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Anglers who fish trout streams in southeastern Minnesota can take advantage of a longer catch-and-release season this fall, will not be required to use barbless hooks, and will have a longer winter catch-and -release season too. The Minnesota DNR has extended the fall catch-and-release season to Wednesday, Oct. 15, for all streams in Dodge, Fillmore, Goodhue, Houston, Mower, Olmsted, Wabasha and Winona counties. This is a two week extension of the season.

Beginning Jan. 1, all southeast Minnesota streams will be open in winter to catch-and -release trout fishing, in a season that runs through April 17. Previously the season ended on the last day of March and was limited to far fewer streams.

Southeastern state parks will provide year round trout fishing opportunities with an extended catch-and-release season that runs from Sept. 15 through April 17, 2015 in the following waters; East Beaver Creek in Beaver Creek Valley State Park; Forestville Creek in Forestville/Mystery Cave State Park; Canfield Creek in Forestville/Mystery Cave State Park; South Branch Root River in Forestville/Mystery Cave State Park; Trout Run Creek in Whitewater State Park and Middle Branch Whitewater River in Whitewater State Park. For more information and the updated fishing regulations online, go to http://www.mndnr.gov/fishmn/trout.

Bow and Firearm Possession

Q. While hunting this fall, can I carry a shotgun for turkey and a bow for deer?

A. No. It is unlawful to possess a firearm while archery deer hunting. This applies to bow hunters with a crossbow permit as well. The exception is that if you have permit to carry a handgun, you may have it while archery deer hunting, but this provision does not extend to shotguns or rifles. If you’d like to use a shotgun for turkey, you’ll need to take your bow home, back to camp or secure it in a vehicle first. Lt. Mike Martin, DNR Enforcement Division district supervisor.