| Hi Lance,
It won't be a factor with the netting numbers unfortunately. Pike (and muskies) are considered 'by-catch' in the netting agreements. When the by-catch quota is met, all netting has to stop (can't hang a sign on the net that says 'no pike please') so the quota numbers for stuff other than walleyes are kind of a chip in the whole quota negotiation process, and it's something that isn't mentioned much in the treaty info you see in the press.
If you want to get some more info on how pike and muskies are dealt with under the treaty rules, Joe Fellegy did a super article on Mille Lacs ("Pike, Muskies, and the 1837 Treaty") for us in the winter issue of Esox Angler. Joe knows this stuff backwards and forwards, and the article was fascinating.
I'm also working on a series of pieces on pike management for some upcoming issues, some of which deals with the MN pike program. Some pretty interesting stuff going on with the experimental regulations.
Cheers
RK |
