We were on Jordan end of May and had a Ranger visit. I was up where we had our kitchen set up and I heard my buddy talking to someone down by the landing, so I went down to investigate. Two young ladies were chatting with him. My friend was pounding them with a million questions about gear, Forest Service, paddle plans, fishing, career, etc.

When I came down, they asked for our permit. I went back up to get it and then presented it...which led to a long discussion about Texas. They asked about the condition of our camp when we arrived and about the status of the latrine.

Kinda had a sense they wanted a tour but they never asked. Our camp was in tip-top shape, so I would have been happy to oblige.

When presenting the permit, I asked, "What would happen if we did not have one?" She said they would give us a fine and politely ask us to leave.

I have been going to the BWCA since 2007...only second time to see a ranger and first time to show my permit.

Hopefully they have their staffing levels up and can’t so this more often this year.

I’ve been checked on the water several times but only once had the FS enter my site. I was just making coffee when they pulled up. One came to speak with me and the other looked all around the camp checking the latrine and watching for any violations. I was glad to see them and hope they do this more often.

Jaywalker: "Hopefully they have their staffing levels up and can’t so this more often this year. "

What?

We were visited by National park rangers when we were in voyagers NP. Both of the rangers were from out east and had no idea of how Minnesota works. They asked about uot fishing and we told them we only caught perch. They did not believe us when we said that we didn’t keep perch. It got ugly/stupid, they spent an hour searching our site for our perch remains.

Had a C.O. check a friend for his fishing license. It was in the parking lot of the liquor store. My friend handed him his Indian card with a big smile. He then gave the co his MN fishing license. In the C.O.s defense my friend had a canoe, and you could see 2 fishing rods in the boat.

Maiingan: "Had a C.O. check a friend for his fishing license. It was in the parking lot of the liquor store. My friend handed him his Indian card with a big smile. He then gave the co his MN fishing license. In the C.O.s defense my friend had a canoe, and you could see 2 fishing rods in the boat."

I'm all for enforcement on the water, even at the boat landing or attached parking lot. But at the liquor store? That's crossing a line -- there are some holy places you don't mess with a guy!

Our group on Insula got stopped by a canoe with two Conservation Officers a few years ago. They actually canoed over to us in the middle of the lake while we were paddling! (it was our last day and we were actually all loaded up and heading for Lake One)

They asked to see our fishing licenses. It was a little windy so we rowed over behind an island to get out of the wind, dug out our licenses, and showed them. They were very friendly once they saw all our licenses were in order and they started talking about the fishing conditions that year so far, joking that they could only seem to catch pike, etc., but they were all business before that!

They never did ask to see our BWCA permit...

IowaGuy: "Our group on Insula got stopped by a canoe with two Conservation Officers a few years ago. They actually canoed over to us in the middle of the lake while we were paddling! (it was our last day and we were actually all loaded up and heading for Lake One)


They asked to see our fishing licenses. It was a little windy so we rowed over behind an island to get out of the wind, dug out our licenses, and showed them. They were very friendly once they saw all our licenses were in order and they started talking about the fishing conditions that year so far, joking that they could only seem to catch pike, etc., but they were all business before that!


They never did ask to see our BWCA permit..."

The Forest Service checks only BWCA permits, while the DNR checks only your fishing license.

In 2004 on quick trip in for one night into Fourtown- my uncle and I were stopped just after we got into Fourtown from the portages from Mudro. It was raining while we’re doing packing in the lot and in the process my uncle locked my keys in the truck but I was able to retrieve them with a wire. In the process, we left the permit on the passenger seat. We told this to the ranger when he asked for our permit and he said no problem and called in my name over the radio and everything checked out.

thegildedgopher: "

Maiingan: "Had a C.O. check a friend for his fishing license. It was in the parking lot of the liquor store. My friend handed him his Indian card with a big smile. He then gave the co his MN fishing license. In the C.O.s defense my friend had a canoe, and you could see 2 fishing rods in the boat."

I'm all for enforcement on the water, even at the boat landing or attached parking lot. But at the liquor store? That's crossing a line -- there are some holy places you don't mess with a guy!"

Yea I have to agree…there are some lines you just don’t cross :)

Maybe I’m remembering it wrong, but I thought I recalled they were going to be increasing the number of rangers this year. Or was that last year? Either way, I hope there are more.

thegildedgopher: "

Maiingan: "Had a C.O. check a friend for his fishing license. It was in the parking lot of the liquor store. My friend handed him his Indian card with a big smile. He then gave the co his MN fishing license. In the C.O.s defense my friend had a canoe, and you could see 2 fishing rods in the boat."

