Watch CBS News

DNR: No Fishing On Honor System During Shutdown

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) -- The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources says there's no way to get around the state's fishing license requirements during the government shutdown.

The state's electronic licensing system was taken offline when the shutdown began July 1, leaving anglers unable to buy fishing licenses. And that's caused concern in the state's tourism industry. The DNR made it clear Wednesday that fishing on the honor system is not allowed.

The DNR says some contract license agents and resorts have been issuing so-called "temporary licenses" on the condition that buyers promise to purchase a legal license when the shutdown ends.

But DNR Enforcement Chief Jim Konrad says those unauthorized documents are not valid. And he says anyone caught fishing without a valid license could be ticketed.

(© Copyright 2011 The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.)

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.