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| Hi, I was thinking of joining Muskies inc. I was wondering your opinions on the group nd the advantages?Iknow you get a magazine and there are chapters. Does any of my membership dues go to stocking and research as those would be my main reasons to want to join. |
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Posts: 224
Location: Madison | As I understand it, the majority of the membership monies go to publication of the magazine. I am currently a member, but am considering giving up my membership and instead donating money directly to my club's stocking programs in the future. I'm with you - I'd rather stock a few fish than get the MI magazine.
-d
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| For me the return on investment is not priceless. I made some life long friendships though MI. The magazine is just a bonus.
The magazine costs are approximately $13/household last time I saw a report. There are many other costs that the organization must incur to support the chapters operationally that make up most of remaining balance. There are approximately 8,000 members. A membership/renewal management system, external accountants, etc. are all required to support an organization of this size. As of this year $5.00 of every membership will go back to the chapter. With David Cates in place as new president soon, I hope to see many more improvements at the International level that will help the chapters.
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Location: Athens, Ohio | http://westvirginia.muskiesinc.org/newpage13.htm
Here's what my MI chapter is doing in the areas you are interested in.
"Where you AT?" I'm sure there's a chapter near you. m |
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Posts: 734
Location: Watertown, MN | Tom, starting this year $5 of your membership goes back to the chapter, the rest is to support the Internatiol Organization and its operating cost. Most people looks at what they will get from Musky inc, you will get what you put into the organization. Chapters usually have monthly meeting with guest speakers, it is also a great place to meet fellow angler and network with them, learn new bodies of water, reports on current conditions on bodies of water. We hold fundraiser for stocking, hold and event for capable partner(taking physically challenged angler out on the water) then a cookout follows. Bring a trout pond to the Vet's Home, then cook the fish for them. Kids events. Chapter outings and challenges, were you can attend. We also work with the DNR on providing the feedback on the fisheries and what chances we would like to see, like stocking new waters.
Good luck
Troyz |
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| When you join Muskies inc if for no other reason your adding to the toal membership number whch in turn allows us to go to State DNR's fisheries etc and say 'see' our numbers are growing we need more water!!! There are no "muskie stamps' isued so this is one way to show them our numbers are growing,,At least here in Minn the DNR many times has told us 'no" we dont want you stocking fish all quotas are being met support us when we need you and call on you,,nets, forrage etc,,, We do stock one lake but that takes a back seat most years to something the dnr needs if they call,,,Not to mention the Outings for Kids,Disabled, and veterans groups that we do,,,If your looking for what YOU get yourself,,,at least in our chapter,,incredibly low cost group outings to resorts in Canada, N Minn etc,,10% discount at Thorne bros which for most of us more then pays for our dues right there,,,Honestly this is the cost of a glide bait to be a part of, think about it that way |
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Posts: 122
Location: Pittsburgh, PA | As said, most of your money goes to run International. Regardless of that, if you have a chapter close to you, I stll recommend joining. You will get more benefit from attending your local meetings and talking to the other members than you will get from any magazine or website.
Rich D |
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Location: The Yahara Chain | Troyz made an exellent post.
one other thing that I like about MI...is that the money that the local chapters raise is theirs to manage how they see fit. Take a look at how your local club manages their money and if you like what they are doing...join, get involved. |
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Posts: 2894
Location: Yahara River Chain | Tom, personally it hads been the best thing I ever did. I did so in 1985 and I have reaped many rewards over the year. No only getting to fish with quality anglers, more important to me - life long friendships, not only here in my chapter, but throughout the US (& Canada). I have never met a nicer bunch of folks than thru MI.
I was also stated that "you only get out of what you put in" is very true for me. I have been a VERY active member since 1986, doing duties as VP, RVP, Secretary, newsletter & membership chairmanship. All have been great. While we are a big chapter, nearing 400 members, I tried to make contact with as members as possible. I even trying to get them out to fish as well. I don't think I can count on one hand the number of times, I've taken guys out fishing and they end up being President or getting involve with the Chapter is some way.
The folks at MI are also very helpful to help out new members. We have a muskie class every year and it’s when the "elder" anglers give a little time and do some instructing of new and even experienced members. It is not only fun to us "older" guys, but fun for the newbies as well.
