Working to Preserve, Promote and Advance Muskie and Pike Education and Research in Minnesota.

Transcription

1 Working to Preserve, Promote and Advance Muskie and Pike Education and Research in Minnesota. December, 2015 Ninety First Edition From Aaron Meyer, MMPA Co-chair Many of you have been following the situation in Ottertail County regarding the muskie stocking program on Pelican Lake. We had an excellent turn-out at the meeting in Fergus Falls, showing the DNR and the Legislators that people from all across Minnesota support muskie stocking and sound fisheries management practices. The DNR did an excellent job of explaining and defending their muskie program. The group fighting against muskie stocking had filed an injunction against the DNR to stop them from stocking Pelican Lake. Well, if you haven't already heard... a judge threw out the injunction and this year's quota of PIT tagged fingerlings has now been stocked! This was a huge win for muskies, and fisheries management as a whole! Over the last several years, it has often felt like there's a never ending procession of issues coming up against muskie management. Throughout that timeframe, I feel that the muskie angling community as a whole has become more involved and increasingly active in protecting and promoting our fisheries. The harder they hit us, the stronger we become! We have now justified and proven the muskie management program scientifically, publicly, legislatively, and in the court system. Thank you all for your continuous support! So now, on to the next issue! This one is a good one. The DNR has remained committed to

2 their Long Range Plan for muskie management, which calls for 5 more muskie lakes to be stocked by the year They have chosen the lakes they are proposing, have posted the proposals in the appropriate public venues, and it is now time for us to provide our input! As in the past, there will be public meetings for people to provide input, and there are also several ways to provide input if you cannot make it to one of the meetings. My suggestion is to make the appropriate phone calls, and/or s, and also attend one or more of the meetings, if possible. Your input via phone call or counts equally as someone who attends a meeting, but I can tell you that there is always a stronger statement made by showing up in person. It really means a lot. There will be separate meetings in each part of the state where lakes are being proposed, and there will also be a meeting in Andover that will pertain to all of the proposals. Below is all of the contact information for you to provide input, as well as the date/time/location of each meeting. All of this information is also available on the home page of the DNR website at and, there is a link on that page to provide input directly. Please support ALL of the proposals! Big Marine Lake: Meeting- Monday November 30. Scandia Community and Senior Center th Street North. Scandia MN. Contact: East Metro Area Fisheries Office 1200 Warner Road St. Paul, MN metroeast.fisheries@state.mn.us Gull Lake: Meeting- Wednesday December2. Crow Wing County Land Services Building. 322 Laurel Street. Brainerd MN. Contact: Brainerd Area Fisheries Office 1601 Minnesota Drive Brainerd, MN brainerd.fisheries@state.mn.us Fairmont Chain: Meeting-Thursday December 3. Martin County Library. 110 North Park. Fairmont, MN.

3 Contact: Windom Area Fisheries Office 175 County Road 26 Windom, MN (extension 232) Ottertail County Proposals: There are three proposals for Ottertail County. Lizzy, Franklin, and Loon lakes. All three would produce good fisheries. It's likely they will be narrowed down to only one. I suggest providing support for all three, but additionally mention that in the event of it narrowing down to one, Lizzy is the one that will provide the best fishery of the three. I really hope that Lizzy is chosen as the other two are significantly smaller waters. Meeting- Tuesday December 8. Lake Region Electric Cooperative South Broadway. Pelican Rapids, MN. Contact: Fergus Falls Area Fisheries Office st Avenue North Fergus Falls, MN tel fax fergusfalls.fisheries@state.mn.us Everyone please provide your support for these proposals ASAP! The decisions for these proposals will come directly from your input!! Thanks Aaron Northern Pike Regulation Changes From Tim Goeman; Attached is an article and the proposed zone map for northern pike regulation changes. Thanks. Tim Bigger Pike for Better Fishing By Tim Goeman, MN DNR Fisheries Most lakes in Minnesota have the potential to grow more quality northern pike for spearers and anglers to harvest, but because of the wide variability among the state s lakes, a single harvest regulation doesn t allow for optimal pike growth. One of the biggest fisheries management problems

