If signed into law as passed, by 2010 we should see many changes in the Fishing Contest rules, with guidance and support from Senator Satveer Chaudhary, Representative David Dill and Representative Larry Howes both the House and Senate sent a new Game and Fish bill forward. The contest modifications came about through the actions of anglers, working together with Legislators for changes. Fishing contests are an important part of angling in Minnesota, both economically and recreationally. Lead by an alliance of anglers active in the Northerns Inc, the Minnesota Bass Federation Nation, Muskie anglers and bow fishing groups; they spent hundreds of hours lobbying for change. As a result of this the rules have been relaxed and the fee’s reduced. Now it’s up to the contest/tournament anglers to conduct themselves ethically and professionally at public accesses and on the water.
So what will be different?
The contest application will be available on-line, thus streamlining the process and creating a Web page listing for all the contests Statewide.
A best practices certification program for fishing contest organizers will be developed by the DNR to ensure the proper handling and release of fish. Angling groups will be invited to help develop these practices.
Who will be required to obtain a permit will change. What’s new: Events with fewer then 25 boats or 150 ice fishing contestants will be exempt or if the contest is limited to rough fish; or the total prize value is $500 or less. Much of the old language of who is also exempt stays the same.
I expect the new electronic web permit system will be similar to Wisconsin’s and a series of questions will be asked, to determine who needs a permit.
The Charitable exemption has been removed. But all the contest fees have been cut in half. The permit fee for any individual contest may not exceed the following amounts:
$60 for an open water contest not exceeding 50 boats and without off-site weigh-in;
$200 for an open water contest with more than 50 boats and without off-site weigh-in;
$250 for an open water contest not exceeding 50 boats with off-site weigh-in;
$500 for an open water contest with more than 50 boats with off-site weigh-in;
$120 for an ice fishing contest with more than 150 participants.
And finally The commissioner may allow for live release weigh-ins at public accesses.
This new legislation does not change or replace all of the other existing contest/permit regulations. Everything else stays the same. DNR Fisheries has worked very hard to make the permitting process fair and reasonable. These new changes should assist them in continuing this practice.
We want to thank everyone who helped in this effort. Those who made phone calls, sent emails made contacts and spread the word. Now is the time to reconnect with your legislator and thank them for their efforts and support. Many anglers contributed to making these changes. I’d like to personally thank Brian Petschl Land of Lakes Bowfishing Association, Rob Carper Northerns Inc. , Peter Perovich and Paul Perovich Minnesota Bass Federation Nation, Muskie anglers John Underhill, Shawn Kellet and Rob Kimm and John Schneider Mn Sportfishing Congress. Many more made contributions, thanks to all.
The 2009 Game and Fish bill also created night-time bowfishing, free licenses for individuals over age 90. Creates a new 48 inch Muskie length limit on many lakes, a non-resident spearing license, and many more license/shelter fee changes.
Hunting rules and regulations also received changes and additions, one of the most significant is the new uncased firearm/bow law, which allows for unloaded guns to be transported uncased during hunting season. This new rule makes quite a bit of sense to hunters and the credit goes to MOHA for their work on this.
From Minnesota Fishing with My Fishing Pals
Wednesday, June 10, 2009
Friday, March 7, 2008
Minnesota Fishing Communities Discuss Dedicated Funding and its Potential Impacts
(I-Newswire) - Minnesota Anglers are sharing mixed feelings regarding the proposed Dedicated Funding Amendment due on the ballot on November 4. The bill calls for a constitutional amendment raising the sales tax 3/8th of 1 percent and dedicate the $276 million in annual revenue to wildlife habitat, clean water, parks and the arts.
After a long 10 year battle the bill has finally found the legs to make its way to the ballot. While initially excited, some outdoor enthusiasts are critical of the spending proposal. Many remember the legislation passed for the state lottery in 1990 to be the miracle fix for the environment. Profits generated by the lottery were to fund the Game and Fish Fund, Natural Resources Fund and the Environmental Fund. Much of the lottery profit has been directed away from its intended environmental funds and Minnesotans are leary that history may repeat itself with the Dedicated Funding Bill.
The fishing community has gathered to discuss the issue in recent posts on My Fishing Pals' message forum, a local Minnesota website dedicated to the free exchange of ideas on fishing related topics. While most support the bill, all want governmental accountability. While Minnesotans strive to be good stewards of the land, they hope the government becomes good stewards of their tax dollars.
My Fishing Pals ( www.myfishingpals.com ) originated in 2003 as a hobby-fishing site that welcomes Minnesota fishermen to share fishing reports, information, and other items related to fishing. In 2005 a controversial forum was created on the site so that Minnesota fishermen could address fishing and hunting issues. These controversial forums have become an avenue for hunters and fishermen to voice their opinions and concerns and, at times, defend traditional Minnesota values.
After a long 10 year battle the bill has finally found the legs to make its way to the ballot. While initially excited, some outdoor enthusiasts are critical of the spending proposal. Many remember the legislation passed for the state lottery in 1990 to be the miracle fix for the environment. Profits generated by the lottery were to fund the Game and Fish Fund, Natural Resources Fund and the Environmental Fund. Much of the lottery profit has been directed away from its intended environmental funds and Minnesotans are leary that history may repeat itself with the Dedicated Funding Bill.