On last thing, while the Intl get the majority of the dues, the real grassroots are at the Chapter level. This is where the major improvements are made. The local Chapters know where the problems are and are out there raising funds to support vital studies or stockings. If you don't become a member, next time you go to a show and a local chapter is selling raffle tickets - buy a few. They gladly tell you why they are trying to raise the funds. This doesn't mean only MI Chapters, as many muskie clubs that are not involved with MI have great projects as well.
Gerard Hellenbrand
Capital City
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Posts: 462
Location: Syracuse, Indiana | <p>Some of the advantages of an MI membership are detailed on the web site (<a href="http://www.muskiesinc.org">www.muskiesinc.org</a>). My chapter is involved in stocking, habitat improvement, water quality improvement, and youth programs, to name only a few of our projects. "You get out what you put in" is exactly right, but I admit to being biased! :)</p><p /><p>Dave Cates</p> |
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Location: Contrarian Island | I would encourage joining...it is a great way to meet other musky fishermen in your area that can turn into life long friends..some of my current friends are guys I met through MI...we do alot in my area with stocking and I would bet most chapters do alot to enhance musky fishing in their areas....
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| I suggest you join...but dont join up and be the one in the back row at the meetings.
Get involved, Go to the board meetings, and join the board at your local club. Being involved in a project committee is the best way to get the most out of it. I too could care less about the magazine, but its my local club and the many new friends I have because I was involved. You can only get from a club...what you put into it.
1st Wisconsin Chapter of MI
Jason Smith |
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Posts: 1438
| I live an hour and 20 mins from my Chapter meetings so I don't make it to a lot of them. However, I still think it's a great resource and the dues really are minimal compared to what you spend on most of your musky stuff. I'd certainly like to be more involved but with the drive time, it just doesn't work out.
The magazine isn't much of a bonus to me, but the montly newsletters are always interesting. Thanks Gerard.
Scott
CCMI
Edited by theedz155 1/26/2006 5:34 AM
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Posts: 2384
Location: On the X that marks the mucky spot | Like they said.
Shawn Kellett
Pres Twin Cities Chapter MI (01) |
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| I whole heartedly recommend joining for many reasons.
I have been a Milwaukee Chapter member for twenty years. The monthly meeting programs are typically very good. Many of the "big names" in the industry make presentations at the chapter meetings.
Most all of our Chapter efforts go directly towards funding and performing muskie stocking.
Our Chapter is one of the biggest, but any place that you want to go in the muskie fishing universe, we likely have someone who has been there an can provide information about that location such as fishing conditions, map availability, accuracy of the maps, lodging, landings, etc.
It is the closest thing to college that I have found in that, you have every background of people that attend, but once they come through the door they are little more than big dumb muskie fishermen. Many are ready to most anything on a moment's notice.
There are people that could be considered experts that are members. There are some that couldn't get fish at a drive-thru restaurant two times in a row. If you don't have a boat there are always people looking for company. Most all are outdoorsmen, so you may end up turkey, deer, duck, goose, pheasant hunting with some of them.
If you travel, our Chapter has organized and unorganized (through the Chapter) outings that you can be part of. For the "Newbbies" you can short circuit year's of education process by being part of the active organization.
Many times you can be expossed to new baits and techniques that Chapter member may be developing, years before they are expossed to the rest of the muskie world.
Actively participating in Muskies Inc. Membership is priceless! |
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Posts: 1916
Location: Greenfield, WI | I don't know why I was registered in as a guest, but the previous post was me.
MI was recommended to me by a friend. I came from the central area of Wisconsin and had moved to the Milwaukee area for work. I had a terrible attitude without even knowing hardly anything about MI. I asked, Why would I want a bunch of "city kids" to talk to me about fishing? I tried it and was shocked with how wrong that I was.
My best friends in the world are a result of the hundreds of relationships that have developed over the years as a result of belonging and being active in MI.
Edited by Steve Van Lieshout 1/26/2006 12:20 PM
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| Thanks guys. I appreciate it. I think I'm going to join for a year and see how it goes. Anyone know if the Thorne Bros discount is only on baits or is it on rods and reels too?
Thanks again. |
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Posts: 26
Location: Chanhassen, MN | Like most of the previous posts any organization is what you make it. You can't beat a round table discussion after a local chapter meeting on whats hot and the best technique. You can't put a price on new friendships. You can always donate extra $$$ for stocking and support the DNR.  |
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Posts: 2894
Location: Yahara River Chain | theedz155, thanks for the compliments on our newsletter. I enjoy doing it and we get a lot of input from Jay, Adam, SteveR, Craig E, Geoff, etc.
