Seemed to go pretty well from what I saw on video. MMA had a handful of people there and Duke spoke on the club's behalf. MOMC, Muskies Inc chapter 58 (LSC chapter), and Spencer Berman (on behalf of the LSC Charter Captains) were among some of the other speakers. Every speaker discussing the muskie regulations were in support of the new regulations/seasons as long as LSC, SC river, and Detroit river were exempt from the year round CIR season.
That's good news hopefully they took it to heart! I seen the big bash a while ago on Facebook with everyone blaming will for lsc being included in the regulations changes the nrc proposed. It seemed like they couldn't get it in their heads that will had nothing to do with what the nrc does or says. It sucked to see will on the whipping post for a dumb misunderstanding.
Definitely a lot of misinformation on that Facebook post so hopefully this meeting smoothed things over somewhat. The biggest thing I get upset about is none of those people made it to any of the DNR meetings, didn't know about the regulation proposals, etc and then get pissed when things get changed. They're all 'blindsided' by these things when the proposals have actually been open to the public for months.
You both hit the nail on the head, Lots to be disappointed with from the LSC crowd but hopefully they don't screw anything up in the end.
As far as the script I read on behalf of MMA, I believe it accomplished what we needed it to. Gave support for the other musky groups' wishes without selling ourselves out, without kowtowing, and did not betray our stance of always being on the side of best available science.
In the end, I don't know if any of it will matter and don't know which way NRC will go. But at least we said or piece on the record
The only questionable piece is the Catch and Immediate Release season.
Following the June 8th NRC meeting when all the changes were first presented, the NRC reconsidered the need for the CIR exception for St. Clair. They aren't experts in this stuff, so they might not have any questions during a meeting/presentation, but after the meetings they go back and gather information. After doing so, they opted to remove the CIR exception and keep all other regulation changes intact.
The exception looks bad because if we are making the case that CIR is ok everywhere else in the state- including the places where muskie populations are in trouble and where we are saying we need higher size limits- why wouldn't it be ok on the best muskie water?
All the LSC area muskie groups strongly oppose CIR during the spawn for one reason or another, so they came to last week's meeting to lobby NRC to put the exception back in the proposed regs.
The MMA stance was/is:
1) the 'troubled' muskie lakes will be farther ahead by moving the harvest opener later, even with CIR.
2) we should be cautious not to mess with a good thing with LSC, and due to the sheer number of anglers on LSC there is greater risk of unintended consequences of fishing for muskies during the spawn. The risk/speculation is possible added stress and disruption of spawning, reducing spawning success.
Only thing I would add is that Commissioner Tracy requested that Chief Dexter prepare two copies of the final regulations to be approved. One with the exception for LSC and one without. Good thing is, that means that all the rest is good with them, and there was no indication that they are thinking about changing any of it. Bad thing is, they aren't sure what way to go on the CIR exception for LSC… however they are inspired to think about it.
Ya know…stupidity of others who simply just can't "listen" doesn't phase me anymore. I wish it did! I truly wish I was shocked every time I see, hear, read or notice how dumb people really are! Especially on the "NRC MOMC Facebook Post." We all know Will is a big boy who can handle himself but great job to Scott, Jason, Eric, Duke, Nick, Mark and Rob who stepped in to support what Will and MMA was CLEARLY typing and explaining with regards to the CIR on LSC changes from the DNR and NRC, not MMA or Will!! Instead idiots like Quintano and Hulburt (yes, I said idiots) which is an understatement when describing those two classless people who instead chose to attack Will and MMA rather than shut their irrelevant mouths to listen what was trying to be explained. I was able to take some time and read that entire post (yesterday) and would have responded to those guys back in August if I would have caught this attack. So great job to the guys (mentioned above) who helped Will try and explain but you can't fix idiot and a few of those guys certainly fall in that classification. Trust me, I can't stand seeing those yahoos on the water and I usually give them the finger when they troll or push up so close to me and others on the lake. I keep fishing but I'd be lying if I'd say they don't ruin part of my day seeing them out there thinking they own the water. We all know here at MMA what Will and MANY others involved in this group have done for Michigan Muskies, INCLUDING LSC over the last 20+ years. Way before A LOT of these LSC guides started even fishing out there. I'm gonna give all those mentioned above a "atta boy" for helping Will out in that ridiculous attack post on him and MMA. I'll also give a "atta boy" to Will as well for trying to "speak stupid" for those attacking you who needed a 200 post explanation and still didn't get it. You dumbed it down for guys like the ones who flat out attacked you for no reason and they still didn't get it. We all know you don't "speak stupid" but I give you credit for trying to dumb down common sense and "speak stupid" to those douchebags who think they know it all.
I feel your pain Scott. Thanks for your support, and for the support of all the good people of MMA. I'm proud to be a part of this organization that has kept its cool, and kept its class through thick and thin.
Several folks in the DNR have made a point to tell us that it has been noted and appreciated.
Duke,
Luckily I'm not the face or spokesperson for MMA. Lol! Sorry Duke, the way they both (and others) acted in that post certainly deserve zero respect. At least no respect from me and trust me it's not just from this post. It's been building over many years of dealing with stupid out there on the big pond.
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