World Muskie Alliance
Jerry Newman
Posted 1/9/2011 6:56 PM (#474467)
Subject: World Muskie Alliance




Location: 31

The World Muskie Alliance (WMA), formerly known as the World Record Muskie Alliance (WRMA) is in the process of implementing a redirection strategy, this redirection strategy will include a change in leadership. The organizations new direction will be to promote/assist any worthy muskellunge conservation effort throughout the species native range.
 

Primary purpose: individuals

Because we are a 501(c) 3 organization, any donation is 100% tax-deductible and because the WMA is (and will remain) self-supporting, all contributions can be allocated by the individual toward a specific project or activity.

Primary purpose: organizations

To unite the various organizations for local and international projects and function as a dynamic link between the various muskie groups.  Any qualifying organization that shares this united goal can effectively join forces (no dues) and be a part of a strategy that will help to provide additional resources for muskellunge management purposes.

Questions for the WMA:

Obviously, this type of announcement will generate some questions regarding our direction/intentions. This is wide open. However, part of our agenda will undoubtedly include taking on some of the larger issues that have been plaguing our sport for years.  In short, it is our belief that the best way to begin this process is with a question of what the muskie community would like to see this organization address.

Regarding muskellunge management:

What is the largest issue conservation minded muskie anglers generally have?

What is the largest issue that biologists generally have?

Implementing the appropriate solution to these questions will undoubtedly be our biggest challenge.  However, having a core group of representatives for the different geographical areas would be the best for the resource, habitat, management, and the future of our great sport.

We are a 501(c) 3 shell with no formal agenda looking for people and projects that will make a difference.  Please e-mail us if you are interested in helping set up the WMA agenda.

Volunteers/board:
 

Shane Mason (WI)      [email protected]

John Underhill (MN)  [email protected]

Steve Horton (MI)       [email protected]

Jerry Newman (IL)      [email protected]

Phil Turk (IL)              Treasurer

 

Volunteers/advisory Board:

Doug Johnson (MN)

Pete Maina (WI)

Will Schultz (MI)

Organizations:
 

MMA (MI)

C&R Musky Club (WI)

I would like to personally welcome all incoming WMA members and thank the outgoing WRMA board members, Rich Delaney, Dan Koniewicz, George Will, and Ken Olesen, as well as the WRMA general membership for their contribution.

Sincerely,

Jerry Newman

Founder WRMA / WMA

 

Jomusky
Posted 1/9/2011 10:13 PM (#474526 - in reply to #474467)
Subject: Re: World Muskie Alliance




Posts: 1185


Location: Wishin I Was Fishin'		I feel an organization like this will give us musky fishermen a new voice. It will provide a means to help us in politics (like musky regulations), research projects, and organizing our efforts. I look forward to what the future holds.
sworrall
Posted 1/10/2011 12:43 AM (#474537 - in reply to #474526)
Subject: Re: World Muskie Alliance





Posts: 32886


Location: Rhinelander, Wisconsin		Agreed. Thanks, Jerry.
Top H2O
Posted 1/10/2011 1:01 AM (#474538 - in reply to #474537)
Subject: Re: World Muskie Alliance




Posts: 4080


Location: Elko - Lake Vermilion		Nice. Thanks for your time and service guys.

Now all we need is for someone to boat that 70 pounder!

Jerome
h2os2t
Posted 1/10/2011 6:39 AM (#474549 - in reply to #474538)
Subject: Re: World Muskie Alliance




Posts: 941


Location: Freedom, WI		Long overdue, thanks to all who got this going. Now we need a whole bunch more to jump on board.
muskie-addict
Posted 1/10/2011 6:53 AM (#474551 - in reply to #474467)
Subject: RE: World Muskie Alliance


A united front is a good thing. Looking forward to watching and helping good things happen.
-Eric
Shane Mason
Posted 1/10/2011 8:23 AM (#474559 - in reply to #474467)
Subject: RE: World Muskie Alliance


A united front is an absolute must. Muskies dont recognize boarders, so why should we? This is going to be a "check your ego at the door deal" and I will work with anyone who wants to get something done. And by boarders, I mean websites as well.

