Tag and Release Fishing Promotion Permit

PURPOSE: This rule establishes a tag and release fishing promotion permit for individuals tagging fish for promotions, contests, or other events on selected impoundments. (1) Tag and Release Fishing Promotion Permit. To engage in tagging and releasing fish in association with a fishing promotion, contest, or other event. (2) A tag and release fishing promotion permit authorizes the holder to tag and release one (1) fish into an impoundment of the state, in accordance with the following: (A) Only one (1) valid permit per impoundment may be possessed by the holder at any one time. No more than two (2) permits shall be valid for the same impoundment at any one time; (B) Only crappie, black bass, catfish, and other fish as defined in 3 CSR 10-20.805 may be tagged; (C) Events shall be restricted to impoundments. Tag and release fishing promotion permits may be further restricted for areas within five (5) miles of any portion of an impoundment with an active department fishery research project; (D) Fish to be tagged shall be obtained from the impoundment specified in the permit in compliance with established seasons, methods, and limits; (E) Fish shall be tagged in the presence of an agent of the department using a technique approved by the department; (F) Contest rules shall comply with established fishing seasons, methods, and limits; and (G) Maximum duration of any event shall be thirty (30) days. AUTHORITY: sections 40 and 45 of Art. IV, Mo. Const. Original rule filed March 24, 2003, effective Aug. 30, 2003. Amended: Filed Sept. 29, 2004, effective Feb. 28, 2005. Amended: Filed Sept. 4, 2020, effective Feb. 28, 2021. Amended: Filed May 25, 2023, effective Feb. 29, 2024. Amended: Filed May 16, 2025, effective Jan. 1, 2026.