Field aspects of the spring population estimate went well, though late ice out during tagging operations and wind and storms during the recapture sampling were challenging for field crews. In total, nearly 19,000 walleyes were tagged with small, yellow, uniquely numbered tags during late April and early May. Nearly 5,000 walleyes were captured during mid-May through mid-June and examined for tags. Approximately 130 tagged walleyes were recaptured in that effort.crews. In total, nearly 19,000 walleyes were tagged with small, yellow, uniquely numbered tags during late April and early May. Nearly 5,000 walleyes were captured during mid-May through mid-June and examined for tags. Approximately 130 tagged walleyes were recaptured in that effort.
I thought this fact of only 130 were catch was simply amazing. I will leave it at that so you can stew over it.
I rather look at the positive and celebrate that the population seems to be AOK
We all knew those nets went out way to early last year before the fish moved into the shallows in full force. It is just good to hear that what we originally suspected is hopefully the case!
Quote: is the native netting really hurting the lake?
Theoretically for the Fish Population, I say the answer is no, because the DNR regulates the safe harvest of all fish, Native and Non Native and adjust it accordingly with harvest limits.
Ok now reality..... I say yes, netting really hurts the lakes in more ways then most imagine on the surface. As seen this year that not all nets get counted for. Both lost and non recorded nets slip by the system. They have commented they know exactly how many are put in the lake, but we all found out that was not true when the missing nets came into question. Therefore, not really ever truly knowing the "ACTUAL" harvest poundage of the natives. Secondly, the Natives make a claim of X pounds each year. The DNR then looks at the safe allowable harvest and sets the Non native quota. This new "slot" discourages and restricts nonnative fisherman. Some effects are some people do not even come to the lake and pump money into the State and local economies. Thus forcing many of local businesses to sell and we are not shoving money back into the State via licenses and other tax revenue. This means less money to manage the lake with and a decline of fisher people on Mille Lacs. It is a vicious cycle that can be a whirlwind to the bottom.
Ok forget equal rights, what about equal dollar investing in a fishery?? How much $ do the natives put into the fishery & system???? How much do they take out of the same system, not to mention how many MN tax dollars are spent on their ritual netting ceremonies each year???? This can go on and on.
I agree, the netting quota at the current level apparently isn't hurting the lake. However, netting has such a negative impact on this fishery in so many other ways it's hard to ignore all those other factors. To date, the lake appears to be able to sustain itself. The area businesses on the other hand are not so lucky.
Unfortunately the indians set their own quota. The MN DNR has NO say in this. Anyone who believes otherwise has fooled themselves. The 1837 treaty says nothing about quota. The MN DNR simply have to manage the "white man" quota by a simple formula: "Believed Safe harvest" - "indian quota" = "white man quota"
Look historically how many net lifts have taken place since 1998. The increase is alarming to me. While the GLFWIC claims to work in conjunction with the MN DNR, the reality is, they could care less. As the WI bands(who control the GLFWIC) greed increases, then "our" quota will continue to fall. Eventually, the safe harvest number less indian quota will be such a small number "we" won't have any chance of eating a fish from Mille Lacs. In turn, this will elminate any tourism to the area. All the while, the tax payers of this great state and nation will unknowingly foot the bill to support the pillaging of this resource.
Yes, my opinion is a pretty grim one and nothing would make me happier to be wrong about this. However, we have to look no further than the lakes in WI within the ceded territories to see what they have done to those fisheries.
-------------------- I was born in the 70's, grew up in 80's, made my mistakes in 90's now I'm just trying to make up for lost time.
I would also like to point, to all the nay sayers, neither is hooking mortality. That factor was thrown "in my face" by both indians this spring and many IDO members here last winter.
I think we are lucky have such an amazing fishery in our backyard. Just wondering how much of man's greed it can sustain.
-------------------- I was born in the 70's, grew up in 80's, made my mistakes in 90's now I'm just trying to make up for lost time.
I also recall back in the fall many newspapers and local TV news outlets used the fall survey to further push their 'global warming' agenda...Their claim was the walleye population decline was related to global warming.. Kare 11's Rich Cupchella even had a two day story on it and the Startribune had a few articles on the same subject...these new results don't support their theories...I believe little Ricky owes a an explaination..
Quote: Just wondering how much of man's greed it can sustain
I wonder the same thing Kooty and I hope the answer is a lot more, because unless something drastically changes, the Natives are going to keep "tapping the well" until it is dry.
Quote: I also recall back in the fall many newspapers and local TV news outlets used the fall survey to further push their 'global warming' agenda...Their claim was the walleye population decline was related to global warming.. Kare 11's Rich Cupchella even had a two day story on it and the Startribune had a few articles on the same subject...these new results don't support their theories...I believe little Ricky owes a an explaination..
Very correct! I remember hearing that global warming was destroying the future of the the lake because the tulibee were dying from excessive heat.
Chappy is correct too, the DNR was wrong and "we" all knew it. Unfortunately, those in charge did not and made premature false presumptions.
This lake has gone through so many cycles over the past several decades, it is unbelievable. Yet, she still pulls through and is still one of the top 10 nation wide walleye factories.
It is time the DNR quites screwing around with mother nature.
-------------------- Wow, that was really scary and if you don't mind me saying, if that don't work, your breath will certainly get the job done.
Messenger This never made front page news for a reason, the Messenger is trying to sweep this issue under the rug. The only way we even have a chance to be heard is to get together and keep this issue at the forefront, I suggest that we cut and paste some of our opinions to this article, (I reply under pete hawk just so you know I'm not trying to hide behind a name) I have received a few messages from Steve Fellegy and he is looking for some pictures from the past that shows a lost gill net with all the rotten fish in it. I know the motion of netting mortality will never be believed by the DNR, GLIFWC, or the naysayers at the Messenger till we give them some evidence. I don't think you can put the gill nets alone as the culprit, I think this whole situation with the tracking of nets, and the GLIFWC's lack of oversight is the problem.
DNR report on walleye pop is healthy
Re: DNR report on walleye pop is healthy
