 5 s 58
2023 Minnesota Statutes › Chapters 97 - 102 — Game And Fish › Chapter 97C — Fishing › Section 97C.201 — State Fish Stocking Prohibited Without Public Access.

97C.201 STATE FISH STOCKING PROHIBITED WITHOUT PUBLIC ACCESS.
The commissioner and state agencies may only stock fish in waters where there is public access. The commissioner may stock fish in any stream within privately owned lands where the public is granted free access to and use of the stream for fishing purposes.
History:
1986 c 386 art 3 s 18; 1986 c 424 s 2
2023 Minnesota Statutes › Chapters 97 - 102 — Game And Fish › Chapter 97C — Fishing › Section 97C.203 — Exchanging Fish Or Wildlife Resources; Disposal Of State Hatchery Products.

97C.203 EXCHANGING FISH OR WILDLIFE RESOURCES; DISPOSAL OF STATE HATCHERY PRODUCTS.
(a) The commissioner shall dispose of fish hatchery products or exchange fish or wildlife resources only after they have been tested for certifiable diseases. The testing must have been completed within the 12 months preceding the disposal or exchange. Fish or wildlife resources subject to an exchange must have received a disease-free certification for those certifiable diseases not currently documented in Minnesota. Disease certification must be provided prior to accepting the fish or wildlife resource. When the fish or wildlife resource is not certified as disease-free, they may be stocked or transferred only into waters that already contain that disease.
(b) State hatchery products shall be disposed of according to the following order of priorities:
(1) distribution of fish eggs and fry to state hatcheries to hatch fry or raise fingerlings for stocking waters of the state for recreational fishing;
(2) transfer to other government agencies in exchange for fish or wildlife resources of equal value or private fish hatcheries in exchange for fish to be stocked in waters of the state for recreational fishing;
(3) sale to private fish hatcheries or licensed aquatic farms at a price not less than the fair wholesale market value, established as the average price charged at the state's private hatcheries and contiguous states per volume rates;
(4) transfer to other government agencies, colleges, or universities for cooperative fish management and research purposes; and
(5) sale of not more than $25 fair market value to any school, museum, or commercial enterprise for curriculum implementation, educational programs, public exhibition, or cooperative displays.
History:
1987 c 318 s 3; 1992 c 566 s 18; 1993 c 226 s 16; 1996 c 410 s 42; 2005 c 146 s 43; 2008 c 307 s 12
2023 Minnesota Statutes › Chapters 97 - 102 — Game And Fish › Chapter 97C — Fishing › Section 97C.205 — Transporting And Stocking Fish.

97C.205 TRANSPORTING AND STOCKING FISH.
(a) Except on the water body where taken, a person may not transport a live fish in a quantity of water sufficient to keep the fish alive, unless the fish:
(1) is being transported under an aquaculture license as authorized under sections 17.4985 and 17.4986;
(2) is being transported for a fishing contest weigh-in under section 97C.081;
(3) is a minnow being transported under section 97C.505 or 97C.515;
(4) is being transported by a commercial fishing license holder under section 97C.821; or
(5) is being transported as otherwise authorized in this section or as prescribed for certifiable diseases under sections 17.46 to 17.4999.
(b) The commissioner may adopt rules to allow and regulate:
(1) the transportation of fish and fish eggs; and
(2) the stocking of waters with fish or fish eggs.
(c) The commissioner must allow the possession of fish on special management or experimental waters to be prepared as a meal on the ice or on the shore of that water body if the fish:
(1) were lawfully taken;
(2) have been packaged by a licensed fish packer; and
(3) do not otherwise exceed the statewide possession limits.
(d) The commissioner shall prescribe rules designed to encourage local sporting organizations to propagate game fish by using rearing ponds. The rules must:
(1) prescribe methods to acquire brood stock for the ponds by seining public waters;
(2) allow the sporting organizations to own and use seines and other necessary equipment; and
(3) prescribe methods for stocking the fish in public waters that give priority to the needs of the community where the fish are reared and the desires of the organization operating the rearing pond.
(e) A person age 16 or under may, for purposes of display in a home aquarium, transport largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, yellow perch, rock bass, black crappie, white crappie, bluegill pumpkinseed, green sunfish, orange spotted sunfish, and black, yellow, and brown bullheads taken by angling, except as otherwise ordered by the commissioner upon documentation of an emergency fish disease in Minnesota waters, as defined in section 17.4982, subdivision 9. No more than four of each species may be transported at any one time, and any individual fish can be no longer than ten inches in total length. The commissioner may, by written order published in the State Register, prohibit transportation of live fish under this paragraph to help prevent spread of an emergency fish disease documented to occur in Minnesota waters. The order is exempt from the rulemaking provisions of chapter 14 and section 14.386 does not apply.
History:
1986 c 386 art 3 s 19; 1993 c 231 s 53; 1996 c 410 s 43; 2006 c 281 art 2 s 47; 2008 c 307 s 13; 2008 c 368 art 2 s 59; 1Sp2011 c 2 art 5 s 59
2023 Minnesota Statutes › Chapters 97 - 102 — Game And Fish › Chapter 97C — Fishing › Section 97C.211 — Private Fish Hatcheries.

