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97C.345 Restrictions on use and possession of nets and spears.

Subdivision 1. Period when use prohibited. Except as specifically authorized, a person may not take fish from the third Monday in February to April 30 with a spear, fish trap, net, dip net, seine, or other device capable of taking fish.

Subd. 2. Possession. (a) Except as specifically authorized, a person may not possess a spear, fish trap, net, dip net, seine, or other device capable of taking fish on or near any waters. Possession includes personal possession and in a vehicle.

(b) A person may possess spears, dip nets, bows and arrows, and spear guns allowed under section 97C.381 on or near waters between sunrise and sunset from May 1 to the third Sunday in February.

Subd. 3. Dip nets. A person may possess and use a dip net between one hour before sunrise and one hour after sunset from May 1 to the third Sunday in February.

Subd. 4. Exceptions. Subdivisions 1 to 3 do not apply to:

(1) nets used to take rainbow smelt during the open season;

(2) nets used to land game fish taken by angling;

(3) seines or traps used for the taking of minnows for bait;

(4) nets, seines, or traps possessed and used under an aquatic farm license; and

(5) angling equipment.

Subd. 5. Rules. The commissioner may adopt rules to regulate the use of nets to take fish.

HIST: 1986 c 386 art 3 s 31; 1987 c 149 art 1 s 52,53; 1992 c 566 s 20; 1993 c 231 s 57,58; 1Sp1995 c 1 s 36-38

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Revisor of Statutes