4 in Minnesota is high densities of small northern pike. These abundant small pike, often called hammer handles, can disrupt the recruitment of other game fish and are often considered a nuisance by anglers. In southern Minnesota, pike can grow quickly, but high fishing pressure results in most pike being harvested at inches, rather than letting them grow another year or two to a size actually preferred by spearers and anglers. In the arrowhead region of northeast Minnesota where pike grow more slowly, some lakes still contain quality pike, but these fish need some additional protection or they may disappear - as has been the case over the past 50 years in the rest of the state. Key considerations Spearers and anglers want larger pike. DNR creel data show that most of the pike harvested by spearers and anglers are inches, even though the preferred size is 27 inches, as defined by those who fish and spear when asked in a University of Minnesota survey. Essentially, spearers and anglers are presently settling for pike that are much smaller than what they would prefer. It s time to change the regulation. Minnesota s present three fish per angler limit was first implemented in This regulation has not been effective in managing pike because most people keep fewer than three pike anyway. Additionally, the one fish over 30 inches that originated in 1995 is also not effective simply because a spearer or angler would need to harvest one fish of this size before this regulation would have any effect in protecting a second big fish. Spearers and anglers must encounter two large fish before a one-over type regulation would have any conservation benefit and that is a very rare occurrence. The science suggests that we need to look beyond one statewide northern pike regulation to adequately address pike management in MN. We have boiled down the options to a 3-zone approach which will address the vastly different types of lakes that exist across the state while keeping regulations reasonably simple. The proposed zones and associated regulations are: Northeast Zone: Angling: 2 fish bag, 30 inch maximum size limit; (OR) 2 fish bag, inch protected slot limit (PSL) with one over 40 inches. Darkhouse spearing: 2 fish bag, one over 26 inches; (OR) 2 fish bag, one over 22 inches. North-central Zone: Angling: 10 fish bag, inch PSL, only 2 over 26 inches. Darkhouse spearing: 10 fish bag, one fish in the PSL, one over 26 inches; (OR) 10 fish bag, one over 22 inches; (OR) the north-central zone winter angling regulation (see above). Southern Zone: Angling: 2 fish bag, 24 inch minimum length limit. Darkhouse spearing: same as angling.

5 Everyone should understand that there is no perfect regulation. The proposed regulations will work better in some lakes than others, but overall, the regulations proposed will provide bigger pike for harvest will reduce small pike densities over time and will protect some of the bigger pike remaining in northeast Minnesota. Spearing is a valued piece of Minnesota s fishing culture. The proposed regulation options were designed specifically to accommodate spearing, allowing this sport to continue in a reasonable way while spearers contribute to improving pike management by adjusting the way they fish. What can you do, personally? Realize that to start moving in the direction of growing more mediumsized pike for harvest, we need everyone who harvests pike to work together toward the solution. For these regulations to work and our pike populations to improve, every spearer and angler in the state needs to change the way we think about northern pike. This means harvesting the small pike where they are in surplus and allowing fish that are nearing keeper size to grow just a little bigger to provide more quality. Fish communities will also benefit from these changes. In the southern lakes, we can grow bigger pike in just a year or two by protecting them until they reach 24 inches. In north-central lakes, we can provide bigger pike for harvest if anglers understand that small pike can be and should be harvested. Not every small pike will grow up to be a large pike there are just too many small pike to feed for that to happen. However, by providing protection for medium-sized fish, we can turn these populations around for the better, and can expect to begin seeing noticeable changes in 5-8 years. In the northeast zone, we simply need to protect some of what we still have in terms of quality. If we don t do anything to change the direction of pike management in Minnesota, small northern pike will continue to dominate many of our systems. These pike will continue to disrupt the ecological balance and size structure of other important game fish populations, and eventually, the larger pike remaining in northeastern Minnesota will disappear. We owe future generations a better forecast than that. The DNR recently concluded a series of northern pike public information sessions around the state and hopefully you were able to participate in one of them. If not, you are encouraged to spend some time reviewing the video and information on the DNR s northern pike management page at and submit your comments through the website or contact your local DNR Fisheries Office. What happens next? The University of Minnesota is completing a random survey of spearers and anglers to help us gauge public preferences to the management options outlined above. By early 2016, DNR will finalize our recommendations and present these to the Minnesota Legislature during the 2016 Session. As those recommendations are finalized and presented, you can subscribe to updates at Figure heading for zone map: Proposed zones for northern pike regulations in Minnesota. Zone boundaries could changes slightly as analyses are completed.