97C.211 PRIVATE FISH HATCHERIES.
Subdivision 1.
License required.
A person may not operate a private fish hatchery without a private fish hatchery license. A private fish hatchery is a facility for raising fish, including minnows, for sale, stocking waters, angling, or processing. A private fish hatchery license is valid for five years but must be renewed annually.
Subd. 2.
Operating rules.
The commissioner shall prescribe rules that allow a person to maintain and operate a private fish hatchery to raise and dispose of fish. The commissioner shall establish and assess a fee to cover the cost of inspection and disease certification of private hatcheries.
Subd. 2a.
Acquiring fish.
(a) A private fish hatchery may not obtain fish outside of the state unless the fish or the source of the fish are approved by the commissioner. The commissioner may apply more stringent requirements to fish or a source of fish from outside the state than are applied to fish and sources of fish from within the state. The commissioner must either approve or deny the acquisition within 30 days after receiving a written request for approval. Minnows acquired must be processed and not released into public waters, except as provided in section 97C.515, subdivision 4. A request may be for annual acquisition.
(b) If the commissioner denies approval, a written notice must be submitted to the applicant stating the reasons for the denial and the commissioner must:
(1) designate approved sources to obtain the desired fish or fish eggs; or
(2) sell the fish or fish eggs from state fish hatcheries at fair market value.
Subd. 3.
Angling without license; certificate.
A person may take fish by angling without a fishing license at a licensed private fish hatchery or an artificial pool containing only fish purchased from a private fish hatchery, if the operator of the hatchery or pool furnishes each person catching fish a certificate prescribed by the commissioner. The certificate must state the number and species of the fish caught and other information as prescribed by the commissioner. A person without a fishing license may possess, ship, and transport within the state the fish caught in the same manner as fish taken by a resident with a fishing license.
Subd. 4.
License required to take sucker eggs.
A person may not take sucker eggs from public waters for a private fish hatchery without a license to do so.
Subd. 5.
Price of game fish fry and eggs.
The commissioner may sell or barter game fish fry or eggs for not less than the cost associated with the production of eggs or fry.
Subd. 6.
Nonpublic records.
Information on production, harvest, and sales of aquatic life by a private fish hatchery is nonpublic information.
History:
1986 c 386 art 3 s 20; 1987 c 318 s 5-7; 1987 c 404 s 134; 1988 c 588 s 11,12; 1997 c 226 s 37,38; 1Sp2011 c 2 art 5 s 60
2023 Minnesota Statutes › Chapters 97 - 102 — Game And Fish › Chapter 97C — Fishing › Section 97C.215 — Special Permits For United States Agents.

97C.215 SPECIAL PERMITS FOR UNITED STATES AGENTS.
The commissioner may issue a special permit, without a fee, to an authorized agent of the United States to conduct fish culture operations, rescue work, and related fishery operations.
History:
1986 c 386 art 3 s 21
2023 Minnesota Statutes › Chapters 97 - 102 — Game And Fish › Chapter 97C — Fishing › Section 97C.301 — License Required To Take Fish.