I'm all for enforcement on the water, even at the boat landing or attached parking lot. But at the liquor store? That's crossing a line -- there are some holy places you don't mess with a guy!"

If someone wants sanctuary they can go find a church. I think liquor stores are a great place to look for poachers.

We were visited by a pair of rangers last week at Caribou Lake. They checked our permit and complimented us on our “clean camp.” They we’re very friendly, asked permission to step into our camp, asked how our cooperators did when issuing the permit, and confirmed we knew what we were doing with bear measures (disposing of fish guts, leftover oil, food storage, etc).

Kayaktom: "... bear measures..."

In our visit, I pointed to our bear bag that was hanging at the time and commented that it was not according to the standard. She replied, that it is hard to find appropriate trees at campsites, and that was that.

People's experiences can be so vastly different. I have been asked for my permit exactly once, sometime in the mid-80s on a trip with my dad. Over 40 trips since then...never been asked.

Mike

A bit farther afield.

I once took my parents on a float trip on the Deshka River in AK. We were camped at one point in a small clearing in the brush with no room for another party.

Two really seedy looking guys (close to meth heads) came around a bend, headed upriver in a john boat. They spotted us and turned toward our site. As they got closer I noticed the large caliber revolvers on each of them. Oh boy, this is not going to end well. I glance toward the bear shotgun in my tent. And then from the bow of the boat as they beached:

"Hello folks. May we see your fishing licenses?"

:-)

My son and I were visited on Monday May 16 on Sawbill. We were just tearing down our camp when we saw them approach. Right behind these two was another ranger traveling solo. The two told her they were checking our permit and she mentioned she would head to the next. Very professional, very polite. Asked us about the condition we found the site as we were the first "summer" campers to arrive as ice out had just occured May 13. We told them of all the cig butts around and the various piles of charcoal, (I assumed they were from winter campstoves) but at least 5 piles around. They checked our thunderbox and walked around chatting. They liked my homemade food barrel and our Amok hammocks. They had never seen them before. Of course had to comment on my barrel not being "certified bearproof but it is better than nothing", (of which I asked if the blue barrels were certified,,,,,,"well, of course not"...LOL. We showed him our rope and pulleys as well as the coated bike cable we use if no hanging order is in place.

For us being visited by the rangers is like being carded when buying beer when you are over 21!!! No worries unless you are cheating. BUT, I welcome the visits,,,,,IMHO.

Jaywalker: "

thegildedgopher: "

Maiingan: "Had a C.O. check a friend for his fishing license. It was in the parking lot of the liquor store. My friend handed him his Indian card with a big smile. He then gave the co his MN fishing license. In the C.O.s defense my friend had a canoe, and you could see 2 fishing rods in the boat."

I'm all for enforcement on the water, even at the boat landing or attached parking lot. But at the liquor store? That's crossing a line -- there are some holy places you don't mess with a guy!"

If someone wants sanctuary they can go find a church. I think liquor stores are a great place to look for poachers. "

Actually, unless you're jigging or trolling in the liquor store parking lot there is no reason to possess or produce a fishing license. I could be driving through Minnesota (or any other state) heading to another destination and the fact that I have a canoe and fishing rods, or a boat on a trailer, does not mean I'm fishing or in need of a fishing license.

ScottL: "

Jaywalker: "

thegildedgopher: "

Maiingan: "Had a C.O. check a friend for his fishing license. It was in the parking lot of the liquor store. My friend handed him his Indian card with a big smile. He then gave the co his MN fishing license. In the C.O.s defense my friend had a canoe, and you could see 2 fishing rods in the boat."

I'm all for enforcement on the water, even at the boat landing or attached parking lot. But at the liquor store? That's crossing a line -- there are some holy places you don't mess with a guy!"

If someone wants sanctuary they can go find a church. I think liquor stores are a great place to look for poachers. "

Actually, unless you're jigging or trolling in the liquor store parking lot there is no reason to possess or produce a fishing license. I could be driving through Minnesota (or any other state) heading to another destination and the fact that I have a canoe and fishing rods, or a boat on a trailer, does not mean I'm fishing or in need of a fishing license."

Actually, there is a reason to possess and produce a fishing license. It's called a statute enacted by the Legislature and enforced by the courts.