We have a narrow window here, to really catch some lightning in a bottle. Speaking for Wis. we have some things we have already been working on, and will be ready to bring forward very shortly.

We already have a pretty good idea of what doesnt work. We are going to take a different angle at this equation.

I am going to use my Rubics cube analogy here as I see its very fitting. For those who remember most people got one, and after some time they got 1 side solved, probably spent several more months then trying to get it to all sides, but just never got to 100%? I took a different look at the problem. I spent two minutes and took the think apart and put it back together. In the end the result was the same. May have not been the way everyone would do it, but it got the job done, and I didnt waste 6 months chasing my tail. We already have some outside the box thinkers on board, but can use all the help we can get.

Folks there is a grand plan here, but the first step is getting the bus out of the garage and on the road. A little trust, and a little time, is all we are asking. Really no more so than you are already doing, but we really have to readjust the way we are trying to solve problems. For those of you who are willing to take the time to try and make a difference. I think if we can get this rolling and it will take on a life of its own. I Thank You!

Shane Mason
715-850-0573
Jerry Newman
Posted 1/10/2011 11:41 AM (#474596 - in reply to #474559)
Subject: RE: World Muskie Alliance




Location: 31

We have picked up two additional board member "candidates" (board positions will be left open until an election) and discussions are already underway regarding the basic structuring of the WMA.

Please feel free to e-mail or post, even if you're just considering, there's certainly no obligation. For most of you, I think it's going to be pretty cool to watch an organization like this develop right before your eyes.

I am heading out of town directly and will be off-line until sometime next weekend, please direct all correspondents to Shane until then.

Fin-Addict
Posted 1/21/2011 9:42 AM (#476741 - in reply to #474596)
Subject: RE: World Muskie Alliance




Posts: 101


Location: Liberty, IN (OKI Tri-State)		It is time we had a chorus singing 'our tune' on a national stage, rather than a couple of solo artists singing for spare change on the corner to a handful of faithful followers.

Good luck to you all for taking the initiative and for having both the foresight and determination to launch this momentous project. We can never have enough champions for this fishery or it's amazing fishes. Thanks to you all and best of luck in attaining your/our goals.

This "North American" resource and it's myriad of geo-specific issues and problem requires an allied response for any truly viable future and although I am a huge supporter of Muskies Inc., they NEED a much louder voice and a much stronger hand if ever to get to the next level... a modern multi-pronged attack backed by good science and little 'special interest' spin... would do us all some good.

One thing I wonder aloud though would be the issue of a 501 C becoming a political vehicle... Without getting into a lot of detail, is there not a big hurdle there? My time with MI's Board saw this discussion come up repeatedly and there was/is a fear that overt political actions on behalf of MI was thought to seriously risk keeping us eligible for the Non-Profit category and move us towards a Political Action Group ranking.

Take it to 'em folks... you have my 100% support. Best wishes on a successful launch and long, effective future.

Bob Osborne
Muskiefool
Posted 1/22/2011 1:26 AM (#476918 - in reply to #476741)
Subject: RE: World Muskie Alliance





I believe the intention was to be able to do the things MI can't do for various reasons.
sworrall
Posted 1/22/2011 1:52 AM (#476920 - in reply to #474467)
Subject: Re: World Muskie Alliance





Posts: 32886


Location: Rhinelander, Wisconsin		And join the NPAA. If you want to get your word out and listened to, that's the place for an organization like this one to begin.
Guest
Posted 1/23/2011 1:56 PM (#477216 - in reply to #474467)
Subject: RE: World Muskie Alliance


I feel the WMA should assert itself as the officiating body governing muskie world records.

Take the NFFHoF and the IGFA right out of the picture.

We all know one is absolutely biased and agenda driven while the other is too busy being concerned with giant marlin and other salt water fish while not particularly showing much interest in the "minnows" we freshwater anglers chase.

Just do it. The vast majority of the muskie angling world will welcome it with open arms.