97C.301 LICENSE REQUIRED TO TAKE FISH.
Subdivision 1.
Requirement.
Unless exempted under section 97A.445, 97A.451, or 97A.465, subdivision 1, a person must have a license to take fish as provided in this section.
Subd. 2.
Angling.
A person may not take fish without an angling license.
Subd. 2a.
Aquatic invasive species affirmation.
(a) A nonresident license to take fish issued under section 97A.475, subdivision 7, includes aquatic invasive species affirmation as provided in section 84D.106.
(b) The aquatic invasive species affirmation portion of the license must be displayed with the signed nonresident license to take fish issued under section 97A.475, subdivision 7. The aquatic invasive species affirmation will be provided at the time of purchase of a new or duplicate nonresident license.
(c) If a license is purchased online, the aquatic invasive species affirmation may be completed electronically as part of the online sales process, and the electronic record of the license sale is sufficient for documenting the affirmation.
(d) Failure to complete the aquatic invasive species affirmation in this subdivision is subject to the penalty prescribed in section 84D.13, subdivision 5.
Subd. 3.
Spearing.
A person may not take fish by spearing from a dark house without a dark-house-spearing license and an angling license.
Subd. 4.
Netting.
A person may not take fish by netting without the required license to net fish and an angling license.
Subd. 5.
Aquatic farms.
An aquatic farm licensee may take aquatic life under the aquatic farm license and its endorsements as authorized without additional licenses under the game and fish laws.
History:
1986 c 386 art 3 s 22; 1992 c 566 s 19; 1Sp2015 c 4 art 4 s 71
2023 Minnesota Statutes › Chapters 97 - 102 — Game And Fish › Chapter 97C — Fishing › Section 97C.303 — Conservation Angling License.

97C.303 CONSERVATION ANGLING LICENSE.
Subdivision 1.
Availability.
The commissioner shall make available a conservation angling license according to this section. Conservation angling licenses shall be offered for resident individuals and resident married couples.
Subd. 2.
Daily and possession limits.
Daily and possession limits for fish taken under a conservation angling license are one-half the daily and possession limits for the corresponding fish taken under a standard angling license, rounded down to the next whole number if necessary.
Subd. 3.
License fee.
The fee for a conservation angling license issued under this section is two-thirds of the corresponding standard angling license fee under section 97A.475, subdivision 6, rounded to the nearest whole dollar.
History:
2008 c 368 art 2 s 60
2023 Minnesota Statutes › Chapters 97 - 102 — Game And Fish › Chapter 97C — Fishing › Section 97C.305 — Trout-and-salmon Stamp Validation.

97C.305 TROUT-AND-SALMON STAMP VALIDATION.
Subdivision 1.
Requirement.
Except as provided in subdivision 2 or section 97A.405, subdivision 2, a person over age 18 and under age 65 required to possess an angling license must have a trout-and-salmon stamp validation to:
(1) take fish by angling in:
(i) a stream designated by the commissioner as a trout stream;
(ii) a lake designated by the commissioner as a trout lake; or
(iii) Lake Superior; or
(2) possess trout or salmon taken in the state by angling.
Subd. 2.
Exception.
A trout-and-salmon stamp validation is not required to take fish by angling or to possess trout and salmon if:
(1) the person:
(i) possesses a license to take fish by angling for a period of 24 hours or 72 hours from the time of issuance under section 97A.475, subdivision 6, clause (4) or (5); or 7, paragraph (a), clause (3) or (5); and
(ii) is taking fish by angling, or the trout or salmon were taken by the person, during the period the license is valid;
(2) the person is taking fish, or the trout or salmon were taken by the person, as authorized under section 97C.035; or
(3) the person has a valid license issued under section 97A.441, subdivision 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5.
History:
1986 c 386 art 3 s 23; 1988 c 437 s 5; 1995 c 220 s 90; 1Sp1995 c 1 s 34; 1996 c 410 s 44; 1997 c 216 s 88; 1Sp2001 c 2 s 119; 2002 c 323 s 16; 2012 c 277 art 2 s 32,33,38
2023 Minnesota Statutes › Chapters 97 - 102 — Game And Fish › Chapter 97C — Fishing › Section 97C.311 — Lake Superior Fishing-guide License.