The "traveling from an area where a licensed activity was performed" part of this is why a CO will inquire about whether you have been fishing :

"2021 Minnesota Statutes
97A.405 LICENSE REQUIREMENTS.
Subdivision 1.Protected wild animals. Unless allowed under the game and fish laws, a person may not take, buy, sell, transport, or possess protected wild animals of this state without a license.
Subd. 2.Personal possession. (a) A person acting under a license or traveling from an area where a licensed activity was performed must have in personal possession either: (1) the proper license, if the license has been issued to and received by the person; (2) a driver's license or Minnesota identification card that bears a valid designation of the proper lifetime license, as provided under section 171.07, subdivision 19; or (3) the proper license identification number or stamp validation, if the license has been sold to the person by electronic means but the actual license has not been issued and received.
(b) If possession of a license or a license identification number is required, a person must exhibit, as requested by a conservation officer or peace officer, either: (1) the proper license if the license has been issued to and received by the person; (2) a driver's license or Minnesota identification card that bears a valid designation of the proper lifetime license, as provided under section 171.07, subdivision 19; or (3) the proper license identification number or stamp validation and a valid state driver's license, state identification card, or other form of identification provided by the commissioner, if the license has been sold to the person by electronic means but the actual license has not been issued and received. A person charged with violating the license possession requirement shall not be convicted if the person produces in court or the office of the arresting officer, the actual license previously issued to that person, which was valid at the time of arrest, or satisfactory proof that at the time of the arrest the person was validly licensed. Upon request of a conservation officer or peace officer, a licensee shall write the licensee's name in the presence of the officer to determine the identity of the licensee."

License requirements

gravelroad:

The "traveling from an area where a licensed activity was performed" part of this is why a CO will inquire about whether you have been fishing : "

I really don't have a dog in this hunt, but I cannot resist.

The key phrase "where a licensed activity was performed" requires some proof that a licensed activity was performed (e.g., fish or fish parts).

We do not know exactly transpired in the parking lot, but it would be reasonable to ask if the person had been fishing FIRST and then proceed with the license check.

If I go to Cabelas, buy a fishing pole and a kayak and drive home via the liquor store, no "licensed activity was performed."

Jaywalker: "Maybe I’m remembering it wrong, but I thought I recalled they were going to be increasing the number of rangers this year. Or was that last year? Either way, I hope there are more. "

For 1.1 million acres of wilderness with ~2000 campsites, ~150,000 annual visitors, and ~70 points of entry, they went from 11 rangers to 21.

Jaywalker: "

thegildedgopher: "

Maiingan: "Had a C.O. check a friend for his fishing license. It was in the parking lot of the liquor store. My friend handed him his Indian card with a big smile. He then gave the co his MN fishing license. In the C.O.s defense my friend had a canoe, and you could see 2 fishing rods in the boat."

I'm all for enforcement on the water, even at the boat landing or attached parking lot. But at the liquor store? That's crossing a line -- there are some holy places you don't mess with a guy!"

If someone wants sanctuary they can go find a church. I think liquor stores are a great place to look for poachers. "

Hard pass on the church. Pass me a cold one though!

Jaywalker: "Hopefully they have their staffing levels up and can’t so this more often this year.


I’ve been checked on the water several times but only once had the FS enter my site. I was just making coffee when they pulled up. One came to speak with me and the other looked all around the camp checking the latrine and watching for any violations. I was glad to see them and hope they do this more often. "

I hope you offered the rangers some coffee. They often don't take time to make any and at least some are quite appreciative of a fresh cup.

One time we were checked on Alice and I asked if they had been fishing only to find that they hadn't even brought a rod so I offered to catch them a fresh walleye for their supper. The seemed surprised when I showed up at their campsite with the walleye and perhaps more so when I fillet it for them.

TechnoScout: "gravelroad:

The "traveling from an area where a licensed activity was performed" part of this is why a CO will inquire about whether you have been fishing : "

I really don't have a dog in this hunt, but I cannot resist.


The key phrase "where a licensed activity was performed" requires some proof that a licensed activity was performed (e.g., fish or fish parts).

""

Yup, there is no case for a CO to ask for a fishing license in a parking lot. No court in the land would bother to hear the case and it would be dismissed before ever going before a judge had a non-licensed person been issued a citation.

Just like having car keys in your pocket while intoxicated does not mean DUI.
Law enforcement, a few of them are abusive and over-reach, and many more citizens cave to those LE.

I'm a huge supporter of LE but not the ones I'm speaking of.
Tom

If you were too drunk to drive and went to sleep in your car with your key on you or in the car, you would get a DUI.