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7 Next MMPA meeting is Saturday December 5 th ANNOUNCEMENT Hugh C. Becker 2016 Foundation Awards Initial Requisition Criteria for disbursing funds, subject to future amendments. All requests are to be received between 1 November 2015 and BY 31 January Address (do not ) all requests to Hugh C. Becker Committee of Twin Cities Chapter of Muskies, Inc., c/o George Selcke, Shady Dale Road, Minnetonka, MN Format: Requests are not to be more than five (5) legibly typed pages, ORIGINAL and FIVE (5) copies, to include all the following criteria: 1) Name and address of the group, and a history of the group s accomplished projects to date, if applicable. 2) Demonstrate need- how will this project benefit the Muskellunge program(s) in area, region, or range (Canada included) 3) What is the project and what is purpose of project? 4) Where is this project taking place? 5) What is the duration of this project/start and finish dates? 6) What are the cost breakouts? Itemize equipment and labor, and provide quotes. 7) Who will be involved: the project team, project manager/coordinator, and applicable means of contact (phone numbers) 8) Submit milestones dates for progress reports and accountability. 9) Can the requesting group match funds from another source? Please list. Other Considerations: -Cap on any individual grant/fund will be $10,000; incrementally within year or over the course of years, unless the Grant Committee decides otherwise on any specific proposal -Credit to the Hugh C. Becker Trust Foundation will be incurred in funding

8 -The Hugh C. Becker has priority rights to all press releases and publications -If this project fails to reach its purpose, through false reporting, deceit, and/or other unprofessional acts, the requesting group may be responsible for restitution (committee determination) -NOTE: No indirect costs (overhead) will be awarded on research proposals Addendum: Like projects/activities that may qualify per the wishes and conditions of Hugh C. Becker include, but are not limited to: Muskie propagation by the Twin Cities Chapter #1, in their own ponds (?) with their own equipment Stocking, by either raising Muskie fingerlings or purchasing fingerlings/ yearlings/adults for public use in designated waters Habitat protection and improvement Clean water (quality) protection and improvement Professional research by qualified personnel (not limited to Minnesota, but must include accountable data) Expansion of the present muskellunge range (special consideration for the Missouri river system in North/South Dakota) The Twin Cities Chapter #1 Committee will consider projects based on their respective merits per criteria above, and awards will be published in the Muskie magazine. The principles of Muskies, Inc., Youth, Research, and Fisheries are guidelines inclusive in qualifying and evaluating proposals. **** NOTE: Accountability reports, DNR letters, Research papers, publications, University acknowledgements, and any other follow-up information for awards given in a particular year will be required before any individual or group is given consideration for future grants.

9 Gil Hamm The 2015 Chapter Challunge is in the books, with Star of the North Chapter #15 taking home the 'Lunge Bucket for the 5th time in the last 7 years. By winning the event, Star of the North receives the honor of hosting next year's Challunge. We have decided to take the event back to Canadian waters. The 2016 Chapter Challunge will be held on August 24th, 25th, and 26th at Red Wing Lodge on Lake of the Woods. For additional information you can visit the Challunge website at Cliff Arola Star of the North Chapter President District Finder - Use the district finder to retrieve a list of your representatives with contact information. Buy some MMPA Swag today. We send many thanks to those that have supported this effort. 100% of the profits go to fighting for your fish. Join Us on Facebook Minnesota Muskie and Pike Alliance Communications Please look over the contact information in the back of the newsletter to make sure the information is correct. Send me any new or updated information so the newsletter can get to those who need it. Our MI chapters and related groups have banded together as the MMPA to improve the fishing in our state. This is done by working together. Don t be afraid to ask for support on your projects, that s what we are here for. My job as communications co-chair is to get the information out. It s up to YOU to share the information and pass it along to your friends. If you know someone that wants to receive the MMPA newsletter please send me their and I will add them to the newsletter list. Try to get your information to us by the 25th of the month so we have time to include it in the newsletter. Keith Okeson green@lcp2.net Dan Crooms dcmusky@msn.com Department of Natural Resources Contacts:

10 Don Pereira, Central Office, Fisheries Management Chief, 500 Lafayette Road, St Paul, MN Neil Vanderbosch, Program Coordinator (St Paul) Mike Habrat, DNR, Fisheries Biologist Specialist, Detroit Lakes Area Fisheries Office County Rd. 19 Detroit Lakes, MN Al Stevens, DNR, Fisheries Lake and Stream Survey Program and Tourney Coordinator (St. Paul) - (651) al.stevens@state.mn.us MINNESOTA MUSKIE ALLIANCE OFFICERS AND COMMITTEES Co-Chair John Underhill (507) , muskiefool@yahoo.com Co-Chair Aaron Meyer (320) aaronmmeyer@hotmail.com Treasurer Carl Phillips (763) , cphilli@yahoo.com Secretary, George Selcke (952) , selckgeo@gmail.com DNR/Legislative Committee John Underhill Committee Members: Shawn Kellett (612) , John Underhill (507) New Waters/Stocking Committee- Chair Greg Kvale cattail1947@yahoo.com, Communications Committee Co-chair Keith Okeson (218) green@lcp2.net Co-chair Dan Crooms (507) dcmusky@msn.com DNR REGION REPRESENTATIVES: NE DNR Region: Chapters: Brainerd Lakes, Lake Superior and Star of the North MMPA Reps: Keith Okeson Greg Kvale Region Fisheries Manager Tim Goeman, NW DNR Region: Chapters: Fargo Moorhead, Bemidji/Cass Lake MMPA Reps: Mark Stenger Brett Waldera Region Fisheries Manager Henry Drewes, Central DNR Region: St. Cloud MMPA Rep: Bruce Kitowski EsoxMaster@charter.net ; Ken Schmitt (320) kenorschmitt@gmail.com Brad Parsons, South DNR Region: Southern Crossroads

