From an Article in the Outdoor News posted a couple weeks ago, one Legislature decided to come up with the start of a "voluntary" walleye stamp. I think it is the start of what is to come in the next following years. This Walleye Stamp will be a requirement on possibly the "Big Five" walleye lakes. With declining numbers of licenses sold in Mn, the DNR needs to generate more revenue for these stocking programs. Where do you see this "voluntary" stamp going? South Dakota has a "Pheasant Stamp", the Great Lakes have the "Salmon/Trout Stamp", Why not Minnesota have the "Walleye Stamp"; it is our State Fish?
No matter what we do, all government spending will ruin everything in time, so it would seem. Even if they never add new spending, the price of gas and insurance (ie health), etc, etc for state employees will bankrupt us all in time. Yet the state employees will continue to demand benefits that the rest of the general public doesn't have.
So, if someone actually thinks having a walleye stamp will help, then they are clueless and likely are the same people we all keep talking about and voting into office. Less spending is what is needed and right now I don't see that happening.
quote: "Yet the state employees will continue to demand benefits that the rest of the general public doesn't have."
What benefits are state employees requesting that other employees do not get? State employees have not had a raise to their wages for at least 8 years or more. Up until the last two years they did not even get a cost of living wage increase, and are not expected to get one the next two years. Health care benefits have gotten worse over the years and more expensive to the employee. Yes it may be a fairly secure job (for now) but try living on the same wage for 10 years, I know nothing else increased in price. Many areas also have a hard time finding qualified prople because the pay has not kept up with the private sector. Be carefull what you say without stating facts, Can you tell where I work.
Is Mille Lacs one of the big five? I find it hard to believe I would have to pay for a stocking program, when there has never been a stocking of walleyes in Mille Lacs.
The Outdoor News would be better off doing some research instead of speculating. (I will never buy that Rag of a publication again, another story....)
All fishing license revenue goes directly to the general fund. The DNR submits a budget the the state. Elected legislators decide how much money gets allocated to the DNR. That's how it works. Futhermore, the DNR is broken into divisions. Fisheries is only one department. They don't get more or less money by counting license sales. They get more money when elected leaders vote to allocate it.
Bottom line. Careful who you vote for. Make sure you know how they stand. And remember, just becase money is going to the DNR, it may not have anything to do with fishing. It may be going to a trail for birdwatchers. (Nothing against bird watchers.)
I'm all for a dedicated stamp for walleye stocking. As long as the law is written that specifically guarantees that funding. I'll by 2!
Stocking is a good thing. But let’s face it, stocking Mille Lacs is not going to happen. It’s not needed. Should never be needed.
I fully support any well run stocking program. When I say well run, I mean there is some basic research done in advance of the stocking. Will the stocked fish live to be big enough to harvest? How many fish can be stocked? Meaning not too many, not too few. Is there enough public access? Water quality? Meaning can the fish be eaten safely once harvested? Stuff like that.
There are a lot of stocking success stories in this state, many right here in the metro. There are lakes inside the 494 loop that are strictly managed by stocking and are great lakes to fish at the right time of year. I would like to see those programs grow. Because they do work!
Big G, I agree with, this is the infancy stage of the start of what is to come. Next, it will be the implementation of this plan. When, probably in the next few years. Figure out the amount of revenue this would generate. Crazy!
Let me fish with more than one line and i would be glad to pay extra for a "walleye" stamp each season. This would really help to setup a pattern when trolling and i wouldn't even keep any fish. I know ALOT of people who are in the same line of thinking.
-------------------- Perfection is not attainable, but if we chase perfection we can catch excellence.
-Vince Lombardi
I'd pay for a walleye stamp or even 2 licenses if I could use another line. I think it would add a sizeable boost to the license revenue with a minimal effect on the fishing pressure. Trolling with one line isn't nearly as fun as the panic and excitement of keeping multiple lines running right and trying to manage everything once a fish bites.
-------------------- Just call me Dr. Walleye...lol
Team Fife Fishing
Quote: Let me fish with more than one line and i would be glad to pay extra for a "walleye" stamp each season. This would really help to setup a pattern when trolling and i wouldn't even keep any fish. I know ALOT of people who are in the same line of thinking.
-------------------- Brad "Grifter" Juaire
IDO Field Staff
Walleye Stamps - Really Voluntary?
I agree 100% 
