While Wisconsin residents are reveling in the Green Bay Packers' fourth Super Bowl triumph, more good news may be on the way for the state's competitive bass anglers, as well as out-of-staters who enjoy tournaments on its fertile fisheries. A bill has been introduced by Assemblyman Joel Kleefisch (R, Oconowoc) to eliminate Wisconsin's Draconian prohibition of culling, and there's also a movement under way to get rid of the three-fish bag limit during the summer months.
"Right now is our best chance of getting this thing passed," said Dan Brovarney, political director for the Wisconsin B.A.S.S. Federation Nation. "The new Governor (Scott Walker) has made it clear that the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources needs to be fixed and has selected a Natural Resources secretary (Cathy Stepp) who has taken them to task in the past."
The bill, which does not yet have a number, is being referred to simply as "the culling bill." Brovarney said the Wisconsin BFN is seeking help from anglers in several ways.
"One is that we are pushing Wisconsin residents to contact their Assembly members and Senators now, and even though the bill does not have a number, to make sure that it is known how important this is. Second is a push for our out-of-state fishermen to contact the congressmen from those districts where they spend bucket loads of cash, asking them to support the culling bill.
"Third, we are asking that our friends in Iowa, Minnesota and Michigan ask officials in their state why Wisconsin is being allowed to dictate laws in their states. All of the border states are being forced to live with no-culling, even though they have passed rules allowing culling.
"In essence, it's just good old-fashion wheel-squeaking that we need."
To access the Wisconsin state government website, click here. To go directly to the list of state senators, click here. For the list of Assembly members, click here.
