When/where did you learn of new Muskie closing date?

[Jameson]

I first heard about the new Muskie closing date here on FM. After hearing about it on FM I was able to confirm the info on the MN DNR's HSOforum. I never saw anything in the newspapers, T.V., or at my local bait shops. I would have thought that the DNR would have at least of dispersed a flyer to all locations that give out the regulation handbooks.

Did I miss something? Did the DNR (or Muskies Inc.) do anything more than to post the info on their HSOforum? Are all MN anglers required to check the DNR's HSOforum on a weekly basis?

When and where did you learn of the new Muskie season closing date? Not just heard a rumor, but was able to confirm something from a reputable source.

[eyebjim]

From you.

[GRAND DAD]

I heard it from a guy up fishing on Battle and I didn't belive it. So when the DNR came knocking at my door so I asked him and he was clue less and he said he hadn't heard anything about it. Go figure. You would think they would know when new rules were put in place, And it wasn't like I mess understood him we had a good talk about it. Unless he was trying to trick me in to showing a ski that I might of had stashed under the house in a secret hidding spot I guess thats possable.

[L_Cappo]

new rule changes or new rules is only on the dnr HSOforum.they have the 08 regulations out also.

[Duffman]

I read about it late last fall in the Outdoor News, I think the Strib also had a blurb about it in the Sunday outdoors section right before or after it went into effect.

But I first got wind of it right here on FM, there were discussions about the possibility of it going into effect last fall. Also, it was confirmed here on FM the day the new law was signed.

[BartmanMN]

There is also a note on the Fishapalooza HSOforum that states if you catch one, you must put it back. That would really suck if you are pulling up a monster and you think you have the F150 won, then you realize it is a muskie. Doh!

[blackdog1101]

I learned it here too.

[hanson]

If you read the 2007 MN Fishing Regulations carefully, on Page 5, under "Regulation Changes that Could Be Implemented", it states...

- "Discontinue Muskie Fishing in December."

The 2007 MN Fishing Regulations have obviously been in print for nearly a year now. For those who were wishing to target muskies in December, that is nearly a year warning that something could happen to the season. When fall came, the change did happen. It was discussed here, it was discussed in print media, it was published on the DNR HSOforum.

The bottom line is its up to us anglers to be familiar with the rules and regulations. I think its also important for us to be familiar with regs for all species. While we may not all target every fish that swims in MN, incidental catches do happen and you need to be prepared in case that trophy of a lifetime hits on a slot lake.

Maybe I'm thinking "outside the box" but you shouldn't be fishing unless you have a current set of regulations in your tackle box. A guy can't remember everything, bring the reference with you.

[rockman]

An added thought to Hanson's reply-Most of you already know this, but the deal is that most conservation officers are going to expect you to know the rules and regulations in that book.The room to wiggle out of possible infractions of the regs is very small.Ignorance of the law,or the regulations is no excuse to law enforcement.Read the regs book, get the updated info. you need so you can avoid setting yourself up for a citation.