H.F. No. 3676w

Check this out muskie/ pike guys. Spearing statewide, not a good idea!!! That is if you like muskie and trophy pike.

H.F. No. 3676, as introduced – 85th Legislative Session (2007-2008) Posted on Feb 29, 2008
1.1A bill for an act
1.2relating to game and fish; providing possession and daily limits for northern pike;
1.3authorizing spearing of northern pike statewide; requiring rulemaking; amending
1.4Minnesota Statutes 2006, section 97C.401, subdivision 2; proposing coding for
1.5new law in Minnesota Statutes, chapter 97C.
1.6BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF MINNESOTA:

1.7 Section 1. Minnesota Statutes 2006, section 97C.401, subdivision 2, is amended to read:
1.8 Subd. 2. Walleye; northern pike. (a) Except as provided in paragraph (b), a person
1.9may take no more than one walleye larger than 20 inches and one northern pike larger
1.10than 30 inches daily.
1.11(b) The restrictions in paragraph (a) do not apply to boundary waters.

1.12 Sec. 2. <97C.407> NORTHERN PIKE.
1.13(a) The possession and daily limit for northern pike is three, of which no more than
1.14one may be larger than 30 inches.
1.15(b) Northern pike may be taken by spearing on all lakes within the state.
1.16(c) Notwithstanding sections 97C.001 and 97C.005 or other law to the contrary,
1.17the commissioner may not adopt rules to take northern pike that are inconsistent with
1.18this section.

1.19 Sec. 3. RULEMAKING.
1.20The commissioner of natural resources shall amend Minnesota Rules, chapters 6262,
1.216264, and 6266, to conform with sections 1 and 2. The commissioner may use the good
1.22cause exemption under Minnesota Statutes, section 14.388, subdivision 1, clause (3), to
2.1amend the rules. Minnesota Statutes, section 14.386, does not apply except as provided
2.2under Minnesota Statutes, section 14.388.
2.3EFFECTIVE DATE.This section is effective the day following final enactment.

Bud Heidgerken (R) 13A
* 237 State Office Building
100 Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd.
Saint Paul, Minnesota 55155
(651) 296-4317
(800) 339-6071

Why take away what they have already started? This makes no sense to me. Finally, we are starting to see very large pike in lakes that have the 24-36 inch slot. Not only that, but why risk opening up spearing on all muskie lakes. Mille Lacs is going to get pounded by spearers if this law is changed, especially with that crystal clear water in the winter. And you know there will be people spearing muskies either by accident or out of hate This is not good at all

1.16(c) Notwithstanding sections 97C.001 and 97C.005 or other law to the contrary,

My guess is these provisions protect bodies of water with special regs prohibiting spearing.

I don’t think that spearing on a musky lake will kill that many muskies…..

I speared on vermillion for years – and saw many, many muskies. They are very easy to ID in the water. If they do, however open spearing on the pond – I know EXACTLY where I will be setting up on Dec 1st………wow would that be exciting!

Tim

Here are my thoughts:

Because we raised quite a ruckus when the Natives spear or gill net, I don’t think we are setting a good example by allowing ourselves to do it. It is quite an event here in WI to spear sturgeon and again while I would like to try it, I just think that if we are so dead set against the Native activities, we should refrain ourselves. Just my two cents!!!

Mark

I think there is a difference between a tightly regulated spearing season with tight limits vs a free-for-all where you can spear whatever and how many ever…..

The Winnebago sturgeon spearing is highly regulated. MN pike spearing is also regulated – with restrictive limits …..only one fish over 30″ statewide.

Tim