Thank You!

I am thrilled whenever I hear about folks taking ownership in our natural resources.  Yes, I work as a fisheries biologist for the Nebraska Game & Parks Commission and we are responsible for the stewardship of the state’s fisheries resources, but I will always tell you that those resources belong to you!  They belong to the people, they are your resources, my resources.  I have said before that I do not care how big or how little the project or participation, any time anglers get involved in taking care of our resources in some way, I am all for it!

Along those lines, I would like to send a big “shout out” to Nebraska’s Chapter of Muskies Inc. , the HUSKERland Muskie Hunters .  Recently, they have been installing “Know the Difference” signs around Nebraska’s muskie fisheries.

These signs are being placed where we have muskies to remind anglers that those trophy fish are present and that special regulations apply–all muskies less than 40 inches long must be released in all waters statewide.  We have muskies in some Nebraska waters where northern pike are also present.  There are different regulations for harvesting pike, less restrictive regulations, and we do not want anglers to confuse the two species.

By the way, I have taken one call already where an angler saw the “Know the Difference” sign on a body of water where we have no northern pike and he was wondering if we were going to start stocking pike there too?  No, that is not the case at all.  The signs are intended to remind folks of the presence of muskies and the special regulations that apply, and specifically where pike and muskies coexist, anglers need to know the difference between those two species.

While I am on this subject. . . . I was recently made aware of a similar project that is going to happen at Bassway Strip Wildlife Area this coming Sunday.

That is another worthwhile project.  Pitch in and help if you can, and if you do, THANK YOU for what you are doing for our resources!

P.S.  My buddy Greg Wagner just reminded me of another effort going on this weekend that you might be able to help with.  I knew about it, but forgot to mention it here.  Thanks Greg!

Be sure to check this out and pitch in if you can!