The fishing community has gathered to discuss the issue in recent posts on My Fishing Pals' message forum, a local Minnesota website dedicated to the free exchange of ideas on fishing related topics. While most support the bill, all want governmental accountability. While Minnesotans strive to be good stewards of the land, they hope the government becomes good stewards of their tax dollars.
My Fishing Pals ( www.myfishingpals.com ) originated in 2003 as a hobby-fishing site that welcomes Minnesota fishermen to share fishing reports, information, and other items related to fishing. In 2005 a controversial forum was created on the site so that Minnesota fishermen could address fishing and hunting issues. These controversial forums have become an avenue for hunters and fishermen to voice their opinions and concerns and, at times, defend traditional Minnesota values.
Wednesday, January 23, 2008
Thursday, October 25, 2007
High Speed Fish Article on My Fishing Pals
"Doc" Bruce Samson (Doc Samson)
High Tech Fishing with "Doc" Bruce Samson
Finding fish is one of my secrets to catching fish. Fish concentrate in certain areas and aren’t found everywhere. You can hunt for them at 2 mph or you can do it Doc’s way and search for them at 20 mph. I will show you how to do it and how to make it useful. This method pertains to all species of fish.
Fish are shown as horizontal lines when the boat is stationary, arches when the boat moves slowly and as vertical lines when the boat moves fast. You can also change the way a fish appears with the chart speed but a fish arch will still change at different speeds no matter what your chart speed is set at.
I explain the principals of fish arches in detail in my Understanding Sonar and Interpreting the Display DVD.
The following examples are recorded using the log chart data feature on my Lowrance LCX 38.
Example 1 is 2 mph and 5 mph.
Example 2 shows fish at 20 mph and 4 mph.
Example 3 is example 2 adjusted for easier viewing.
You can make the screen easier to read because you need to navigate safely at 20 mph and not be squinting at the screen. I use the blue background, sensitivity is increased a little, colorline increased a little, and the ping speed is increased to 100%.
Sensitivity, colorline, and ping speed are found in the sonar menu. Blue background is found in sonar features under sonar chart mode.
There are no exact numbers for the sensitivity and colorline because each model of Lowrance is different. You must adjust them to get the display picture you prefer.
When I am hunting for fish I use the sonar cursor (depth cursor) feature to place waypoints on the fish behind the boat so I find so I can turn around and troll over the waypoints.
I have a video on my website about using the Sonar Cursor feature on my home page t www.hightechfishing.com. This tool is very important when hunting for fish.
I recommend practicing in places that have lots of fish or baitfish, log a chart at 2 mph, 6 mph, and 20 mph and take them home and view them on the SonarViewer. Then adjust the sensitivity and colorline and blue background to gain confidence. Logging charts and using the SonarViewer are discussed at www.hightechfishing.com under Lowrance Tips.
It is much easier to learn this method at home than on the water. How can you adjust anything at 20 mph and navigate safely? Be safe!!
High Tech Fishing with "Doc" Bruce Samson
Finding fish is one of my secrets to catching fish. Fish concentrate in certain areas and aren’t found everywhere. You can hunt for them at 2 mph or you can do it Doc’s way and search for them at 20 mph. I will show you how to do it and how to make it useful. This method pertains to all species of fish.
Fish are shown as horizontal lines when the boat is stationary, arches when the boat moves slowly and as vertical lines when the boat moves fast. You can also change the way a fish appears with the chart speed but a fish arch will still change at different speeds no matter what your chart speed is set at.
I explain the principals of fish arches in detail in my Understanding Sonar and Interpreting the Display DVD.
The following examples are recorded using the log chart data feature on my Lowrance LCX 38.
Example 1 is 2 mph and 5 mph.
Example 2 shows fish at 20 mph and 4 mph.
Example 3 is example 2 adjusted for easier viewing.
You can make the screen easier to read because you need to navigate safely at 20 mph and not be squinting at the screen. I use the blue background, sensitivity is increased a little, colorline increased a little, and the ping speed is increased to 100%.
Sensitivity, colorline, and ping speed are found in the sonar menu. Blue background is found in sonar features under sonar chart mode.
There are no exact numbers for the sensitivity and colorline because each model of Lowrance is different. You must adjust them to get the display picture you prefer.
When I am hunting for fish I use the sonar cursor (depth cursor) feature to place waypoints on the fish behind the boat so I find so I can turn around and troll over the waypoints.
I have a video on my website about using the Sonar Cursor feature on my home page t www.hightechfishing.com. This tool is very important when hunting for fish.
I recommend practicing in places that have lots of fish or baitfish, log a chart at 2 mph, 6 mph, and 20 mph and take them home and view them on the SonarViewer. Then adjust the sensitivity and colorline and blue background to gain confidence. Logging charts and using the SonarViewer are discussed at www.hightechfishing.com under Lowrance Tips.
It is much easier to learn this method at home than on the water. How can you adjust anything at 20 mph and navigate safely? Be safe!!
