In Reality There’s No Such Thing As A FREE License

I had to chuckle at this Minnesota Department of Natural Resources news release that came across my desk a few days ago.   I’ve highlighted the key parts worthy of a good laugh:

Free license now required for small game hunters younger than 16
(Released July 26, 2010)

Youth younger than 16 must obtain a free license to hunt small game this fall, according to the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR). Although the license is free, it is subject to a nominal vendor service charge.

The new license requirement, mandated by the Legislature in 2008, affects a number of popular game species including squirrel, rabbit, grouse, pheasant and waterfowl. Youth also must satisfy all requirements related to hunter education and firearms safety.

Small game season opens Saturday, Sept. 18. Free youth licenses are available online at and at the DNR License Center, 500 Lafayette Road in St. Paul.

The new youth small game hunting licenses also are available at DNR license agents across Minnesota. License agents are allowed to charge a 50-cent fee for any free license or permit.

Youth licenses are available via phone at 888-665-4236 but a nominal customer service fee will be charged.

I guess it just goes to show you that whenever the government is involved and it promises something for FREE…well, chances are pretty good it’s still going to cost you some way, some how.

©2010 Jim Braaten.  All Rights Reserved.  No Reproduction without Prior Permission.

Making Some Improvements For The Future

Hey folks, just a quick blog post to say we’ve made some improvements to the Sportsman’s Blog site so it might be necessary to update your news feed to be alerted to all the new posts. I’ve also noted that by migrating the old site to a new blogging platform it may have caused some posts to appear twice in your feed aggregator. I apologize for this occurrence, but from this point moving forward only a single entry should appear in future blog post alerts.

I’m hopeful moving to the new blogging platform should allow for easier posting when away from the office. Honestly, when I first started this venture almost 6 years ago I never thought blogging would evolve into the important communication medium it has now become. Stay tuned…I have lots of exciting things planned for the upcoming months.

Thanks for being a loyal Sportsman’s Blog reader!! Be sure to leave any comments or suggestions you may have below.

These Ducks Know Where To Play It Safe

Took this picture a few weeks ago while on vacation with the family in northern Minnesota.   I have to say, these are some of the smartest ducks I have ever seen.   All I know is if I should come back in “another life” as some species of waterfowl, I’m seeking out the perceived security of this spot on the lake.

IMG_0618

©2010 Jim Braaten.  All Rights Reserved.  No Reproduction without Prior Permission.