Section 29.014, Wis. Stats., “rule-making for this chapter,” grants the department the authority to establish and maintain open and closed seasons, bag limits, size limits and other conditions that will conserve fish populations and provide good fishing opportunities for the citizens of the state. Section 29.041, Wis. Stats provides that the department may regulate fishing on and in all interstate boundary waters and outlying waters. Section 29.053 (2), Stats., provides that the department may establish conditions governing the taking of fish for the state as a whole, for counties or parts of counties, or for waterbodies or parts of waterbodies. 5. Estimate of amount of time that state employees will spend developing the rule and of other resources necessary to develop the rule:
An estimated 250 hours will be required to draft the rules, hold meetings to discuss the rules and hold public hearings.
6. List with description of all entities that may be affected by the proposed rule:
State anglers will be the primary entities impacted by these rules, but these rules may also affect local businesses and guide services associated with fishing on the Minocqua Chain. While retaining a catch-and-release-only season for walleye will preclude anglers from keeping their catch, they will still be able to take advantage of the good fishing experience on these lakes, as well as enhanced fishing in the future under suitable regulations.
7. Summary and preliminary comparison with any existing or proposed federal regulation that is intended to address the activities to be regulated by the proposed rule:
No federal regulations apply. States possess inherent authority to manage the fishery and wildlife resources within their boundaries, except insofar as preempted by federal treaties and laws, including regulations established in the Federal Register.
8. Anticipated economic impact of implementing the rule (note if the rule is likely to have an economic impact on small businesses):
Economic impacts are expected to be minimal, if any. The rule is mainly applicable to individual anglers and imposes no compliance or reporting requirements for small business, nor are any design or operational standards contained in the rule.
9. Anticipated number, month and locations of public hearings:
The department anticipates holding two public hearings in the months of February and September 2020. Hearing city for both will be: Minocqua, WI.
The department will hold these hearings in these locations to gauge local stakeholder support for the proposed walleye regulations.
Contact Person: Mike Vogelsang, 715-356-5211 ext. 239 and Meredith Penthorn, 608-316-0080
