Me and my Newest Michigan Fishing License vs. Walmart
May 2, 2019 19:34:27 #
Having recently moved to Michigan from the Dallas, TX area - one of the top items on my to-do list was to get myself established as a fishing person that resides in Michigan... So, my first task was to get the "fishing book" from the Michigan DNR and study up on the local rules. Beings as I still have my Texas Drivers License, I paid very close attention to the sections about acquiring a Resident Michigan License.
It turns out that the Michigan DNR has graciously provided a way for new residents to purchase a resident fishing license, without the need for a Michigan Drivers License.
It works like this... To get a resident fishing license here in Michigan you need something off this list:
- A Michigan Drivers License, OR
- A Michigan Issued State ID, OR
- A Michigan DNR Sportcard
Obviously. I looked at the rules for a DNR Sportcard. It turns out that this will prove you're a resident, and to get one, you need proof of residence. Something like a utility bill, copy of a property lease agreement, or other paper that shows your local residential address on some kind of local government official paper. I used a water/sewer/garbage monthly bill from the city I live in.
So, I jump into my Texas Licensed car... with my Texas Drivers License... and my proof of residence in hand... and happily traveled over to the local Wally World. When I got to the Walmart Fishing License desk, I explained to the Department Manager that I wanted a Michigan DNR Sportcard, my Drivers License was from Texas, and showed him my proof of residence... namely the water/sewer/garbage monthly bill from the city I live in... and because I did all that, I then wanted to purchase a Michigan Resident Fishing License.
Well, you can imagine my disappointment when Mr. Walmart Department Manager told me I couldn't do that, because I had a Texas Drivers License. (????) I opened the little DNR book and pointed him at the relevant paragraphs (shown above, noting that each item on the list is an OR item, not an AND item... along with the rules of the DNR Sportcard).
Mr. Department Manager insisted that the first item on the list is a Michigan Drivers License... and that is the Word From God. Beings as I have a Texas Drivers License and not wanting to get into some kind of big public argument over his B.S., I said OK. He charged me $77.00 for a Michigan Fishing License and DNR Sportcard... and I went home knowing I could now fish in Michigan legally.
When I got home, I called Michigan DNR... and explained (in four part harmony) what the rules actually said... and how I'd gotten ripped off big time. My new buddy (Joe) at the Michigan DNR and Joe told me to go back to Wally World and complain... along with having Mr. Department Manager call him at the Michigan DNR.
I did that, along with stopping off and getting the Walmart Store Manager up to date with my difficulties.
It turns out that when the Walmart Store Manager and Mr. Department Manager called the Michigan DNR, my interpretation of the Resident Michigan Fishing License was (obviously) correct. So, the Walmart Manager and Mr. Department Manager then kindly did everything in the way I originally intended, and instead of paying the original $77.00, I paid the more proper $16.00 for this year's Michigan Fishing License.
At the end of this long-azzed post, the moral of the story is, it's ALWAYS a good idea to read the DNR rules for your state, and where appropriate, do not listen to Mr. Department Manager and take his determination of the rules because he's supposedly an "expert". :)
Best Regards and Good Luck!
Fred Williams, now a full and completely legal resident of Michigan's DNR fishing program.
P.S. That $16.00 license price only works in Michigan if you are 65 or older.
It turns out that the Michigan DNR has graciously provided a way for new residents to purchase a resident fishing license, without the need for a Michigan Drivers License.
It works like this... To get a resident fishing license here in Michigan you need something off this list:
- A Michigan Drivers License, OR
- A Michigan Issued State ID, OR
- A Michigan DNR Sportcard
Obviously. I looked at the rules for a DNR Sportcard. It turns out that this will prove you're a resident, and to get one, you need proof of residence. Something like a utility bill, copy of a property lease agreement, or other paper that shows your local residential address on some kind of local government official paper. I used a water/sewer/garbage monthly bill from the city I live in.
So, I jump into my Texas Licensed car... with my Texas Drivers License... and my proof of residence in hand... and happily traveled over to the local Wally World. When I got to the Walmart Fishing License desk, I explained to the Department Manager that I wanted a Michigan DNR Sportcard, my Drivers License was from Texas, and showed him my proof of residence... namely the water/sewer/garbage monthly bill from the city I live in... and because I did all that, I then wanted to purchase a Michigan Resident Fishing License.