Friday, October 12, 2007
Minnesota Fishermen Take a Critical Look at PETA - Press Release
(I-Newswire) - On a local Minnesota fishing website, many fishermen are expressing their outrage at PETA’s aggressive anti-fishing campaign. In response to recent posts on My Fishing Pals' message forum ( www.myfishingpals.com ), anglers from across Minnesota are showing a united front against the efforts of PETA. People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals and other animal rights groups are aggressively attempting to inhibit all hunting and fishing in Minnesota and other states. These groups are intently focusing their attack on sport fishing, a traditional Minnesota pastime. PETA's message is that recreational anglers cause extreme and needless pain to fish and bait. Their agenda is to heighten the public's awareness to the killing of any fish or animal. In addition, they desire to promote animal rights at the grassroots level, spreading awareness in communities and making sure their message is visible and heard.
To spread their animal rights agenda on a public fishing forum, though, is a slap in the face to all who enjoy hunting and fishing, especially in a state like Minnesota. Known as the “land of 10,000 lakes,” Minnesota offers some of the best hunting and fishing in the nation and these traditions are considered Minnesota’s heritage, recreation, and a vital part of the State’s economy. Regular members of the forum are expressing their rights to hunt and fish and the positive role they play in wildlife management. They are telling PETA to “…go home, we don’t want you here.”
My Fishing Pals ( www.myfishingpals.com ) originated in 2003 as a hobby-fishing site that welcomes Minnesota fishermen to share fishing reports, information, and other items related to fishing. In 2005 a controversial forum was created on the site so that Minnesota fishermen could address fishing and hunting issues. These controversial forums have become an avenue for hunters and fishermen to voice their opinions and concerns and, at times, defend traditional Minnesota values.
To spread their animal rights agenda on a public fishing forum, though, is a slap in the face to all who enjoy hunting and fishing, especially in a state like Minnesota. Known as the “land of 10,000 lakes,” Minnesota offers some of the best hunting and fishing in the nation and these traditions are considered Minnesota’s heritage, recreation, and a vital part of the State’s economy. Regular members of the forum are expressing their rights to hunt and fish and the positive role they play in wildlife management. They are telling PETA to “…go home, we don’t want you here.”
My Fishing Pals ( www.myfishingpals.com ) originated in 2003 as a hobby-fishing site that welcomes Minnesota fishermen to share fishing reports, information, and other items related to fishing. In 2005 a controversial forum was created on the site so that Minnesota fishermen could address fishing and hunting issues. These controversial forums have become an avenue for hunters and fishermen to voice their opinions and concerns and, at times, defend traditional Minnesota values.
Tuesday, October 2, 2007
Minnesota fishermen take a critical look at PETA
Hello All!
I would like to call you attention to a website - Minnesota Fishing with My Fishing Pals. I am actually a member on that site and I am just dropping you a brief message to tell you what is going on there.
Administrators of this site have kept the forum as free as possible when it comes to member posting. They even created a Controversial Forum where people can air concerns related to fishing or hunting. The site is non-profit and moderators have been trying to garner additional users by letting folks speak their piece.
Recently, some have joined that are of the PETA persuasion. I find this very odd since most of the other users are either fishermen or hunters. But the fact that they are their is actually quite fascinating... kind of like putting the two groups in a room and letting them have at it.
The reason I am posting you is that it would appear the PETA users may have the upper hand. Granted, they are outnumbered, but it seems that hunters either don't care or have a hard time articulating why they hunt.
Maybe this snip can sum it up much better then I...
"The problem is, as I see it, is that our want, drive and enjoyment of hunting is very hard to put into words and it is this lack of eloquence that makes the debate of why we hunt seem a one-sided debate. This is a major factor as to why the anti-hunting crowd's fight against our rights can be seemingly so successful. They ask why, but most of us can't express why. We, as hunters, really cannot explain fully as to why we hunt and if we have to explain it to you, you wouldn't understand. The problem is that hunters recently seem to shun the issue altogether, and do not debate it at all. Hunters have been brow-beaten by a few outspoken anti-hunting groups and they now try to avoid the issue. In recent years wildlife professionals have skirted the hunting/anti-hunting issue by focusing on concepts such as conservation biology and biodiversity."
"The problem is, as I see it, is that our want, drive and enjoyment of hunting is very hard to put into words and it is this lack of eloquence that makes the debate of why we hunt seem a one-sided debate. This is a major factor as to why the anti-hunting crowd's fight against our rights can be seemingly so successful. They ask why, but most of us can't express why. We, as hunters, really cannot explain fully as to why we hunt and if we have to explain it to you, you wouldn't understand. The problem is that hunters recently seem to shun the issue altogether, and do not debate it at all. Hunters have been brow-beaten by a few outspoken anti-hunting groups and they now try to avoid the issue. In recent years wildlife professionals have skirted the hunting/anti-hunting issue by focusing on concepts such as conservation biology and biodiversity."
Anyway, I just thought I would bring this to your attention. It actually is quite fascinating that the technology of the World Wide Web has made it possible for two totally diverse groups to espouse their opinions.
Thanks for you time,
WebDude
Thanks for you time,
WebDude
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