I could not have asked for better bunch of friends through MI!
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Posts: 2384
Location: On the X that marks the mucky spot | Tom,
The Thornes discount is on baits only.
Where are you from? We can get you pointed in the right direction as far as which chapter will be the closest for you.
-Shawn |
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| I hear a lot about money going toward stocking. If I where to join it would be one of the chapters in the twin cities area. Can you guys give me a list of lakes that Muskies Inc is directly involved with stocking in the Metro area or a lake that is now being stocked that wasn't say 15 yrs. ago. I hear a lot about meetings and talking but surely there must be a list of accomplishments in the Metro area in the last 15 yrs. How receptive is the DNR to what you guys/gals are trying to accomplish? |
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Posts: 2691
Location: Pewaukee, Wisconsin | This is soo true: "I asked, Why would I want a bunch of "city kids" to talk to me about fishing? I tried it and was shocked with how wrong that I was.
My best friends in the world are a result of the hundreds of relationships that have developed over the years as a result of belonging and being active in MI."
Great quote by SVL.
I joined the Milwaukee chapter (35) 5 years ago. Best thing I have done as far as getting info about muskie. Any info about anything. I have got e-mails from guys I don't even know about lakes I am going to fish without ever going there before. Most Muskies Inc members are very good about helping fellow members. I have shared many tips, tricks, maps, etc with fellow members.
Keep the faith........Muskies Inc is part of the future of muskie fishing.
Get in on it !!!
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Posts: 2754
Location: Mauston, Wisconsin | Hi guest- Instead of asking the MI guy's to prove what they've accomplished in the last 15 years, why don't you ask the MN DNR? Get on the phone or meet with the fisheries biologist for the Twin Cities area. I think you've missed the whole point of why a lot of guy's & gal's (~8000)are members.
Have fun!
Al
Edited by ESOX Maniac 3/10/2006 8:01 AM
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| That's great Mike one can never have to many freinds. But the bottom line is when I try to get specifics about how Muskies Inc. has helped to improve muskie fishing in my area by either stocking more muskies in a specific lake or having a hand in stocking a new lake the answer I get is a non-answer. It is usually something like "Just join, it's the future". It sounds more like an excuse to get together once a month a bulls#$% about muskie fishing. Surely there must be some muskies in a Minneapolis Metro lake somewhere that muskies Inc. can point to and say we had a huge part in those. |
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Location: Athens, Ohio | OMG, dude, if you are in the Twin Cities area, they have one of the best, most active chapters in the orgainzation! There was an article in the International's magazine a couple months ago that highlightedtheir accomplishments. Lemme see what I can find on line for you.
While you are at it, why not register with Muskie First, too, so we can exchange messages off-board. I think once you see what they are doing you'll wonder why it took you so long to sign up, m
http://www.twincitiesmuskiesinc.org - here's the chapter's web site. Check out the 'netting and stocking' articles. One of the best programs around. And, they have a program where they take physically challenged folks out fishing with members in the members' boats. I got all silly and choked up just reading about that in the magazine.
Edited by mikie 3/10/2006 9:38 AM
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| I have been wondering the same thing about Muskies Inc as the guest in the previous posts.
Edited by DJS 3/10/2006 7:14 AM
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| here's some tidbits i pulled from the TC chapter website in about 3 minutes of browsing:
One of the goals of Muskies, Inc. is giving back to our fisheries. As muskie fishing grows so does the pressure on lakes. Our chapter consistently works to raise funds and stock local muskie lakes in the metro area. Through fund raisers we are able to raise our own muskies and purchase fish to be stocked. It's one way we can give back to a sport we all enjoy.
DNR at TC chapter...attend the March meeting and ask MI members and DNR guys their thoughts on your questions about the role of local MI chapters!
Just a heads up we have DNR musky reps Roy Johannes and dnr muskie biologist Jerry Yount has our speakers in March,,,they will have a powerpoint pres and have much info on the Minn Muskie program,,,been quite a while since we have had DNR muskie people to our meeting and this is always a meeting where you pick up a ton of helpful info
Vets Home Opener
One of our Chapter's favorite annual activities is bringing the fishing opener to the MN Veterans Home in May. We set up a giant pond filled with Rainbow Trout on the grounds of the Vets home and assist the residents in catching the fish. The trout are cooked and a complete "shore lunch" is served to these old warriors. It's a memorable and moving experience for all who participate. VFW Post 6690 and other VFW and American Legion posts help sponsor this event.