TechnoScout: "gravelroad:

The "traveling from an area where a licensed activity was performed" part of this is why a CO will inquire about whether you have been fishing : "

I really don't have a dog in this hunt, but I cannot resist.


The key phrase "where a licensed activity was performed" requires some proof that a licensed activity was performed (e.g., fish or fish parts).


We do not know exactly transpired in the parking lot, but it would be reasonable to ask if the person had been fishing FIRST and then proceed with the license check.


If I go to Cabelas, buy a fishing pole and a kayak and drive home via the liquor store, no "licensed activity was performed.""

Exactly. If you're driving from South Dakota to Wisconsin with a canoe on top of your vehicle and the back seat full of rods and reels and tackle and you stop in a parking lot in Minnesota you are not performing any licensed activity in Minnesota and have no requirement to possess or show a fishing license to law enforcement.

If asked by law enforcement to show your fishing license it would make sense to explain that you're not fishing in Minnesota, but as others have pointed out no court would uphold any attempt at giving you a citation for not having a fishing license if you're not fishing in that jurisdiction.

Maiingan: "Had a C.O. check a friend for his fishing license. It was in the parking lot of the liquor store. My friend handed him his Indian card with a big smile. He then gave the co his MN fishing license. In the C.O.s defense my friend had a canoe, and you could see 2 fishing rods in the boat."

I don't know what legal rights the CO had, but Mike handed over his license and was on his way. It has always brought on speculation if it was legal. Pick your battels carefully. Around here it is best to kiss up to the fish cops.

RMinMN:
I hope you offered the rangers some coffee. They often don't take time to make any and at least some are quite appreciative of a fresh cup.

One time we were checked on Alice and I asked if they had been fishing only to find that they hadn't even brought a rod so I offered to catch them a fresh walleye for their supper. The seemed surprised when I showed up at their campsite with the walleye and perhaps more so when I fillet it for them. "

You are someone that I would like to paddle with. I would do the same. These wonderful folks are out there protecting the wilderness so we can have the experience that we have, I can only imagine what it would be like without them.

Maiingan: "

Maiingan: "Had a C.O. check a friend for his fishing license. It was in the parking lot of the liquor store. My friend handed him his Indian card with a big smile. He then gave the co his MN fishing license. In the C.O.s defense my friend had a canoe, and you could see 2 fishing rods in the boat."

I don't know what legal rights the CO had, but Mike handed over his license and was on his way. It has always brought on speculation if it was legal. Pick your battels carefully. Around here it is best to kiss up to the fish cops."

I think that's a bit beside the point. He very well could have just arrived in Ely or GM with all his fishing gear before purchasing the license at a gas station -- much like I did this year when entering in May. I don't think I would be very keen on being questioned about a fishing license in the middle of town just because I had fishing rods in my possession. Sometimes I'm just transporting them from domiciles or to free up space elsewhere.

TechnoScout: "gravelroad:

The "traveling from an area where a licensed activity was performed" part of this is why a CO will inquire about whether you have been fishing : "

I really don't have a dog in this hunt, but I cannot resist.


The key phrase "where a licensed activity was performed" requires some proof that a licensed activity was performed (e.g., fish or fish parts).


We do not know exactly transpired in the parking lot, but it would be reasonable to ask if the person had been fishing FIRST and then proceed with the license check.


If I go to Cabelas, buy a fishing pole and a kayak and drive home via the liquor store, no "licensed activity was performed.""

I'm having difficulty understanding why you think your perspective on this differs from mine. The question can get asked long before any "proof" of fishing is required. And FYI, a dog sniff of a vehicle or a boat is not a Fourth Amendment search, so folks will want to be scrupulous in this scenario.

tumblehome: "

TechnoScout: "gravelroad:

The "traveling from an area where a licensed activity was performed" part of this is why a CO will inquire about whether you have been fishing : "

I really don't have a dog in this hunt, but I cannot resist.



The key phrase "where a licensed activity was performed" requires some proof that a licensed activity was performed (e.g., fish or fish parts).


""

Yup, there is no case for a CO to ask for a fishing license in a parking lot. No court in the land would bother to hear the case and it would be dismissed before ever going before a judge had a non-licensed person been issued a citation.


Just like having car keys in your pocket while intoxicated does not mean DUI.
Law enforcement, a few of them are abusive and over-reach, and many more citizens cave to those LE.


