I'm a MN resident and have been watching the shutdown with interest. The DNR is saying that licenses are NOT for sale during the shutdown, but that licenses are required and you may be ticketed if found fishing without a license. Of course, if you already have a license (as I do), you are welcome to fish as usual. Here's the details on the MN DNR website: http://www.dnr.state.mn.us/shutdown.html. Fortunately, the shutdown appears to be drawing to a conclusion and hopefully things will be back to normal within a few days.