11 MMPA Rep: Dan Crooms Region Fisheries Manager: Jack Lauer, CONTACT INFORMATION FOR MINNESOTA MUSKIE INC. CHAPTERS #01 Twin Cities: Shawn Kellett, (612) , George Selcke (952) , #02 Fargo-Moorhead: PO Box 2021, Fargo, ND 58103; Brian Grote, #15 Star of the North: W. Bay Dr., Pengilly, MN 55775; Gary Rutherford (218) Dave Berglund (218) #21 North Metro: PO Box 41216, Plymouth, MN 55441; Steve Wernersbach (763) ; Mike Riha North Metro chapter website link #24 Brainerd Lakes: 9143 Lone Pine Road, Brainerd, MN; (218) Jeff Young; Greg Kvale (218) and Aaron Heimkes Brainerd web site at: #33 Lake Superior: th Place Sturgeon Lake MN ; Keith Okeson (218) Pat Okeson; Lake Superior web site at: #37 St. Cloud: 109 Greenstone Ln. Waite Park, MN ; Bruce Kitowski ; Ken Schmitt (320) Aaron Meyer (320) St. Cloud web site at #38 Vikingland: 106 Main Ave. Carlos MN 56319; Chris Willander (612) , #46 Bemidji/Cass Lake: PO Box 6, Bemidji, MN 56619; Ethan Rogers (218) ; #54 Southern Crossroads: 1931 Greenwood Drive, Owatonna, MN 55061; Dean Peterson ; Dan Crooms (507)

12 Supporters of the MMPA

13 20 th Annual Lake Superior Chapter Sportsman Banquet Everyone is welcome open to the public Where American legion post #71 West Duluth When February 6,2016 (5 PM) Time Social Hour 5 to 6:30 Meal 6:30 to 7:00 Awards & Drawings 7:00 Meal Roast Beef, Turkey, Potatoes, Bun, Salad and Dessert Adults Meal Tickets $25.00 per person ( if purchase before January 12 th) ) Also any adult meal purchased before January 12 th will include 1 chance for a 3 day stay at Spring Bay Resort Juniors Members are free 12 and under, 13 to 17 $12.50 November Early Bird package is $50.00 Number of Attendees Names Adults ( )... Number of Early Bird Package s ( ) 12 and under.. ( ). 13 to 17.. ( ). November Early Bird Special Available only for Adults Special Package 1 Adult meal ticket 40 General raffle tickets 1 Free shake on the dice game 1 chance on the $2.00 poker game (note poker is only available for the early Birds Special) 4 chances to win a 3 day stay at Spring Bay resort on Lake Vermilion 1 Gun Raffle ticket Get all this for $50.00 if purchased by November 30 th, day stay at Spring Bay Resort on Lake Vermilion before Memorial or after Labor Day. Dice game is a spelling game with chances to win general raffle tickets Value $5.00. $2.00 poker will be only for the early birds, high hand will win a handmade lure from Nimmers Swimmers. Make Checks payable to Lake Superior Chapter of Muskies Inc. Mail Checks to Lake Superior Chapter c/o Keith Okeson th Place Sturgeon Lake, MN 55783

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15 Minnesota HS Muskie Tournament 6:30am to 2:30pm Friday, June 24, 2016 Lake Vermilion at Vermilion Dam Lodge Tournament Headquarters MI Muskie Symposium March 11-15, 2016 Sheraton West (Near Ridgedale Mall)

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17 Hugh C Becker Muskie Symposium Please join us on MARCH 13 15, 2016 for the Symposium at the Sheridan Minneapolis West, located on Ridgedale Dr, Minnetonka, Minnesota. Just select the Register Now button for more information and to register for this exciting event. Registration Fees from now until 2/16/2016 are as follows: Normal Rate $ Student Rate $75.00 DNR grp (5-6) $ DNR individual $ Muskies, Inc. Chapters $ After 2/16/2016 fees are: $225.00