I'm a huge supporter of LE but not the ones I'm speaking of.
Tom"

NOTHING bars the question "Have you been fishing?" from being asked. Nothing. It's the affirmative answer (assuming the absence of physical evidence of having been fishing) that authorizes a demand to produce the license.

RMinMN: "

Jaywalker: "Hopefully they have their staffing levels up and can’t so this more often this year.



I’ve been checked on the water several times but only once had the FS enter my site. I was just making coffee when they pulled up. One came to speak with me and the other looked all around the camp checking the latrine and watching for any violations. I was glad to see them and hope they do this more often. "

I hope you offered the rangers some coffee. They often don't take time to make any and at least some are quite appreciative of a fresh cup.


One time we were checked on Alice and I asked if they had been fishing only to find that they hadn't even brought a rod so I offered to catch them a fresh walleye for their supper. The seemed surprised when I showed up at their campsite with the walleye and perhaps more so when I fillet it for them. "

As I recall we did. Back then I used to make a pretty big pot of coffee cowboy style in the morning so I would have had it ready. I seem to recall they were on to the next camp site when done with us.

When someone gets back to shore after fishing and cleans a walleye to take home, you are required to cut it into no more than 2 fillets, each with a 1 square inch piece of skin still on it. Each fillet needs to be accessible, countable, and identifiable. Trout have to have the heads on. Ducks or pheasants have to have a fully feathered wing (or leg for pheasant).

So why do people think these rules exist.? Because a CO may just check you in the parking lot of the liquor store if they have reason to believe you have been fishing or hunting.

I am the guy that if everyone is going 10 mph faster than me, I’ll still be the one pulled over for speeding. Not sure why…but it is what it is.

In Quetico I’ve been checked on Crooked, Argo, Ted, and Burt. In the BWCAW been checked on Lake 3, Adams, Raven, and Amber.

The year we got checked on Ted, Robin Reilly had just been at our camp the night before to write in the message jar. He was taking a personal trip/vacation. So in 2 days saw the Park Superintendent and got checked. Reilly just acted like a fellow camper…although I am sure he would of done something if things were out of order.

T

Jaywalker: "When someone gets back to shore after fishing and cleans a walleye to take home, you are required to cut it into no more than 2 fillets, each with a 1 square inch piece of skin still on it. Each fillet needs to be accessible, countable, and identifiable. Trout have to have the heads on. Ducks or pheasants have to have a fully feathered wing (or leg for pheasant).


So why do people think these rules exist.? Because a CO may just check you in the parking lot of the liquor store if they have reason to believe you have been fishing or hunting. "

Of course you are correct…I think some were joking about the Liquor store being a sacred place :)

I think we don’t really know the details and how the conversation went and I think how one responds depends on how we are imagining the interaction in our heads.

T

tumblehome: "

TechnoScout: "gravelroad:

The "traveling from an area where a licensed activity was performed" part of this is why a CO will inquire about whether you have been fishing : "

I really don't have a dog in this hunt, but I cannot resist.



The key phrase "where a licensed activity was performed" requires some proof that a licensed activity was performed (e.g., fish or fish parts).


""

Yup, there is no case for a CO to ask for a fishing license in a parking lot. No court in the land would bother to hear the case and it would be dismissed before ever going before a judge had a non-licensed person been issued a citation.


Just like having car keys in your pocket while intoxicated does not mean DUI.
Law enforcement, a few of them are abusive and over-reach, and many more citizens cave to those LE.


I'm a huge supporter of LE but not the ones I'm speaking of.
Tom"

There would have to be something else to show that the person had been fishing, like watching him lift a stringer of fish from the back of a truck and show it to someone else. Otherwise, you could always chat him up and ask if he’s been fishing or how the fishing was. If the response indicates that he HAD been fishing, then you could ask for a license.

But just seeing fishing rods? No.

Northland: "

tumblehome: "

TechnoScout: "gravelroad:

The "traveling from an area where a licensed activity was performed" part of this is why a CO will inquire about whether you have been fishing : "

I really don't have a dog in this hunt, but I cannot resist.



The key phrase "where a licensed activity was performed" requires some proof that a licensed activity was performed (e.g., fish or fish parts).



""

Yup, there is no case for a CO to ask for a fishing license in a parking lot. No court in the land would bother to hear the case and it would be dismissed before ever going before a judge had a non-licensed person been issued a citation.



Just like having car keys in your pocket while intoxicated does not mean DUI.
Law enforcement, a few of them are abusive and over-reach, and many more citizens cave to those LE.



