I think you might want to check with conservation department. I was in a local bait shop the other day when an agent came in to inspect bait. He wanted to see the invoices on minnows bought, and he wanted to make sure the owner is giving out receipts when he sells minnows. The reason is they are trying to keep invasive species out of our lakes/rivers (any more than has already happened). I came away with the impression that agents may ask fishermen for their minnow receipts any time in order to track minnows. If you seine from a creek that is infested with asian carp or zebra mussels, you may accidentally release them into your favorite fishing hole......bad news.