We will be asking each group to bring a couple of extra items with you to cover this law. This law has been in effect for some time, but we have a feeling that the conservation officers will start enforcing this. (because of the next topic below). Basically, you might have these items at home. If so bring, them with you. If not, just a couple of small items for a few bucks will cover it. These items need to be in the boat with you while you are out fishing.

1) Flashlight: Just need 1 per boat, not each person. This can be of any size. A good idea is to place a small one in your tackle box. Or attach it to your life jacket. A small key chain flashlight works well.
2) Signaling devise: You need 1 per boat, not per person. A small mirror will work or a small cheap little referee whistle. A good idea to place it in your tackle box or attach it to your life jacket.
3) 50 foot of rope per boat: This can be of any diameter. Many of you bring rope anyways.
4) Life Jackets: We ask you to bring these with you already.
5) Floating throw devise: Do not worry about this. We provide the seat cushions so take them in the boat with you.
6) Bailing bucket: Do not worry about this. We provide bailing cans at the lake. Make sure you have one in the boat.
7) Paddle: Do not worry about this. We provide many paddles at the outpost. Make sure you have on in the boat.

Or if you rather, many sport shops or sporting departing stores have small little kit that have most of the small items you are required to have and we are asking you to bring packed ready to go. We used to provide the entire kit. If you have been with us I am sure you have seen the green ammo cans at the lakes that are empty. We have found after a few groups, items start to end up missing and not telling us of thisand this leaves the next group without a complete kit. It's best if each brings there own so you know if you get checked by the game wardens you are covered.

Boater Safety course. Each person who will be operating the boat will need a boater's safety certificate. This law came into effect Sept 15, 2009, so everyone who operates the boats, will need this for your fishing trip. Any state coarse will work. Once you complete the coarse, you are set for this year and any following trips in years to come. It is a 1 time thing. If you could do the coarse before you arrive, it will help greatly as you need it. Listed below are examples that are easy and most of them are free. If you find another course to take instead of one of the examples, thats OK, ANY course state course works. Remember to bring your certifcation of the course completion with you. It will be needed.

http://www.dnr.state.mn.us/safety/boatwater/testpacket.html
Minnesota will send you a packette to fill out and you will send back in using the link above. This is the Free version, there's a online coarse Minnesota offers that you can take online which has a minimal fee.

Another course example, this is for Iowa residents only from my understanding.
http://www.boat-ed.com/ia/index.htm

Or the Canadian course.
http://www.boaterexam.com/canada/
Any state course will work, so you may want to check out your state if they offer a course and see what is involved. Please do not wait till the last minute on these courses Please plan ahead.

http://www.boatus.org/onlinecourse/default.asp
Another Free and Easy Course that can be taken online. Does not matter which state you are from, you can take any state course you wish. Any of them will work.