I'm a huge supporter of LE but not the ones I'm speaking of.
Tom"

There would have to be something else to show that the person had been fishing, like watching him lift a stringer of fish from the back of a truck and show it to someone else. Otherwise, you could always chat him up and ask if he’s been fishing or how the fishing was. If the response indicates that he HAD been fishing, then you could ask for a license.


But just seeing fishing rods? No."

Hmmm, there seems to be an echo in here. ;-)

"NOTHING bars the question 'Have you been fishing?' from being asked. Nothing. It's the affirmative answer (assuming the absence of physical evidence of having been fishing) that authorizes a demand to produce the license."

Northwoodsman: "

RMinMN:
I hope you offered the rangers some coffee. They often don't take time to make any and at least some are quite appreciative of a fresh cup.


One time we were checked on Alice and I asked if they had been fishing only to find that they hadn't even brought a rod so I offered to catch them a fresh walleye for their supper. They seemed surprised when I showed up at their campsite with the walleye and perhaps more so when I fillet it for them. "

You are someone that I would like to paddle with. I would do the same. These wonderful folks are out there protecting the wilderness so we can have the experience that we have, I can only imagine what it would be like without them."

Awesome and agree with all the comments

I've only seen female Rangers on both sides of the boarder.

Blatz: "I've only seen female Rangers on both sides of the border."

In Quetico, I use to run into Chris Stromberg every year, and had great talks. He has been there a long time and has done an excellent job in promoting Quetico. Thanks, Chris.

Blatz: "I've only seen female Rangers on both sides of the boarder."

In 2020, I saw two male rangers heading out for latrine duty. We talked but they did not ask to see our permit.

TechnoScout: "

Blatz: "I've only seen female Rangers on both sides of the border."

In 2020, I saw two male rangers heading out for latrine duty. We talked but they did not ask to see our permit."

Just think about digging a new latrine when bugs are bad and your sweating. Thank you for your service.

The only time we had a ranger come into camp was when we were swimming without getting our clothes wet. They did not come over to the cove where we were, or ask to see our permit :D

thegildedgopher: "I'm all for enforcement on the water, even at the boat landing or attached parking lot. But at the liquor store? That's crossing a line -- there are some holy places you don't mess with a guy!"

Basically they can check you anywhere they feel like if they see fishing gear. Two years in a row some years back the DNR and State Patrol blocked south bound 169 at the rest stop south of Onamia. All cars were directed into the rest area. If you didn't have fishing gear you were waived on through.

I once was asked by a ranger to show my permit twice on the same trip on consecutive days. It was the same ranger both days.

The advice I passed on to our kids was "the time to argue the merits of your case is NOT with the guy with the gun".

I was on my way back to camp after a morning of fishing when I was approached by a pair of Rangers. As they pulled up to me they said “Hi Ray!” I was looking at them dumbfounded when they told me they had just spoken to our group leader back in camp. They (1 male and 1 female ranger) got a good laugh at my expression. We chatted a bit about what they were doing and they wished me well and went on their way.

I have had a number of times when rangers asked to check my permit. Always a pleasant experience and I enjoy talking with them.

One trip of Lake Four an officer came up quickly from beyond the point we were camping on. I was just testing out my buddies new rod and reel, when he pulled up. He wanted to see every persons Fishing license, even the guys sleeping in the tents. I thought that was weird. Half the trips I take there are group members that are not fishing. This trip we had 6 guys. One thing to be on the water fishing, but to ask everyone in camp for licenses is not right. He only saw me fishing. No other fishing gear was down by the lake, only me and my buddy showing me his new gear. Its like knocking on my house door and asking to see my drivers license, my wife’s and daughters license because there is a car in the driveway. But whatever, we complied with his orders and we got the boys out of the rack and found everyone’s license. I’m glad the conservation officers are out there checking people, even in the middle of nowhere.

moray: "I was on my way back to camp after a morning of fishing when I was approached by a pair of Rangers. As they pulled up to me they said “Hi Ray!” I was looking at them dumbfounded when they told me they had just spoken to our group leader back in camp. They (1 male and 1 female ranger) got a good laugh at my expression. We chatted a bit about what they were doing and they wished me well and went on their way."

They took the job because they like the outdoors and natural resource's just like we do.

Eight trips so for us and we have yet to see any rangers or DNR. I have always thought it would be great to spend an evening at camp with BWCA rangers and listen to some of their stories. I can only imagine the things they have experienced.

jhb8426: "

thegildedgopher: "I'm all for enforcement on the water, even at the boat landing or attached parking lot. But at the liquor store? That's crossing a line -- there are some holy places you don't mess with a guy!"

