It is refreshing. I’ve had similar experiences with them.

Congratulations! Has to be a great feeling.

IMHO jumping to the conclusion that FFS is going to affect fishing for everyone and needs to be regulated is a kneejerk reaction.

2-part question for all. In the last 40 years there have been several technological advancements that have made it easier to find fish. With the addition of sonar flashers, 2D sonar, side imaging, gps mapping, cameras, larger more capable boats, etc., in your personal experience have these advancements made fishing worse for you in the state of MN? And if you think it is worse overall, which of those items is responsible?

My personal experience is that fishing is as good now as at any time in the last 40 years. I see ups and downs on the lakes I fish (no doubt a smaller sample size than some of you), but generally speaking the fish are still there.

Matt Moen wrote:

I have a couple buddies who are religious about SI…will drive over spots for 20 minutes and not drop a line.

I resemble that statement! The guys I fish with don’t seem to mind. They get time to crack another beer and we have much better luck than just fishing blindly.

grubson wrote:

I’ll go off the trail 100yds and find birds that the lazy guys never see.

This right here. I’d add do the same on trails that don’t see any OHV traffic.

The state forest that I spend time on hunting happens to fall under the Limited Access category and most of the trails I encounter are closed to motorized vehicles and see very little sign of that being violated. If I was constantly running into ATV’s while hunting I’d be looking at other areas that are walk in only. There are plenty of those areas out there.

I too enjoy walking quiet woods when grouse hunting. But I also enjoy exploring forest trails on occasion and wouldn’t want to lose that option.

I don’t spend as much time in state forests as some of you, but don’t doubt the issues being bringing up. My guess though is that most of these things are already illegal and require more enforcement. I’m not in favor of further restrictions for law abiding OHV users. Pages 34-37 of the OHV regs below explains use of state forest land. A good share of it is already off limits to motorized use.
MNNDR OHV Regs

Noticed the same thing last night. Stopped by a buddy’s place that overlooks a large slough for some shed beers. Geese honking, swans overhead, frog’s croaking, etc. All in the pitch dark.

bigstorm wrote:

For those that think that think people from other countries shouldnt be able to own property in the US, what are your thoughts on people from and living in the US owning land in other countries? I know people that own property and cabins in Canada

Like Captain, I have no concern what other countries allow or not when it comes to this subject.

buckybadger wrote:

All from cold water with difficulty of cleaning not a factor (and not considering trout)…I’d go

1. 10-12″ perch
2. 8-9″ bluegill
3. 14-17″ saugers and walleye

Can’t argue that.

Even though this has been pointed out by many, I will add that walleye are the most overrated fish for eating. Not saying they are bad at all, just not properly rated.

I believe bass are part of the sunfish family and bluegill are the best freshwater fish I’ve had. In my teen years we were fortunate enough to live on a deep clear cool water lake. The old man would occasionally keep a few 12″-14″ largemouth and fry them up. Can not tell them from sunfish or crappies other than maybe fillet size. I agree, would never keep them from warmer water.

grubson wrote:

Incorrect, but a typical generalization.

In the last 20 years the United States has seen about a 6-7% reduction in farmland.

6-7% in farmland nation wide. That’s a generalization if I’ve seen one.
In our region with multiple dry summers in a row has been the opposite. More rows and more drain tiles every year around here.
[/quote]
Seeing the same thing around us but that probably isn’t telling the whole story either. Residential and commercial development is consuming a lot of farmland on a daily basis.

grubson wrote:

<div class=”d4p-bbt-quote-title”>gim wrote:</div>
Thank you, China.

I wouldn’t be surprised.
The world has big plans for the superior region. Mainly mining. They want the Copper, nickel, and helium. I think they are preparing/ hoping to forever change the landscape of that region. Any land close will likely be going way up in value should these mines be built.

Brings up a good question. Should foreign countries or individuals be allowed to own land in the U.S.? I see Missouri is attempting to pass a state constitutional amendment banning foreign ownership.

10klakes wrote:

Awesome bill, ask your reps. to support it!

Copy and Paste from a different group to add some clarification:
“This is the required statute language that establishes the opportunity to have a catch and release season from the end to Feb until the current walleye opener. The remainder of the ‘law” would be defined in Rule making. ”

As we know statute is never straight forward of course. It is written into law that we can not target <em class=”ido-tag-em”>bass out side of the season. This statute change will allow bass angling year round. If passed, the DNR with their rulemaking authority will declare it a c&R season etc.

Thanks for the clarification. Hope it passes!

Ripjiggen wrote:

Is this different from what was discussed for 5 pages.

Yessir. Suppose I could’ve added to that thread. Captain is correct on the point that this goes beyond a catch and release. But the more I read on it they maybe have to do it this way first and then the catch and release period is addressed by a DNR rule.

I should clarify my opinion. I’m not opposed to what has been put forth. Just think that a catch and release period during what is now closed would have been sufficient.

Don’t forget to grease those wheel bearings! Good luck to those hitting the Rainy!

If it’s something that you’ll do once a year it may be a better idea to rent. I haven’t used one personally, but I’ve heard the self propelled rollers do a much better job than the average tow behind. Not a lot of places rent them though.

Jason wrote:

Joe –
Have you checked with Kones Korner in Castlewood SD?
They have been my go to Benelli dealer in the past.

Have not but I’ll add them to the list.

Bearcat89 wrote:

<div class=”d4p-bbt-quote-title”>Jake D wrote:</div>
If anyone is planning to hunt in the NE part of the state, shoot me a DM. Living in Watertown, I can certainly help point a couple guys in the right direction and do some scouting during the summer

That’s awesome and a great gesture.

Very nice! We pheasant hunt the NE and end up seeing at least one good buck every time we’re out there. Bow hunting out there has intrigued me but never really looked into it. Is it literally public land only for non-resident?

Bearcat89 wrote:

A buddy just text me saying there was a body found in the river near birchdale yesterday. Can’t find anything online about it. But he said he seen it on the Dutchmans fb. I’m not active on fb so I didn’t see it. But prayers out to the person and family if it is true

Just peeked at Dutchman’s fb and they think it was a person that had gone missing last fall while kayaking.

Michael Saal wrote:

I have a M2 left hand in camo 12 gauge I will have for sale. I’m located north of Wausau Wi. Only 10 or less boxes through it. It’s in excellent shape. I only used it a few years Pheasant hunting in S.D.

Thanks for the offer. I’ll keep it in mind. At this point I’m hoping to find one in black.

John Christesnen wrote:

Check out Kjergaard Sport’s in Lake Benton MN they have a larger amount of left handed guns. I’m not sure if I remember seeing either of those in a 20 ga.

Thanks for the heads up! I’ll give them a call.

I’ll add Breaking Benjamin, Volbeat, Chevelle, Metallica, etc to my list of garage, boat, truck tunes.

Linkin Park is punk? If so, then I’m a fan.

My guess is those fish are treated a lot better than at most small local derbies.

Go Fothergill!! Can’t imagine the pressure he’s feeling this morning!

Yeah he’s had a rough start to the elites, but even with that he’s proven over the last couple years that he can compete all over the country. Him in the lead is not all that shocking.

Jon Jordan wrote:

Heavy on the Kid Rock last night/today. Gearing up for the show tonight at Target Center!

-J.

Sounds like a blast! Brother and SIL are going.

That is one genre I never got into.

Bearcat89 wrote:

I didn’t want to take the time to use the ‘ so I said could. That’s about as many cares as I have.

So you’re saying you’re fresh out of “cares” to give. I hear ya!