Before hitting the ice, New rules from the WDNR

[mudbrook]

Before hitting the ice

New regulations in place by the state Department of Natural Resources (DNR) will drastically alter how ice anglers go about fishing this season. Unlike last year or any of the previous, anglers this winter will have to be aware of DNR rules established to halt the spread of the deadly fish virus Viral Hemorrhagic Septicemia (VHS). Under extended statewide emergency regulations that went into effect this summer, anglers will no longer be allowed to leave any body of water with live minnows - regardless of whether the bait has been used or kept in the bait bucket. Instead, regulations require that all bait be dumped and water drained from containers before one leaves the ice. If someone, for example, buys three dozen minnows and only uses a few, it means they'll have to dump the rest out before leaving the ice. Citations for those found in violation of transporting live fish (including bait) from lakes is currently $288. In 2008, the fine increases to $329. Those found in violation of removing water from lakes also can face a fine of $228.

http://dnr.wi.gov/fish/pages/vhs.html

[Casca]

Wow I thought that was a rumor. Thanks you have saved me a costly lesson. If I have two buckets, leave one in the truck, makes runs as needed, you think that the warden would belive you when you were packing up?