Wisconsin tribes use ancient tool against Walker agenda

[Scuba]

http://www.bluecheddar.net/?p=29790

I suppose you’ve heard the news by now?: Six tribes declared their intentions to spear 59,399 walleyes in off-reservation lakes.

Today WPR did a 1 1/2 minute piece featuring exasperated northerners talking about how tourists from Minnesota and Chicago might not come to the northwoods of Wisconsin for only 1 fish per day.

...

Nevermind that some number of those prime fishing lakes are already officially slated for poisoning by an open pit mine – or two or three? I mean HEY – We HAVE been told the state has a miner on the flag.



...

If a fishing spear is a tool at the disposal of native peoples, I completely understand that they need to use it. It’s completely legal and used only after ignored hearings and protests.

[raging moderate]

1. Maybe distribute them to hungry Native Americans?

Just a thought:

If a bunch of people could help them out with refrigeration and trucks, etc., then it would not be a waste but a great act of community. This could become a national operation: Fish for Freedom, or whatever!

[postulater]

5. The tribe does use most of the fish they spear.

They have a large freezer. The fish are brought in and then cleaned, prepared and frozen by the elders. Most people affiliated with the tribe get a share. A few are sold.

The tribe actually stocks the lakes they fish in so they really are not taking any fish belonging to anyone else. And they will not overfish any lake. A tribe member told me this morning that they are taught when the animals are suffering and weak, you don't harvest them. Hungry fish makes hungry people.

This large harvest goal is a slap in the face of the Walkerites and the mining companies who think it is ok to ruin the fishing by polluting the lakes but not ok to let the tribes ruin the fishing.

[Old Codger]

2. That fish

Is not a walleye it's a northern pike.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Walleye

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pike_%28fish%29

[Jackpine Radical]

4. Needn't prove it to me.

I've caught enough of both to know the difference.

Northerns are small, apathetic muskies with spots; walleyes are sorta oversized perch without the stripes. Walleyes are much better eating.

[Old Codger]

6. Ture

Northerns are more fun catching.... But I agree Walleyes are way better eating.

[Jackpine Radical]

7. " Northerns are more fun catching"

When they get above 8 lb, maybe. I've pulled in 2-footers that I mistook for weeds until I could see what was on the line.

Now, muskies, or smallmouth--THEY know how to fight. Too bad they aren't better eating.

But for pure sport, there's always bluegills on a fly rod.

[Old Codger]

8. Absolutely

One of my favorite pastimes years ago was to stand on a dock after midnight when lake was like glass and use poppers for bluegills, great fun and super way to relax before bed..

[unionthug777]

3. i wish

i could go spearing this year.