Though the deal isn't done until this is in statute, the following is being written up and presented to the NRC as the NEW for 2013 Muskellunge regulations, it will then go to the legislature to be signed into law this fall.
As of April 1st, 2013 the following seasons, size and bag limit will be in place:
LP
Season: Last Sat. in April to March 15
Size limit: 42"
Bag limit: 1 per season with tag
UP
Season: May 15 to March 15
Size limit: 42"
Bag limit: 1 per season with tag
Broodstock lakes will remain 50", other special regs will remain in place like the LSC season.
The biologists will be able to add special regs as needed for higher size limit, or longer season closure (Antrim, Black, Inland Waterway, etc). The only drawback is that the additional protections will not likely be added for a couple years due to some internal things going on in the DNR.
I think Joe Bednar put it well when he said something along the lines of… This is the most significant thing to ever happen for Muskellunge conservation in N. America.
Though MMA has lots to be proud of over the years this is a moment in time that will be remembered forever.
Wow I got got my Prayers answered!!! [smilie=applause.gif] [smilie=applause.gif] [smilie=applause.gif] [smilie=applause.gif] [smilie=applause.gif] [smilie=applause.gif] [smilie=applause.gif] [smilie=applause.gif] [smilie=applause.gif] [smilie=applause.gif]
One per season Yea baby !!!! Holmes can stick that in his pipe and smoke it . Mike [smilie=2thumbsup.gif]
"Will Schultz" said:
As of April 1st, 2012 the following seasons, size and bag limit will be in place:
Is this supposed to say 2013?
This is great news with the 1 fish with tag requirement. Hope we can get those size limits increased on the systems that need it sooner than later. [smilie=2thumbsup.gif]
"DGF" said:
[smilie=2thumbsup.gif]This makes me very happy! I found myself wondering how a fish dependant on stocking on most waters was given such lax regulations. I see others have taken note.
Is this pretty much just a matter of time or do you see problems/changes being made before it's set into stone?
Dan
This is a done deal except for the signatures.
"JTAspin" said:
Will there be an additional charge for the tag, and will you be required to get the tag if you have no intention of ever keeping a fish?
The tag is free but will not come with the license you will only get the tag by request. You can fish for muskies without the tag but you need the tag to harvest a fish.
"Mayhem" said:
[quote="Will Schultz"]
As of April 1st, 2012 the following seasons, size and bag limit will be in place:
Is this supposed to say 2013?
This is great news with the 1 fish with tag requirement. Hope we can get those size limits increased on the systems that need it sooner than later. [smilie=2thumbsup.gif]
Yes, 2013.
Those waters shouldn't need an increase in size limit, they really need the season to be closed until June 1st or at least until the bass opener. You can manage with both the size limit and bag limit and achieve the same result. This new reg change should drastically reduce harvest and, in theory, will have the same result if we kept the current 1/day and increased the size limit to 48".
"hemichemi" said:
[smilie=2thumbsup.gif]Expecting pushback from the Darkhouse crowd and their politically connected cronies in getting it passed?
No. Mike Holmes (President MDAA) was in the room yesterday and actually came up and shook my hand after the meeting. In a nutshell he said I think you accomplished something great that is fair for everyone.
"Will Schultz" said:
[quote="hemichemi"][smilie=2thumbsup.gif]Expecting pushback from the Darkhouse crowd and their politically connected cronies in getting it passed?
No. Mike Holmes (President MDAA) was in the room yesterday and actually came up and shook my hand after the meeting. In a nutshell he said I think you accomplished something great that is fair for everyone.
Beware the grinning tiger…
"hemichemi" said:
[quote="Will Schultz"][quote="hemichemi"][smilie=2thumbsup.gif]Expecting pushback from the Darkhouse crowd and their politically connected cronies in getting it passed?
No. Mike Holmes (President MDAA) was in the room yesterday and actually came up and shook my hand after the meeting. In a nutshell he said I think you accomplished something great that is fair for everyone.
Beware the grinning tiger…
Ah yes… and I know exactly why he didn't put up much of a fight over the change in bag limit.
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