FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:?Oct. 2, 2023
Contact:?Meghan Stirling, DNR Fisheries Management Permitting Coordinator [email protected] or 608-218-0803

DNR To Host Virtual Public Meeting On Proposed Changes To Wild Bait Harvest Regulations

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Bait harvest regulations are established to manage the harvest of wild bait, especially minnows, from the state's waters. / Photo Credit: Wisconsin DNR

MADISON, Wis.?? The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) will hold a virtual public meeting to discuss proposed changes to the state's wild bait harvest regulations.

The meeting will take place on the evening of Thursday, Nov. 2 at 5:30 p.m. via Zoom.

The proposed rule would revise certain wild bait harvest permit specifications and regulations for licensed bait dealers, as well as regulations for the harvest of minnows for personal use from certain waters that are currently closed to all minnow harvest due to viral hemorrhagic septicemia (VHS) while prohibiting the movement of live minnows away from those waters. This proposed rule would also create a permit instead of current written agreements with the DNR to allow the collection of white sucker eggs for rearing as bait.

"The DNR has been working with stakeholders since 2022 to develop the proposals included within this rule," said Todd Kalish, DNR Fisheries Management Deputy Bureau Director. "These changes will align our rules with current knowledge of minnow populations and the distribution of VHS and enhance the data that the DNR receives from bait dealers on minnow harvest."

Bait harvest regulations are established to manage the harvest of wild bait, especially minnows, from the state's waters. These regulations are important for allowing bait harvesters and anglers of Wisconsin fair and equitable access to and use of baitfish while maintaining populations of these fish as forage for native game and non-game fish and other wildlife. Bait harvest regulations also help prevent the spread of aquatic invasive species and diseases and minimize disturbances to sensitive aquatic resources.

Submit comments on the proposed rule materials by 11:59 p.m. on Nov. 2, 2023 to:

Department of Natural Resources
C/O Meredith Penthorn, FH/4
101 S. Webster Street P.O. Box 7921
Madison, WI 53707-7921
[email protected]

Written comments will have the same weight and effect as spoken testimony presented at the hearing.

View the rule and economic impact analysis on the DNR?s proposed permanent rules webpage.

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EVENT DETAILS

What: Public meeting on proposed changes to wild bait harvest regulations

When: Thursday, Nov. 2 at 5:30 p.m.?

Where: Virtual

Join online via Zoom (pre-registration required)
Join by phone: 1-312-626-6799; meeting ID: 891 4254 8874

The hearing will include a presentation that will best be viewed by joining online.