Basically they can check you anywhere they feel like if they see fishing gear. Two years in a row some years back the DNR and State Patrol blocked south bound 169 at the rest stop south of Onamia. All cars were directed into the rest area. If you didn't have fishing gear you were waived on through."

Just because they do this doesn't make it legal. This scenario presents some serious constitutional issues. For comparison sake, roadside random DUI checkpoints are illegal in Minnesota.

I don't know about Minnesota, but in KY fish and game CO's have far more authority to stop and check for violations then typical cops. I would be willing to bet the same is true in MN

Savage Voyageur: "One trip of Lake Four an officer came up quickly from beyond the point we were camping on. I was just testing out my buddies new rod and reel, when he pulled up. He wanted to see every persons Fishing license, even the guys sleeping in the tents. I thought that was weird. Half the trips I take there are group members that are not fishing. This trip we had 6 guys. One thing to be on the water fishing, but to ask everyone in camp for licenses is not right. He only saw me fishing. No other fishing gear was down by the lake, only me and my buddy showing me his new gear. Its like knocking on my house door and asking to see my drivers license, my wife’s and daughters license because there is a car in the driveway. But whatever, we complied with his orders and we got the boys out of the rack and found everyone’s license. I’m glad the conservation officers are out there checking people, even in the middle of nowhere. "

If one or two people in the group didn't have a license the CO couldn't, and wouldn't, issue them a citation if they were not in possession of fishing gear or in the act of fishing. But if those two people had even thought about tossing out a line thinking they would never get caught in the middle of the wilderness, I bet that changed their mind quickly. I never have a fishing license in the BWCA, I'm the only one in my group that doesn't usually. I don't like to lug along my gear on the plane and the few times that I have purchased a license I have not caught a single fish. I'm there to paddle, take in nature, and explore. Fishing from a canoe just doesn't do anything for me.

I get checked all the time. My buddies tell the warden, "Go check that guy in the red canoe... he's a real violator."

Here I am giving fishing tips to a federal and state warden. The state warden is taking notes on my advice.

ockycamper: "I don't know about Minnesota, but in KY fish and game CO's have far more authority to stop and check for violations then typical cops. I would be willing to bet the same is true in MN
"

I was driving back to MN from Yellowstone in the fall a few years ago, and on the eastern side of South Dakota I passed a couple of their Conservation Officers parked on the interstate watching cars go by. A mile or two down the road was a rest area set up as an inspection station with a bunch more officers. The first guys were apparently looking for which cars to signal to pull in for inspection. I figured they were looking for camo, orange, dog kennels, etc. clearly they were looking for Minnesotans and Wisconsinites who might be bringing too many pheasants home.

Blatz: "I've only seen female Rangers on both sides of the boarder."

Those female Rangers would be strong! Good for bearing many children! They could pack out the Buffalo meat and tan their hides to make you a warm coat for the Winter. Oops... for some reason thinking of two of my all time favorite movies, Jeremiah Johnson and Dances with Wolves. No offense meant to female Rangers or strong Canoe Women!

We've been checked for permits twice. And once a group of 3 guys that looked like members of ZZ Top pulled up with really long curly beards and said they were checking sites and cataloguing them for indigenous artifacts. They went up the hill behind the site and checked it for a while. I told them about a place on the lake that I thought probably had been a place that that had been used for a long time in the past. The area was a peninsula that had a large grassy area with no underbrush, surrounded by trees and was a high overlook. I found it because I thought it was the campsite marked on the map, but it was a little further away. I still wonder if they found stuff there. It was kind of creepy, because it felt like it was recently lived in and abandoned since the underbrush had not regrown.

Encountered a couple CO's at the Lake One access as I was coming out on a rare April trip.
My only rod was a 5ft ul rigged with a little jig and trimmed 2" powerminnow.

They asked me how fishing was and if I seen anyone else out fishing.
I described the strange encounter of a couple hours earlier of a couple guys who came into my area as I was breaking camp. It was a canoe with the center guy oaring and the back guy paddling.

And they reacted like they were very surprised I was there, fishing rigs but no camping gear. Just sat there and eyed me for 10-15 minutes as they talked quietly. The CO's seemed very interested in my tale.
Anyways........they never asked me for my fishing licence, but did ask to see my off season permit.