97C.311 LAKE SUPERIOR FISHING-GUIDE LICENSE.
Subdivision 1.
License required.
A person may not operate a charter boat and guide anglers on Lake Superior or the St. Louis River Estuary for compensation without a fishing guide license. For purposes of this subdivision and section 97A.475, subdivision 15, "St. Louis River Estuary" means the United States Coast Guard navigable waters of the lower St. Louis River to the Minnesota State Highway No. 23 bridge.
Subd. 2.
Rules.
The commissioner shall adopt rules for:
(1) issuance of the licenses, including qualifications for licensees; and
(2) record keeping and reporting by licensees.
Subd. 3.
Federal requirements.
A person may not use a watercraft for activities authorized under this section unless the watercraft complies with all applicable licensing and safety requirements of the United States Coast Guard.
History:
1986 c 386 art 3 s 24; 1993 c 231 s 54; 1999 c 57 s 2
2023 Minnesota Statutes › Chapters 97 - 102 — Game And Fish › Chapter 97C — Fishing › Section 97C.315 — Angling Lines And Hooks.

97C.315 ANGLING LINES AND HOOKS.
Subdivision 1.
Lines.
An angler may not use more than one line, except that:
(1) two lines may be used to take fish through the ice;
(2) the commissioner may, by rule, authorize the use of two lines in areas designated by the commissioner in Lake Superior; and
(3) two lines may be used in the Minnesota River downstream of the Granite Falls Dam and in the Mississippi River downstream of St. Anthony Falls.
Subd. 2.
Hooks.
An angler may not have more than one hook on a line, except:
(1) three artificial flies may be on a line used to take largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, trout, crappies, sunfish, and rock bass;
(2) a single artificial bait may contain more than one hook; and
(3) as otherwise prescribed by the commissioner.
History:
1986 c 386 art 3 s 25; 1991 c 259 s 23; 2006 c 281 art 2 s 48; 2023 c 60 art 4 s 63
2023 Minnesota Statutes › Chapters 97 - 102 — Game And Fish › Chapter 97C — Fishing › Section 97C.317 — Fishing By Party.

97C.317 FISHING BY PARTY.
While two or more persons are taking fish by angling as a party, the total number of fish taken and the total number of fish possessed by the party may not exceed the limit of the number of persons in the party that may take and possess fish by angling. For the purpose of this section, a party means:
(1) for persons who are not on the water, the persons are maintaining unaided visual and vocal contact;
(2) for persons who are on frozen water surfaces, the persons are maintaining unaided visual and vocal contact; and
(3) for persons who are on open water surfaces, the persons are angling from a single watercraft.
History:
1989 c 153 s 3; 2002 c 323 s 17
2023 Minnesota Statutes › Chapters 97 - 102 — Game And Fish › Chapter 97C — Fishing › Section 97C.321 — Restrictions On Unattended Lines.

97C.321 RESTRICTIONS ON UNATTENDED LINES.
Subdivision 1.
General prohibition.
A person may not take fish by angling with a set line or an unattended line except as provided in this section and rules adopted under the game and fish laws.
Subd. 2.
Ice fishing.
A person may use an unattended line to take fish through the ice if:
(1) the person is within sight of the line; or
(2) a tip-up is attached to the line and the person is within 200 feet of the tip-up.
History:
1986 c 386 art 3 s 26; 1Sp1995 c 1 s 35; 1997 c 226 s 39
2023 Minnesota Statutes › Chapters 97 - 102 — Game And Fish › Chapter 97C — Fishing › Section 97C.325 — Restrictions On Taking Fish.

