Need a license?

[dovix]

My cheap side is shining through as I think about my ice-fishing options for this winter, so I was curious. How much of a "shelter" do you have to have before a license/registration is required in MN? I know that a standard portable requires a reg, but what if I just have a 2-sided structure that's pretty much just a wind-break? As long as it's not a fully enclosed shelter can I legally skip the reg?

[eyehunter]

No I don't think so.

[tonyjor]

I'm not sure about the regs right off hand. I think if it has 3 walls or 2 walls and a ceiling it's considered a shelter. Personally, even if I'm broke, I'll spend 12 bucks to stay warm for the season.

[dovix]

I know, I know, I'm being cheap to the point of being ridiculous. I've been thinking more and more about buying a portable (but I'm too cheap to spend the $200) but the "extra" fee to the state of MN has kept me from doing it. Hmm, I guess I'm willing to pay to have my boat registered, this is the same thing, right? But my boat is an actual vehicle. The portable is just a way to keep warm. But then again, my coat is a way to keep warm. Maybe I need to get a reg. for my coat. 3-inch letters up the sleeve and across the back?

Oh well, I suppose all I really need is a stick, a string, a hook and a hole, beyond that everything is a luxury. Hmm, I guess the stick is actually a bit of a luxury as well.

Hope to see y'all on the ice. I'll be the one sitting on the bucket.

Dovix.

[TNT4ME]

holy chit man,

if you are that close, just stay home and run up to the store and buy your fish, that would be the easiest and cheapest way to go, and then the rest of us don't have to put up with you in our way.

heck, cheaper yet, stop in a fast food place and get a filet-o-fish sandwich.

[dodgeman]

Oh my If you have to put that much thought into this i think id stay home Ice fishing is not a hobby for you maybe try sewing or something like that. the shelter is just the start of the 200.00 bills

[cisco kid]

I think you only have to pay half the tax

[dovix]

TNT, I said I was too cheap, not too poor.

My ice fishing "start-up" package cost under $50 a bunch of years ago and I probably haven't had to drop more than $100 more on the few upgrades I've made. That doesn't keep me off the ice, and I have a great time, but the next round of equipment upgrades have a steeper price tag (flasher, power auger, shelter, etc.). Dropping $200 (or $400 or $600 or...) in one big chunk makes my Cheap-O-Meter flash brighter and redder than a 30-inch walleye on a Vexilar.

It sounds like cold won't be too big an issue this weekend, it's supposed to get up towards 40 on Saturday. Perfect bucket-sitting weather.

[I_Love_Nuge]

I'm very cheap myself, but are you honestly too cheap to spend the $12 for a shelter liscence where the money goes to the DNR to support the lakes that you are fishing on? If thats the case then thats so pathetic that it's sad.

[dirtking]

how about if you set up a portable outside of your wheel house to take care of business in - does that need a license if it has no holes drilled?

[dirtking]

So I did some looking and I have concluded if you set up a fish house and do not fish out of it - you do not need the license just your DL # or MNDNR # or name address ect. I already have 2 shelter licenses and think buying three is over the limit!

[Holaey]

dovix,

Are you from Newfolden, mn????

Do you fish a lot at LOW????

[dovix]

I'm in Moorhead, do most of my fishing in Becker and Otter Tail counties. All the lakes are 40+ minutes away, but there's a lot of variety.