the MNR
A Minnesota angler has been fined $3,025 for possessing more than his limit of walleye.
James Merton Neilson, of Andover, was convicted of possessing 11 walleye over his legal possession limit of four and fined $275 for each over-limit fish.
Court heard that on Sept. 6, Ministry of Natural Resources conservation officers contacted Neilson at the dock of a remote resort during a marine fisheries patrol on Lake of the Woods, north of the Canada-U.S. border.
Although Neilson was found to have his limit of walleye in his boat, officers later determined he also had more walleye stored in his cabin and the resort’s freezer.
Justice of the Peace Robert McNally heard the case Nov. 5 in Kenora.
The ministry reminds the public that it is illegal to stockpile large quantities of fish. An individual may not have more fish than the possession limit of that species.
Possession is considered to include storing fish at home, at other locations, in freezers, holding them in live wells, or even having eaten them as part of a day’s meal.
For more information on fishing regulations, consult the 2008-09 Recreational Fishing Regulations Summary, available at ServiceOntario/Government Information Centres, from licence issuers, and at ontario.ca/fishing
To report a natural resource violation, call toll-free 1-877-TIPS-MNR (847-7667) any time or contact your local MNR office during regular business hours.
You also can call Crime Stoppers anonymously at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477).
