Friday, March 6, 2009

2009 fishing licenses, walleye stamp now on sale

Minnesota’s 2009 fishing licenses and the state’s first-ever walleye stamp now are on sale.

Anglers who purchase a license in early March can fish for 14 months as the license does not expire until April 30, 2010.

The state’s new walleye stamp also is on sale. The stamp, though not necessary to catch and keep walleye, is an innovative new way for anglers to voluntarily donate funds for walleye stocking and related activities.

“If you didn’t buy a license last year, now is the time to get one,” said Steve Michaels, Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) license center manager. “The 2009 license enables you to enjoy the last two months of the 2008 season plus all of 2009 season.”

The 2008 fishing licenses expire April 30, 2009.

Funds from the $5 walleye stamp validation will flow into a dedicated account for walleye stocking activities. For $2 more, the DNR will mail the actual stamp to you as a collector’s item.

“Minnesota artist Nick Reitzel painted a powerful image for the state’s first-ever walleye stamp,” Michaels said. “Purchasing the 2009 stamp is a way to own a piece of history, start a stamp collecting tradition and support Minnesota’s state fish.”

Minnesota fishing licenses are available at more than 1,800 vendors throughout the state, by phone at 1-888-665-4236 or online.

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