Ask a conservation officer

[Lee Borgersen]

              Ask a conservation officer:

Hunters, anglers need actual license in field.

 Nov 15, 2015 

Q: If I have a photo of my fishing or hunting license on my smartphone, do I still have to carry the actual license with me?

A: Yes. Although there are multiple ways to purchase a license via phone, computer or in person, state law still requires that people have the actual license in possession when they are hunting or fishing.
For non-site-tag activities such as fishing this may seem antiquated, but state statute does not allow a digital or pictorial copy of the license to take the place of the actual ELS printout.

For activities such as big-game hunting or certain types of trapping that require the possession and use of a site tag, this law is extra important to remember as you head into the field. Already this deer season, officers have unfortunately run into people out hunting alone who are not in possession of their license or site tag. If the person was to shoot a deer and is not party hunting with someone who has an open tag, the hunter would then have to return to the vehicle, shack or wherever he or she left the license to get the site tag before moving the animal, or the hunter would be putting himself or herself in violation of possibly multiple laws.

To avoid any of these headaches, please remember to put your license and tags with your vest, jacket, firearm, tackle box or anywhere else you will be sure to remember to bring it in the field. Good luck!

Matthew S. Miller is a Minnesota Department of Natural Resources