Minnesota 2008 Fishing Tournament Applications Being Accepted
Does your company or organization want to host a fishing tournament in Minnesota next year? Now is the time for interested organizations and individuals to submit applications.
Starting August 1, the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) will begin receiving applications for 2008 fishing tournament permits. Applications can be downloaded at http://www.mndnr.gov/. Preference will be given to applications received by September 28.
The DNR must limit the size and frequency of tournaments in certain rivers and lakes in order to comply with ongoing fish management programs. “By limiting the number of contests held on any lake or stream on a monthly basis, we are addressing the concerns of lake users that fishing tournaments disturb their fishing, swimming, boating and other water recreation,” said Al Stevens, fisheries program consultant.
In 2007, DNR issued nearly 600 permits statewide for fishing contests. Tournaments for 18 year olds and younger do not require a DNR permit. All other tournaments do require a permit and an application fee is required depending on the size and location of the proposed tournament.
I for one thing fishing tournaments are a great way for non-profit organizations, corporations and charities to get families and anglers outdoors in support of a good cause. Visit your state’s Fish and Wildlife services web site to see if your organization can apply for tournament permits in your area. The more we continue to educate the next generation on fishing safety, proper fishing equipment maintenance and usage, and water safety, the better off they will be.
