Spring Conservation Congress Hearings...

[Jim Hudson]

Well, the post Outdoor Ran made about the Fox river got me thinking.... Just a month away and the Spring Hearings will be held once again for the State of WI...

Just wanted to see what issues will be dear to you, and to see what you will be voting on this year. Also, this thread was started to just spread the word about these meetings!!! As we as sportspeople need to attend these meetings and put our voice/vote out there on things relating to fishing and hunting here in WI!!!

Click here for the meeting in your area... Spring Hearings

Also, on this site (look to the left hand side of the page), you can find the purposed listed rule changes for wildlife and fishery related items.

Some things relating to deer baiting will be involved along with a host of other hunting issues... For fishing, you St. Louis guys and gals, I know there is a question relating to saugers and making a no minimum size limit on them instead of the 15" minimum (to keep things the consistant between MN and WI). And this brings me back to the Fox river...

One question posed will be for the increase of the minumum size limit on muskies on this river and also the Winnebago system from 34" to 50". Also, to set-back the season opener on muskies in this system. This along with another 50" minimum limit for Pelican lake will be interesting to watch and see the results. As it could and should be a huge step for our state to start uping the limits on most of our musky waters!!! I know which way my vote will go... How bout yours?

I hope this thread will allow us to talk about certain issues in a civil manner and to educate others about how to vote and where to go on April 10th!!!

[Big Fish Hunter247]

i Live in Minnesota but I do 90 percent of my fishing in Wisconsin I think all lakes with Muskie in the should be a 50 inch min the way I look at it a muskie is a trophy fish and should be released but thats just my view on them and as for all other fish maybe a size limit should be imposed on EVERYTHING panfish included thats my 2 cents

Big Fish Hunter247

[Quickstrike]

Great post Jim, although I don't fish for muskies more than a couple times a year, I would also like to see a statewide minimum size limit increase. Both the MN and WI DNR are very open to the publics thoughts, interests, and ideas. We need to take advantage of having a voice and get as many people as we can to these hearings. If you can't make it, you can always research an issue and send a letter with your feelings in it. I have talked to conservation officers that have told me that the DNR wants as much feedback as they can get. so let's give it to them and improve our fisheries and wildlife.

[Jim Hudson]

QuickStrike brings up a good point... A person can always send a letter in to express their feelings on a certain issue... This too is taken into consideration... Even out of state anglers, like you Big Fish can do this!!!

[Ray Esboldt]

I shouldn't have a say since I live in Minnesota, but I still think WI's panfish limits are a bit high. 25 is quite a few. 15 would be more than enough in my opinion. Of course, I think MN's are too high as well, at least on sunfish.

[Cooter]

I just scrolled through the list of topics up for discussion and while its good to see a few musky waters being considered for increased mins I wish the list was a lot longer or an increase for the statewide min limit was up for review. I don't even know what it is statewide - 34"?

Also, I don't see the benefit of extending spring turkey hours from 5pm to sunset - sounds like a good way to encourage roost site hunting.

[Jim Hudson]

Cooter... Yup 34" for statewide minimum... In the past, it has been hard to pass any rule for a stricter regulation.. Hopefully this year, we will get a lot of yes votes in the right direction and the betterment of our fishing opportunities here in WI...

This year also, there will be ballot type vote, instead of the old raise your hand and count system.. Hopefully will eliminate the people you use to see that would partially raise their hand in favor or not in favor, and then look over and see their friend not raising or raising and do the same... Peer pressure I guess!!!!

What about the question relating to deer baiting? Here is the question...

"Question 20: Would you support legislation to authorize banning deer baiting and feeding statewide 10 days before and during the 9-day gun deer season, and that such a proposal be submitted to the State Legislature for their passage in time for the 2006 deer season?"

This one's result will be interesting!!

[Cooter]

I'll vote 'Yes' for Question 20. I'd actually like to see baiting banned statewide, yearround.

[Cooter]

In addition to my post, thought refreshing this was worthwhile. Thanks.

[Jim Hudson]

Yup, thanks for bringing this back up Cooter... Be sure to get out to your local hearings!!!

[Jim Hudson]

Another reminder... Tomorrow night is the night... I hope a lot of our WI FM users place some votes tomorrow...