97C.325 RESTRICTIONS ON TAKING FISH.
(a) Except as specifically authorized, a person may not take fish with:
(1) explosives, chemicals, drugs, poisons, lime, medicated bait, fish berries, or other similar substances;
(2) substances or devices that kill, stun, or affect the nervous system of fish;
(3) nets, traps, trot lines, or snares; or
(4) spring devices that impale, hook, or capture fish.
(b) If a person possesses a substance or device listed in paragraph (a) on waters, shores, or islands, it is presumptive evidence that the person is in violation of this section.
(c) The commissioner may, by rule, allow the use of a nonmotorized device with a recoil mechanism to take fish through the ice.
(d) To protect water quality or improve habitat for fish or wildlife, the commissioner may prescribe restrictions on fishing seasons, limits, or methods on specific bodies of water.
History:
1986 c 386 art 3 s 27; 1994 c 623 art 1 s 39; 2007 c 131 art 1 s 47
2023 Minnesota Statutes › Chapters 97 - 102 — Game And Fish › Chapter 97C — Fishing › Section 97C.327 — Measuring Fish Length.

97C.327 MEASURING FISH LENGTH.
For the purpose of determining compliance with size limits for fish in this chapter or in rules of the commissioner, the length of a fish must be measured from the tip of the nose or jaw, whichever is longer, to the farthest tip of the tail when fully extended.
History:
1993 c 231 s 55; 2005 c 146 s 44
2023 Minnesota Statutes › Chapters 97 - 102 — Game And Fish › Chapter 97C — Fishing › Section 97C.331 — Snagging Fish Prohibited.

97C.331 SNAGGING FISH PROHIBITED.
Subdivision 1.
General prohibition.
A person may not:
(1) intentionally take fish by snagging; or
(2) use a snag line, snag pole, snag hook, or cluster of fish hooks, designed to be placed in or drawn through the water to hook the body of a fish.
Subd. 2.
Lake Superior tributaries.
On tributaries to Lake Superior below the posted boundaries, and on tributaries to Lake Superior with no posted boundaries, a fish that is hooked in any part of the body except in the mouth must be immediately unhooked and returned to the water.
History:
1986 c 386 art 3 s 28; 1993 c 231 s 56; 1994 c 460 s 1
2023 Minnesota Statutes › Chapters 97 - 102 — Game And Fish › Chapter 97C — Fishing › Section 97C.335 — Use Of Artificial Lights To Take Fish Prohibited.

97C.335 USE OF ARTIFICIAL LIGHTS TO TAKE FISH PROHIBITED.
(a) A person may not use artificial lights to lure or attract fish or to see fish in the water while spearing, except that while angling or spearing, a person may:
(1) affix a lighted artificial bait with hooks attached to the end of a fishing line; or
(2) use a lighted decoy for spearing.
(b) A battery that is used in lighted fishing lures must not contain mercury.
(c) The restrictions in paragraph (a) do not apply to bow fishing.
History:
1986 c 386 art 3 s 29; 2000 c 308 s 1; 2000 c 463 s 19; 2000 c 473 s 20; 2007 c 131 art 1 s 48; 2009 c 176 art 2 s 56
2023 Minnesota Statutes › Chapters 97 - 102 — Game And Fish › Chapter 97C — Fishing › Section 97C.341 — Certain Aquatic Life Prohibited For Bait.

