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Posts: 3508
Location: Elk River, Minnesota | Just a thought here on this.
If the idea of a muskie stamp was to generate funds specifically for muskie management and land aquisition (like the leech lake purchase) would you purchase it?
Not looking at this as a license to fish ski's...just a way to help generate funds from those who wish not to join a club.
Thoughts?
Steve |
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Posts: 2378
| Not sure I understand the purpose of this stamp. What reason would I have for buying it other than giving more money to the cause? I would still be allowed to fish for muskies with my normal license? Not entirely clear on what you are asking.
Baldy |
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Posts: 129
Location: Bemidji, MN- | I can see a benefit. The walleye and panfish people et al who catch a musky would have to release it if they didn't have a stamp rather than turn it into stew or a wall hanging. Hopefully those who did buy a stamp would be conscious enough to practice CPR, with the result that fewer muskies would be kept.
Edited by Otter 4/2/2003 11:08 AM
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Posts: 3508
Location: Elk River, Minnesota | I am thinking that if by purchasing a stamp, the money will be handled accordingly (just like a contribution), but on a state level rather than the club level, that is earmarked only for muskie management. I guess I am looking at it as another option for contribution.
Steve
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Posts: 259
Location: Alexandria, MN | I think anything that would help the cause is a good idea. If there was a "stamp" that could be sold, and the money would go into a fund, that is stricly used for muskie research, education, stocking and habitat issues it would be great. We could have two stamps -- one that allows you to fish for Muskies and the second stamp would be for those that wish to keep a fish. That way those that are taking something out of the system, are putting more back in. The cost to the DNR to "replace" a 50" fish is huge.
I think it would be one more way to help and protect these fish.
Steve |
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Posts: 2378
| I would most certainly buy a stamp to fish for muskies if the money was allocated correctly. I also agree that a 2 stamp system may be a good idea. Make those that think they may want to keep a fish pay a little extra to help replace that fish.
Baldy |
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Posts: 1023
Location: Lafayette, IN | I'm not clear on what would motivate a CPR fisherman to buy a stamp. I buy a general license and get to snag whatever bites and release it anyway. A 10" Jake could just as easily be thrown to a pike so the enforcement issue seems moot. Concerned sportsman already contribute to the resource above and beyond their requirement for the tag based on their desire to promote/preserve the resource. I do appreciate the work of most DFW dept.s but feel the greatest benefit we've received in IN has been the result of clubs investing their time/money into the resource. Less bureacracy too...Futher, if enforcement becomes an issue, are the CO's gonna fine me because I'm throwing a Top Raider in a lake with only muskies and I can't produce the stamp? Jeepers fellas, I've caught some nice largemouth on Top Raiders in farm ponds with only bass, gills, and catfish in them. I don't think I want more legislation when I'm on the water. But, my passion for fishing will motivate me to spend money on the resource.
Edited by stephendawg 4/2/2003 12:18 PM
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Posts: 3508
Location: Elk River, Minnesota | This is why I am not looking for thoughts on a stamp to fish for ski's...just an alternative method for contribution earmarked JUST for ski's...call it critical esox habitat...
if it were a couple of dollars...maybe 5 at most, would it make a difference? would it also give the state's DNR a broad (stressing very general here) idea of the popularity of the sport, which could help later on in terms of conservation practices and so forth?
I would admit, getting anything passed through legislation would be an uphill battle, no matter what the issue is... |
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Posts: 1270
| NO NEW TAXES!!!! A new stamp would just be another way to increase user fees, which is just another name for a tax.
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Posts: 1023
Location: Lafayette, IN | VMS, It's not my intention to pasionately debate your idea. But I "do" passionately believe that the educated sportsman (partnering with state and local agencies as a means of accountability) will "Always" more effectively utilize dollars earmarked for fish and wildlife management. It's not that the FWS and DNR don't care as much as the weekend sportsman about the resource. It's simply the bureaucratic issue. The bigger the agency..... the more waste. I know it's kind of a broad accusation so I'll apologize in advance but that's what I've observed and how I feel about any multi-tiered agency. Local musky club/ local fishery/ local FWS and DNR support = more effective local management of the resource. We are certainly on the same page about keeping dollars flowing for the preservation of our pastime (and livelyhood, in some cases). In fact, I believe I'll contact the local club promptly and "Show 'em the Money" (p.s. Did I mention I work for Caterpillar. Perfect example of what I'm talking about.)
Edited by stephendawg 4/2/2003 2:02 PM
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Posts: 3508
Location: Elk River, Minnesota | I understand fully. The beauraucratic process is so flawwed that money is wasted all the time. this would be the hardest battle to go through. Hoing someday, this issue could get cleaned up....but it probably will come no time soon.
I am theorizing ways to get the money right to work rather than through a middle person/group. Granted, funds are collected and donated all the time through clubs etc, through dues paid, raffles, and the like. But, many (including myself) choose not to join clubs (please do no chastize me for not joining...I have my reasons which need not be published), but would still like to give money toward the sport.
What would be nice with a stamp, is for collection as hobby (just like any other stamp collection, but specific). Its more for show, but also something to pass on to future generations.
can you tell I am itching to get on the water? I'm thinking too much!!! |
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Location: Minneapolis, MN | The general public is conditioned to understand stamps = their right to harvest. Look at the salmon & trout stamps...the ONLY reason most people buy them is for the right to go out on a $600 charter or stand elbow to elbow at the Root River for a chance to bring their 3 per angler home and shove it in the freezer.
If a stamp were to be introduced for muskies how would you change the perception that the stamp has already created for other species. Your intentions are good but the stamp may not be the right vehicle.
What if when you purchased your license you were asked if you wanted to "Adopt a Muskie" for an additional fee? You give them the fee (probably $7/ea) for the adopted muskie and you get a "birth" certificate and tax deductible reciept right at the register.
Edited by Luke_Chinewalker 4/2/2003 4:14 PM
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Posts: 1023
Location: Lafayette, IN | Refresh your memory by re-reading the positions held in the musky world regarding stamps. Interesting observations/ criticisms.
Edited by stephendawg 4/16/2003 3:13 PM
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