Thread: 2 people fishing - one live well - cannot this be used in Mo?

My wife & I would use the one livewell. Would we be illegal?

You read correctly, fishermen/hunters/trappers must always keep their fish/game separate or identifiable. This enables the accurate identification of the taker’s specific wildlife during inspection. This shouldn’t be viewed as a hassle, rather it helps you. If you know your fish are legal then you have no trouble during inspections. If your fishing partner were to measure incorrectly and put a short fish in the live well he might say it was not his as easily as you say it’s not yours. If you’re in compliance with this regulation it should be clear who’s fish that is.

You do not need separate live wells to be in compliance with this regulation. Many fishermen clip a particular fin of their fish or use different colored stringers (within a common live well). As long as the fish/game are either separate OR identifiable you are in the clear. Feel free to call your local agent with specific methods if you have a question regarding what may or may not be distinctly identifiable.

3 CSR 10-4.137 Wildlife Identification
The taker and/or possessor of any wildlife shall keep the wildlife separate or distinctly identifiable from wildlife taken or possessed by another. When not personally attended, the wildlife shall be plainly labeled with the full name and address of the taker and/or possessor, except as provided in 3 CSR 10-6.405, 3 CSR 10-7.431 and 3 CSR 10-7.455. [fishing general provisions, deer hunting general provisions, and turkey hunting general provisions]

Daniel Schepis
Conservation Agent
Clay Co. MO

This is only a partial replication of the Wildlife Code of Missouri and is current as of 07/30/13 @ 12:52pm.