Funny thing was........I forgot to fill one out, remembered when I got to camp......shiat, oh well, what are the chances mid April.........yea, I spied them just standing at the access from a couple hundred yards away talking to a couple that were checking the end of the road out . Are you kidding me!?
Luckily I passed them with my first load with a head nod, and off to the truck and grabbed one from my glove compartment and deposited it in the box on the way for my second load. *whew*

Years and years ago we were base camping on the coveted Fish Stake Narrows site, we watched a canoe with a single occupant going from campsite to campsite. As he approached our campsite we could tell he was a USFS ranger and were expecting an inspection. We couldn't have been more wrong. As it turns out he was fishing the deep water of Lady Boot Bay and hooked a MONSTER Lake Trout. That fish seemed like it filled up his entire canoe. He was soo proud and excited that he was going from campsite to campsite showing off his trophy. I can't imagine that battle, it must have been awesome. We talked for a few minutes then he left. He was on cloud 9.

bobbernumber3: "

I get checked all the time. My buddies tell the warden, "Go check that guy in the red canoe... he's a real violator."

Here I am giving fishing tips to a federal and state warden. The state warden is taking notes on my advice."

Hahaha, funny!

IndyCanoe: "Eight trips so for us and we have yet to see any rangers or DNR. I have always thought it would be great to spend an evening at camp with BWCA rangers and listen to some of their stories. I can only imagine the things they have experienced. "

My favorite nephew has been a WI DNR warden for the 10 or so years. He has a number of funny and pathetic stories of people he has encountered on the job.

Back in the 70’s when I was kid, we took annual motor trips to either Basswood or Saganaga with my Dad, Grandpa and 2 brothers. My oldest brother Steve was 17 or 18. I would have been about 12 and my other brother 11. One year when we were out fishing, we were checked by a ranger. When Dad was asked about our fishing licenses he said we were all under the age needed for a license (I think it was 16 at the time).

The ranger was really nice, but gave a funny look and as he was leaving he said “next time you’re out tell your 16 year old to shave” :-) It was the only time I’ve been checked in about 30 trips(virtually all via canoe).

I don’t know if my Dad forgot to make sure if Steve had a license or some other reason, but to explain, he was a lifelong outdoorsman that never tried to skirt any regulations. To the point where he would count our sunnies on successful outings to make sure we were under the limit. We still laugh about the incident in deer camp.

Fritty

In approximately 40 trips we have been checked a handful of times. Usually by the time they have gotten to us I have seen them and have the permit out expecting them to ask to see it. I have only actually been asked twice to see it. They usually have chatted a few minutes and been very professional and friendly. When we have been at camp they have been quick about checking our latrine and then letting us get back to enjoying our time in the wilderness. We were in the Blowdown in July of 1999 and saw many rangers that trip. They were more concerned that we were alright than about seeing our permits.

I have never been asked to see my fishing license in the BWCA or Quetico.

As for if the CO can ask to see your fishing license at the liquor store I am pretty sure they can ask you whatever they want. You can choose not answer/comply if you want to make a point about it, or you can simply produce it and know you won't have any problems. Just my two cents. I have never been treated poorly by a CO/DNR officer unless we have been in violation of something (which has been twice as I am generally very good about sticking to the rules).

I will admit to my mistakes though...

One time we were taking the kids on a short ride in the Ranger. A CO flagged us down and we turned around and met up with her. She informed the other father and me that the kids were required to have helmets on. I let her know that it was my responsibility to know the rules and that we would head back to the cabin and no do more rides without helmets. She did write me one citation but could have written 3 since we had 3 kids buckled in the back. I wasn't mad about it at all. I was breaking the rules and she called me on it. I felt lucky to not get 3 citations.

Also last year we were traveling back from our annual trip to Lake of the Woods ice fishing for walleyes. We got stopped in the truck at the border and asked about how many fish we had. I replied with how many she had (42 fish, 28 walleyes and 14 sauger). She told me our group was far over the limit (4 of us in the truck). Thinking she misunderstood I let her know the rest of our group (3 more licensed fisherman) was in the truck right behind us and we had just the one cooler. She informed me that the rules say we should only poses as many fish as licensed anglers in our vehicle and the other fish needed to be in the other vehicle. I thought this was a little bit strict but offered to pull off ahead and move some of the fish to the other vehicle (it was well below 0 and they would have stayed frozen in the truck bed no problem). She said that wasn't necessary and wanted us to be aware of the rules for future. Next year we will have 2 coolers.