From the Grand Forks Herald - April 17, 2020

Here is the text of statement from outdoors groups to Minnesota hunters and anglers.

Whether or not you’re planning to hit the water or the woods in the coming weeks, you can still make a positive difference for our fish and wildlife today!  If your circumstances allow, we encourage you to buy fishing and hunting licenses and stamps, even if you do not plan to fish or hunt.

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April 16, 2020

Dear Minnesota Anglers and Hunters:

While there are many uncertainties today, you can count on the start of the Minnesota hunting and fishing seasons. Governor Walz’s stay at home order actually encourages people to get outdoors and engage in activities that include hunting and fishing.

Whether or not you’re planning to hit the water or the woods in the coming weeks, you can still make a positive difference for our fish and wildlife today! If your circumstances allow, we encourage you to buy fishing and hunting licenses and stamps, even if you do not plan to fish or hunt.

Not everyone realizes the management of fish and wildlife by the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, Division of Fish and Wildlife, is paid for by hunters and anglers. This is done through the sale of fishing, hunting and related licenses and stamps, as well as federal excise taxes on fishing and hunting equipment purchases. This vital work is funded by anglers and hunters. It is not funded by property or general income taxes. 

We in the hunting and angling community have a long history of stepping up during times of adversity to promote fish and wildlife management and conservation. Some of the best programs operating today were created in the shadow of the Great Depression of the 1930s. 

Many retail locations that sell licenses remain open, and we encourage you to support them. If you’d prefer not to go out, you can also purchase these from home. Visit the DNR webpage, www.mndnr.gov or call the DNR at 888-665-4236.

We hope you are able to get outside and enjoy the activities you love. If you do so, please stay close to home and follow the social distancing guidelines set forth by Governor Walz. Most of all, stay safe.

Thank you.

The statement was signed by the following outdoors groups.

Delta Waterfowl Society

Ducks Unlimited

Lake Superior Steelhead Association

Minnesota Anglers for Habitat

Minnesota Back County Hunters and Anglers

Minnesota Conservation Federation

Minnesota Darkhouse & Angling Association

Minnesota Deer Hunters Association

MN-FISH

Minnesota Outdoor Heritage Alliance

Minnesota Pheasants, Inc.

Minnesota Prairie Chicken Society

Minnesota Sharp-Tailed Grouse Society

Minnesota Trout Unlimited

National Wild Turkey Federation

Nicollet Conservation Club

Pheasants Forever

Rainy River Guide Association

Ruffed Grouse Society

Sportsmen for the Boundary Waters

Viking Sportsmen

Lake Superior Steelhead