Well, you can imagine my disappointment when Mr. Walmart Department Manager told me I couldn't do that, because I had a Texas Drivers License. (????) I opened the little DNR book and pointed him at the relevant paragraphs (shown above, noting that each item on the list is an OR item, not an AND item... along with the rules of the DNR Sportcard).
Mr. Department Manager insisted that the first item on the list is a Michigan Drivers License... and that is the Word From God. Beings as I have a Texas Drivers License and not wanting to get into some kind of big public argument over his B.S., I said OK. He charged me $77.00 for a Michigan Fishing License and DNR Sportcard... and I went home knowing I could now fish in Michigan legally.
When I got home, I called Michigan DNR... and explained (in four part harmony) what the rules actually said... and how I'd gotten ripped off big time. My new buddy (Joe) at the Michigan DNR and Joe told me to go back to Wally World and complain... along with having Mr. Department Manager call him at the Michigan DNR.
I did that, along with stopping off and getting the Walmart Store Manager up to date with my difficulties.
It turns out that when the Walmart Store Manager and Mr. Department Manager called the Michigan DNR, my interpretation of the Resident Michigan Fishing License was (obviously) correct. So, the Walmart Manager and Mr. Department Manager then kindly did everything in the way I originally intended, and instead of paying the original $77.00, I paid the more proper $16.00 for this year's Michigan Fishing License.
At the end of this long-azzed post, the moral of the story is, it's ALWAYS a good idea to read the DNR rules for your state, and where appropriate, do not listen to Mr. Department Manager and take his determination of the rules because he's supposedly an "expert". :)
Best Regards and Good Luck!
Fred Williams, now a full and completely legal resident of Michigan's DNR fishing program.
P.S. That $16.00 license price only works in Michigan if you are 65 or older.
May 2, 2019 19:55:24 #
Hi Whitedog, Thank you for the good read an the educational post.
May 2, 2019 20:38:02 #
flyguy wrote:
Hi Whitedog, Thank you for the good read an the educational post.
flyguy... Sorry coach, I was a very light classed minor wrestler way back in my high school days, and there are many differences between Whitedogs and Whitecats. However, we all have had a wrestling mentality at some point. :)
The war between dogs and cats is an eternal one, and both animals have their own advantages. Sort of like people who fly fish and those who don't.
I smile in your general direction, flyguy.
Best Regards and Good Luck!
Fred Williams
May 3, 2019 05:47:28 #
Fred, I did some research on Mt. Pleasant, it appears to be a nice town. You are definitely in the "middle of the glove". Your are about 418 miles East of us by ferry. I'm sure way over a thousand by hwy. My neighbor called last night and lined up a 2 day charter out of Green Bay for this Mon. & Tues. I'm not sure if we are fishing Walleye or Brown Trout/Salmon. We will have to drink a few beers over it tonight and get things figured out. How is Heron for fishing? I never hear much about it.
May 3, 2019 07:32:28 #
Your up and coming fishing trip sounds like fun flyguy. I wish for you and your friend(s) much fun and many fish. Living where I do, I've never fished any of the Great Lakes... and I know even less about Lake Huron... I'm sure there are fish in there, because what I have heard about Lake Huron comes my Canadian buddies.
Anyway, everyone I've talked to about the other Great Lakes around Michigan - all speak very well about what results they've had...
Best Regards and Good Luck!
Fred Williams
Anyway, everyone I've talked to about the other Great Lakes around Michigan - all speak very well about what results they've had...
Best Regards and Good Luck!
Fred Williams
May 3, 2019 08:04:38 #
Flyguy, all the Great Lakes are excellent fisheries. If you plan on coming to fish Huron, I suggest that you go to the weekly Michigan DNR fishing report that comes out every Wednesday. It gives the latest information about fishing conditions in all the Michigan regions and especially the Great Lakes. It is a great source and has pretty reliable information about lake conditions and what is being taken from each major body of water (inland lakes and rivers included). It also has all the rules, regulations, etc for Michigan fishing.
May 5, 2019 11:21:35 #
Thanks for the replies, they are very much appreciated. I have never been on a bad fishing trip and I'm to old to start having them now.
Apr 21, 2024 20:31:01 #
Welcome to Michigan! Find a local mom and pop sporting goods shop often caĺled your local bait shop. You are apt to get better treatment and more reliable information. Buy a little something and you will most likely get a tip as to when and where the fish are. Have a real good time.
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