I love your passion, Chasin 50 and think you should go with it. You sound very educated on the subject, just don't let your feelings get in the way of something they can't argue with……sound science. Don't have the link anymore but just recently the DNR Esox committee asked for public input and they got 2 pages from me, mostly focusing on the newly proposed GLS stocking plan but also on how certain native populations were decimated nearly out of existence, on size and bag limits, and recent changes in law that were not based on population estimates or anything else. Your efforts are well founded but, with all due respect, many here and outside of the MMA have already made it a point to voice their opinions. I went as far as having a lengthy phone conversation with a very upstanding DNR fisheries tech supervisor, Chuck Payment, from the UP. He's on the esox committe. We had a productive conversation.
I don't think that sharing "feelings" in an open letter to the DNR is a bad thing really. I limit my conversations to data driven points and keep feelings out of it. Please don't be afraid to share how you feel but be sure to back it up with "why". Also, if you mention spearing please keep in mind that the exploitation (harvest) on these waters is nearly as high with angling as it is with spearing. Any reduction in harvest needs to apply to all methods not only spearing.
I would also urge you to keep most of this directed to the topic of the Elk chain and the natural lakes. We all had our chance, as SH points out, to comment on the fishery when comments on the new management plan were solicited.
"Steve Horton" said:
I love your passion, Chasin 50 and think you should go with it. You sound very educated on the subject, just don't let your feelings get in the way of something they can't argue with……sound science. Don't have the link anymore but just recently the DNR Esox committee asked for public input and they got 2 pages from me, mostly focusing on the newly proposed GLS stocking plan but also on how certain native populations were decimated nearly out of existence, on size and bag limits, and recent changes in law that were not based on population estimates or anything else. Your efforts are well founded but, with all due respect, many here and outside of the MMA have already made it a point to voice their opinions. I went as far as having a lengthy phone conversation with a very upstanding DNR fisheries tech supervisor, Chuck Payment, from the UP. He's on the esox committe. We had a productive conversation.
Thanks for your comments Steve. Good to hear you are on the ball… Perhaps ahead of some us. I am talking to those who have not done so. Maybe I am talkng to myself 
Anyway… In the past, I have certainly weighed in as a part of my former roles within MMA. And I am not shy in telling Will what I feel today… As indicated, I think Will has represented us as an organization well. I just feel like the DNR needs to hear from me personally.
I am just one guy, who spends nearly all my expendable time and money on these stupid fish…. I think my personal interest matters. I also think your personal interest matters to the DNR. So I am glad to hear you have taken the step to reach out. I encourage the rest of you to do the same.
And to Wills point, the focus should probably be on the Chain or Natural Lakes.
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