Capable Partners
In June we have a Muskie fishing outing on Lake Independence with a couple of dozen physically challengedbut highly spirited Muskie fishermen. Lots of wheelchairs, lots of boats, and lots of food and fun.
as for the chapter i belong to in Madison, WI:
this year alone worked to raise money, purchase and stock ~700 Leech strain fish into L.Monona; will continue to do the same in coming years along with purchasing PIT tags for use in side-by-side comparison of WI strain and Leech strain muskies in the Madison chain.
also i know this year alone the First WI chapter in Eau Claire area has done a similar stocking into Wissota. |
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| "been quite awhile since we had the DNR at our meeting" WHY???????? Shouldn't they have a working relationship with the DNR? |
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Posts: 2384
Location: On the X that marks the mucky spot | Hey Guest,
As the President of the Twin Cities Chapter I can only speak to my experiences in our chapter.
In the past, our chapter has had a hand in either starting and/or stocking about 1/2 the lakes in the metro with the DNR's help. Eagle. Our chapter has had 40 years of involvement in the muskie program in MN. We have gone through stretches of more and less involvement depending on the administration and the finances of the club over that time.
I took on the Presidency in 2005 and my goal was to get our club back to our roots: improving and expanding the MN muskie fishery. Last year we raised $15,000 for our stocking and rearing fund to go along with $6000 that we carried over from the prior year. Of that $7000 went to a seign net and all the equipment to support it. We also spent $ 5000-7000 stocking WBL with fish in the 18-24" range. If you combined the fish we stocked with the fish that we got out of Paul Hartman's pond we put around 600 fish in the 18"-32" range in WBL last year.
I have also been working along side George Selcke of the MMA with the DNR. Ever since Frank Schnider went ill, we haven't really had a gameplan to work with the DNR. That is being changed as we speak. Right now we're laying the ground work for our future goals. We're trying to work with the DNR and legistlature to increase funding, improve hatchery/rearing facilities, regulations, and puting together a comprehensive muskie management gameplan that takes into account the increasing popularity of the MN muskie fishery. Nothing in the government works fast and we're approaching it that way. We believe if we start with a solid foundation, we're going to get what we want.
What's new on the docket this year? I just got the green light from the DNR to start up to 2 new rearing ponds to be managed by the Twin Cities Chapter. We work with Frankie's Live Bait and Marine hand in hand with our rearing program and he's got a couple ponds that we're going to be checking out in the next week or two. These fish would be used first for the Metro area. That's not to say that if there are opportunities to start new bodies of water or to support waters that need a supplemental stocking that we couldn't allocate those fish there as well. Working WITH the DNR instead of AGAINST is the key here.
So that's what we're doing. We're only held back by what the VOLINTEERS in the organization can handle. The question is what can you do for us?
Shawn Kellett
President
Twin Cities Chapter MI (01)
Edited by Muskie Treats 3/10/2006 8:50 AM
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| Has VP of the Twin City chapter I can address a few things here
Weve raised over 14 grand in the past couple of years for rearing fish,,,weve purchased our own seining net so we no longer have to take manpower away from the dnr and we can harvest fish with our own members from the pond we use,,,Pretty much the lake that we stock in the metro is "White bear" because thats the only lake the DNR has allowed us to stock with on ccasion some fish going to Owasso and Forrest,,,The dnr does not allow us to exceed their qouta on other lakes,,for example if lake x is slated for 300 fish every two years and that quota is met by dnr stocking they dont let us add more fish has its a case of having the right balance with the forage and acres,,,Also we stock fish when we can get them theres alot of demand for leech lake fish now from the private fish farms,,we also share a pond with a private individual where our own fish are raised from fry,,,and we just recived GREAT news from the DNR we will be allowed to operate two more ponds for rearing fish this year,The dnr has also asked us for funds for minnows on for their rearing ponds and we have also contributed to buying nets to cover their rearing ponds so cormorants dont eat the fingerlings..Has far has in contact with the DNR we are in contact constantly,,Our president shawn is on the phone with them every week...The fact we havent had the DNR speak at one of our meetings for a while is we try to have people in the MUSKIE program has speakrs and that some times is a matter of them being available to do it. The DNR will be our speakers this tuesday if any of you can come,,,,And if you want to see first hand one of our ongoing projects in May we will be dragging our rearing pond with the net for remaining holdover fish to be stocked in whitebear all are invited to help or watch,,its alot of fun |
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