B.A.S.S. and Wisconsin DNR representatives meet

B.A.S.S. and Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources officials sat down recently to discuss issues about culling permits, fish diseases and public access.

FOND DU LAC, Wis. — Members of the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (WDNR) Fisheries met with B.A.S.S. representatives to discuss several topics related to bass fishing and conservation. The meeting was held at Mercury’s headquarters in Fond du Lac and including a tour of Mercury’s manufacturing plant.

“We had a great time,” said Noreen Clough, B.A.S.S. Conservation Director, “and it was a very productive meeting.”

Clough represented B.A.S.S., along with Wisconsin B.A.S.S. Federation Nation members Andy Cleveland, Ken Snow and Dan Brovarney.

Topics covered included the June 2013 Bassmaster Elite Series event in LaCrosse, plus other potential sites for tournaments within the state; the role of tournaments in bass fishing regulations, such as bag limits and culling permits; bass conditions such as largemouth bass virus (LMBV) and viral hemorrhagic septicemia (VHS); ramp and access point enhancements throughout the state; and potential partnerships among B.A.S.S., WDNR and Wisconsin Aquatic Invasive Species.

“Meetings like this one are evidence that state agencies and bass fishermen can work side-by-side,” said Clough. “We’re very proud to have this relationship with WDNR, and we look forward to working with them further.”