EmR2104 Rule Text

10. Effect on Small Business (initial regulatory flexibility analysis):

This rule will mainly affect individual anglers and will not impose implementation or compliance costs on small businesses. This rule extends an existing regulation throughout the 2021 fishing season, so no new economic impacts are anticipated.

11. Agency Contact Person: Todd Kalish, P.O. Box 7921, Madison, WI 53707, [e-mail], 608-225-5826; Meredith Penthorn, P.O. Box 7921, Madison, WI 53707, [e-mail], 608-316-0080

12. Place where comments are to be submitted and deadline for submission:

Written comments may be submitted at the public hearings, by regular mail, or email to:

Meredith Penthorn

Department of Natural Resources

P.O. Box 7921

Madison, WI 53707

608-316-0080

[e-mail]

Written comments may also be submitted here: [e-mail]

Hearing dates and the comment submission deadline are to be determined.

Section 1   NR 20.20 (44) (g) 3. is amended to read:

County and Species

Waters

Authorized Methods

Open Season (both dates inclusive)

Daily bag limit

Minimum Length or Other Size Restrictions (Inches)

(44) ONEIDA (For species or waters not listed, see sub. (73)).

(g) Walleye, sauger and hybrids

3. Minocqua chain (Jerome lake, Kawaguesaga lake, Mid lake, Minocqua lake, Mud lake, Minocqua thoroughfare, Tomahawk thoroughfare, Little Tomahawk lake, Tomahawk lake, and connecting waters combined)

a. Hook and line

First Saturday in May to the first Sunday in March

0, catch and release only, until April 1, 2020, when it becomes 2 in total

On April 1, 2020 the size limit becomes 18 None

Section 2. Statement of Emergency. The department finds that an emergency rule is necessary to protect the welfare of state and tribal fishers by adequately protecting walleye from harvest through the establishment of appropriate harvest regulations. Pursuant to treaties signed between the six Wisconsin bands of Lake Superior Ojibwe and the United States and affirmed by Lac Courte Oreilles v Voigt, 700 F. 2d 341 (7th Cir. 1983), the bands have the right to harvest fish from off-reservation waters, including the Minocqua Chain of Lakes in Oneida County, using efficient methods such as spearing and netting. However, state and tribal fishers have agreed to several years of no-harvest walleye regulations for the Minocqua chain to help rehabilitate the walleye population. In the absence of this rule, higher harvest pressure could destabilize the walleye population, compromising efforts to create and maintain a self-sustaining, fishable walleye population and good opportunities for recreational fishing. An emergency rule is necessary to extend the harvest prohibition for additional fishing seasons, giving the department time to meet with state and tribal fishers and arrive at a suitable set of walleye regulations for the Minocqua chain.

Section 3. Effective Date. This rule takes effect upon publication in the official state newspaper, as provided in s. 227.24(1)(c), Stats.

Section 4. Board adoption. This rule was approved and adopted by the State of Wisconsin Natural Resources Board on Dec. 9, 2020.

Dated at Madison, Wisconsin _____________________________.

          STATE OF WISCONSIN    

          DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES               BY ______________________________________

            For Preston D. Cole, Secretary