Date: 8 December 2016 Location: Roosters Brewing, Layton Time: 5:30 The chapter welcomed Mr. George Weekley of DNR, senior biologist and a member of the state Blue Ribbon Fishery Advisory Council (BRFAC). George briefed the purpose of BRFAC and what this council is about and what council does for the state. He indicated council works identifying waters as Blue Ribbon waters based on set criteria. He also discussed how the council helps to improve fishery habitat. George discussed BRFAC is allocated $400K a year to improve Utah waters in a variety of ways including assisting various fishing organizations. The chapter welcomed Mr. Cody Edwards of the DNR. Cody provided a PowerPoint presentation on chapter members assisting Biologists with tiger muskie age and growth research. The chapter was recently notified and initially approved to receive $800 from the MI Fisheries and Research Committee. The funds received from MI would go to purchase necessary equipment allowing trained and authorized Chapter members to clip and remove one Pectoral Fin Ray submitting to biologists for analysis. Slides below are some from Cody s presentation. pg. 1
- Mr. Craig Walker of the DNR briefed the DNR will need chapter help in 2017 capturing female Northern Pike from Yuba for brood stock for tiger muskies. Craig indicated Yuba will be under a management plan in the future. - On behalf of Muskies, Inc. and Chapter 65 DNR officials Cody Edwards and Craig Walker were presented: MI Patch, Folder and MI research books. The DNR has been very supportive of Chapter 65 and this was a way for the chapter to show sincere appreciation for DNR involvement with the chapter. pg. 2
Prizes were handed out and a big thank you to Muskies, Inc. for the gifts provided along with lures, koozies, blue tooth portable speaker, gear wrench pliers etc. pg. 3
- Chapter 65 presented gifts to Angler s Den, Cabela s and Sportsman Warehouse for their generous donations to the chapters tournament held 8-9 October. Representatives from Cabela s and Sportsman Warehouse were unable to attend. Angler s Den Representative - Chapter recognized the following members: Kristen Horrocks for a photo contest she won and Trevor Tippets on helping with October tourney and awesome October plaques. (Trevor was unable to attend). pg. 4
- The following individuals were recognized for involvement in chapter events: Jared Green for Adopt-A-Beach. Jared working with US Forest Service championed cleanup efforts on designated Pineview trail heads, trails and shoreline. His efforts resulted in the collection of over 550 pounds of trash; Steve Jeppesen dedicated time and materials making 11 chapter bump boards for tournament participants who didn t have a bump board; Bryce Scanlon spearheaded tournament donations making the tournament a huge success with great prizes. A Sincere and BIG THANK YOU to Jared, Steve and Bryce for jobs well-done. pg. 5
- A presentation was made to JC Villastrigo (unable to attend). JC not yet Chapter 65 member and new to tiger muskie fishing was offered an opportunity to go fishing with Tyson Sugihara (member). A fishing trip JC won t forget he boated a 52 tiger muskie. He receives a 50 decal, lure and MI patch. JC signed up as a Chapter 65 member. - Presentations were made to the following anglers for their 2016 tiger muskie achievements. Kim Wagner Women s Division, Kay Moore Women s Big Muskie, Bryce Scanlon Men s Division and Joe Weisner Big Muskie. pg. 6
The highlight of the end-of-season meeting was selection of a Chapter Logo. There were 14 entries members voted on with the top 3 logos moving forward for a final vote. The Chapter can t thank enough all members who submitted logos for their time and efforts on submissions. The winning logo won a $150 Cabela s gift card, Knipex hook cutters and a bump board with the logo. The top 3 logos are as follows: 1 2 3 The winning logo was logo number 2 and the designer was Ms Maddi Hill. Congratulations Maddi. pg. 7
With only 6 months as a recognized Muskies, Inc. Chapter this chapter has really started to gain momentum in the state and region to include with Muskies, Inc. on a national level. We are a very small group but will make a very big and positive difference in tiger muskie fishing for the state and the Mountain West Region. This chapter has a great future with 2017 bringing new events and lots of fun. As chapter s first President, I sincerely and with utmost respect thank the chapter officers and members for their support and hard work at helping this chapter on its adventure. Additionally thank you to Muskies, Inc., Utah State DNR POCs, BRFAC, and sponsors for their support. It has been a very exciting 6 months and I for one can t wait for 2017 as it will be even better for Chapter 65. Until 2017, the Men and Women of Chapter 65 wishes each and every one of you a very wonderful Holiday Season with dear friends and loved ones. pg. 8