In the Land of 10,000 Lakes, fishing is a beloved pastime for many Minnesotans. As the 2024 fishing season approaches, it’s important for anglers to understand the state’s licensing requirements. One common question that arises is whether senior citizens need a fishing license in Minnesota.
Who Needs a Fishing License in Minnesota?
According to the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR), any Minnesota resident aged 16 to 90 is required to carry a valid fishing license when fishing. This applies to both individual and combination licenses. However, there are a few exceptions:
- Children under 16 who live in Minnesota can fish without a license.
- Seniors over 90 who live in Minnesota can fish without a license.
- Non-residents over 16 always need a license to fish in Minnesota.
To prove Minnesota residency, anglers must have a valid Minnesota State ID or driver’s license, or be under 21 and the child of a Minnesota resident.
Exemptions and Special Licenses
While most Minnesota residents aged 16-90 need a fishing license, there are some exemptions and special licenses available:
- Minnesota residents in the U.S. Armed Forces on leave can fish without a license, but must carry their leave papers.
- Minnesota residents who have been on active duty in the U.S. Armed Forces in the last 24 months and have discharge papers can fish without a license.
- Minnesota residents fishing in a State Park can fish without a license.
- In-patients of a U.S. Veterans’ Administration hospital can fish without a license.
- Residents of Minnesota nursing homes or care homes can fish without a license.
- Permanent angling licenses are issued to Minnesota residents over 16 who are developmentally disabled or a veteran with a 100% service-connected disability.
- Annual angling licenses may be issued to Minnesota residents who are blind, disabled and receiving supplemental income, receiving worker’s compensation for total and permanent disability, a foreign exchange student attending school in Minnesota, a ward of the Commissioner of Human Services, or a resident of a state institution with an approved application.
It’s important to note that even if an angler is exempt from needing a license, they may still need to purchase stamps or tags for certain species or activities, such as trout or salmon fishing.
Where to Buy a Minnesota Fishing License
There are several convenient ways to purchase a Minnesota fishing license in 2024:
- Online: Anglers can purchase licenses from the comfort of their own home and print them out immediately.
- By phone: Licenses can be purchased by calling 1-888-MN-LICEN (665-4236). The Minnesota DNR’s trained operators are available 24/7.
- In person: Licenses can be purchased at any DNR office, licensed retailer, Walmart, hardware store, or bait and tackle shop.
- By mail: Some licenses may be obtained by mailing an application to the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources License Center.
When purchasing a license, anglers will need to provide some form of ID and their social security number. Licenses are effective from March 1, 2024, to the last day of February 2025.
License Fees and Types
Minnesota offers a variety of fishing licenses for residents, with different options based on the length and type of license. Some of the most popular licenses include:
- 24-Hour License: $12 for residents.
- 72-Hour License: $14 for residents.
- Annual Individual License: $25 for residents.
- Annual Combination License (Married Couple): $40 for residents.
- Annual Sports License (Fishing and Small Game Hunting): $41 for residents.
- Annual Super Sports License (Fishing, Small Game Hunting, and Trout Stamp): $100 for residents.
- Non-Resident Individual Angling License: $54 for the license year.
Lifetime licenses are also available for residents, with options for individual angling, combination angling, and sports licenses.
In conclusion, while most Minnesota residents aged 16-90 need a fishing license, there are some exceptions and special licenses available. By understanding the state’s licensing requirements and purchasing a license through one of the convenient methods, anglers can enjoy a successful and legal fishing season in 2024.