97C.341 CERTAIN AQUATIC LIFE PROHIBITED FOR BAIT.
(a) A person may not use live minnows imported from outside of the state, game fish, goldfish, or carp for bait. Notwithstanding paragraphs (b) and (d), the commissioner may adopt rules to authorize the use of game fish eggs as bait in Lake Superior and its tributaries below the posted boundaries and prescribe restrictions on their use.
(b) A person may not import or possess live, frozen, or processed bait from known waters where viral hemorrhagic septicemia has been identified as being present: (1) unless the bait has been processed to inactivate viral hemorrhagic septicemia in a manner prescribed by rules adopted by the commissioner; or (2) except as provided in paragraph (c). For purposes of this paragraph, "bait" includes fish, aquatic worms, amphibians, invertebrates, and insects used for taking wild animals in waters of the state.
(c) Cisco and rainbow smelt taken under rules adopted by the commissioner may be used as:
(1) fresh or frozen bait only on Lake Superior; or
(2) bait that has been processed to inactivate viral hemorrhagic septicemia in a manner prescribed by rules adopted by the commissioner.
(d) To ensure that frozen or dead fish being brought into the state are not in violation of paragraph (b), the following paperwork must accompany the shipment. Documents must be open for inspection by the commissioner at any reasonable time. All documents must be available to purchasers of these bait items. Each container or package of frozen or dead fish must have the following information:
(1) water body source;
(2) lot number;
(3) company contact including name, phone, and address;
(4) date of packaging and labeling; and
(5) valid negative fish health certification from the source water body.
History:
1986 c 386 art 3 s 30; 2008 c 307 s 14; 1Sp2011 c 2 art 5 s 61; 2012 c 272 s 26; 2013 c 121 s 46
2023 Minnesota Statutes › Chapters 97 - 102 — Game And Fish › Chapter 97C — Fishing › Section 97C.345 — Restrictions On Using And Possessing Nets And Spears.

97C.345 RESTRICTIONS ON USING AND POSSESSING NETS AND SPEARS.
Subdivision 1.
When use prohibited.
Except as specifically authorized, a person may not take fish with a spear from the third Monday in February to the Friday before the last Saturday in April and may not take fish with a fish trap, net, dip net, seine, or other device capable of taking fish from the third Monday in February through April 30.
Subd. 2.
Possession.
(a) Except as specifically authorized, a person may not possess a spear, fish trap, net, dip net, seine, or other device capable of taking fish on or near any waters. Possession includes personal possession and in a vehicle.
(b) A person may possess dip nets and spear guns allowed under section 97C.381 on or near waters between sunrise and sunset from May 1 to the last Sunday in February, or as otherwise prescribed by the commissioner. A person may possess a spear on or near waters between sunrise and sunset from the last Saturday in April to the last Sunday in February, or as otherwise prescribed by the commissioner.
Subd. 3.
Dip nets.
A person may possess and use a dip net between one hour before sunrise and one hour after sunset from May 1 to the third Sunday in February.
Subd. 3a.
MS 2016 [Expired, 1Sp2015 c 4 art 5 s 28]
Subd. 3b.
Cast nets for gizzard shad.
(a) Cast nets may be used only to take gizzard shad for use as bait for angling from July 1 to November 30 as allowed under section 84D.03, subdivision 3.
(b) Cast nets used under this subdivision must be monofilament and may not exceed five feet in radius. Mesh size must be from three-eighths-inch to five-eighths-inch bar measure. A person may use up to two cast nets at one time.
Subd. 4.
Exceptions.
Subdivisions 1 to 3 do not apply to:
(1) nets used to take rainbow smelt during the open season;
(2) nets used to land game fish taken by angling;
(3) seines or traps used for the taking of minnows for bait;
(4) nets, seines, or traps possessed and used under an aquatic farm license; and
(5) angling equipment.
Subd. 5.
Rules.
The commissioner may adopt rules to regulate the use of nets to take fish.
History:
1986 c 386 art 3 s 31; 1987 c 149 art 1 s 52,53; 1992 c 566 s 20; 1993 c 231 s 57,58; 1Sp1995 c 1 s 36-38; 2005 c 146 s 45; 2009 c 176 art 2 s 57; 2013 c 121 s 47,48; 1Sp2015 c 4 art 5 s 28; 1Sp2019 c 4 art 3 s 71; 2023 c 60 art 4 s 64
2023 Minnesota Statutes › Chapters 97 - 102 — Game And Fish › Chapter 97C — Fishing › Section 97C.351 — Fish Nets; Tags.

97C.351 FISH NETS; TAGS.
A person may not possess a fish net unless specifically authorized or a tag is attached bearing the name and address of the owner when the net is not in use and the name and address of the operator when the net is in use, as prescribed by the commissioner. This section does not apply to minnow nets, landing nets, dip nets, and nets in stock for sale by dealers.
History:
1986 c 386 art 3 s 32; 1992 c 462 s 17