Possession limit and taxidermist

[vister]

So, a few months ago I was fortunate enough to pull a 44" northern outta lake of the woods. She is currently at the taxidermist. My question is, does having a fish at a taxidermist count towards my possession limit. Being MN has a one over 30" in possession. I am goin back up in a few weeks, and would like to know if it is catch and release, or if I am allowed another over 30". Lake of the woods has a 30"-40" release slot, and one over 40" in possession. I spoke with my local CO, and she was uncertain of the possession, if it was currently at a taxidermist. She said it was a gray area, but she would look into it further, and get back to me

[Chris Haley]

My thought is that once a fish goes to the taxidermist and is cleaned for mounting. The carcass ceases to be a viable fish that could be counted in ones daily/possession limit. I have four deer mounts on my wall. If mounts were to be counted, I would never be able to hunt again.

[Chris Barlage]

I would think that since there is no meat on that mount that you are ok, I have never read a story about a person ticketed for over limit because he had to many fish heads or guts, if that was the case a lot of resorts would be GOL in the fish cleaning station.

[Crappyfisherman]

Nice Northen, that fish has been processed and would not count for the next time you go fishing unless there is a season limit of one fish like Sturgeon.

[Greybeard53]

As a licensed taxidermist, you are required to document every animal or fish taken in. That entry transfers the possession and it no longer ounts as part of your possession.

If it's not a licensed taxidermist and just a hobbyist, then it can get gray.

[vister]

Thanks for the input guys. CO got back to me. Once taxidermist fills out paper work and writes down your mn id number, fish is no longer in your possession. Only if taxidermist keeps fish at their licensed establishment. Unless, say, like mentioned, it's a sturgeon where possession is one per year.