MUCC Convention time at the RAM Center

[djkimmel]

Well, I didn't get the final answer until this morning I needed before posting the options that we should expect to see out from the MDNR soon for public meetings on the Michigan bass season. I could have maybe got the answer a day or two quicker but these things take time when lots of groups are involved.

Meanwhile, on the topic of this thread, I'm spending the next 3 days in leadership training and as a voter for Michigan B.A.S.S. Nation at the annual MUCC Convention. I haven't been to one in awhile so I'm like the new kid. Kind of.

We have our Michigan B.A.S.S. Nation Bass Season Resolution (PDF) on the agenda for discussion and vote. The version on the agenda is slightly different than the original I've linked to here because it is renumbered to fit their agenda and has some added information from MUCC staff for convention voters.

I will get to speak on the resolution and possibly have to fend off one amendment attempt involving the mention of Adaptive Management which one person erroneously considers to be a 'fad from the 80's' instead of the useful fish and wildlife management tool even used in some form by the MDNR. Good thing I do my homework. I hope it's enough.

I actually had some leadership training earlier this evening that dealt with improving success when trying to win over a key person/(group) who is not completely receptive so far. I took lots of notes and practiced a little Wish us luck.

Having MUCC fully on board is key. They've been a BIG help already but having an official policy statement approved by a majority of the member clubs makes a difference, and is another part of the big key to success with the Natural Resources Commission (NRC)! Don't forget MUCC and other major outdoor groups are leading the probably successful petition drive and now the work to get the Scientific Fish and Wildlife Conservation Act on paper and through the Michigan Legislature so the NRC KEEPS the authority to create Fisheries Orders (i.e. new bass season) using sound science working with the MDNR, other experts and user groups.

We helped collect some of those 374,000+ 'Will of the People' petition signatures. Now we need to make sure our Michigan Senators and Representatives create and approve the Scientific Fish and Wildlife Conservation Act exactly as it is written in our petition (I think they have to either pass it as written or fail to pass it as written) so we head off the radical animal rights groups before the pass (general vote on two referendums in November)!! Very important!

We have been told the bill may be created sometime in July when Legislators return to session briefly giving them time to get it passed in the short session window in August. I will provide more information on the SFWCA legislation as I get it, and write up the bass season options coming soon from the MDNR sometime this weekend. First though, MUCC resolution needs to be passed successfully.

[Team houston]

Good Luck!

[djkimmel]

Thanks for that! Good luck is my favorite! Long but informative and productive day today. I'm still refining my short speech and possible amendment counter language. I had a very helpful discussion with MDNR Fisheries Chief Jim Dexter on the resolution about his feelings and opinions today also. He will be sending me some very interesting creel survey data too.

Good news on a sooner look, discussion and maybe some kind of action on the nonresident fishing license situation that I wasn't expecting. Nothing specific yet but it appears a key person - NRC Commissioner and Vice Chairman Matonich - has taken up the issue and recently met with the MDNR Director Creagh to discuss options and ideas for next year. I will share anything I find out.

Commissioner Matonich has offered to communicate updates. He made a number of sympathetic comments (he's originally from the Western U.P. and communicates with people there frequently) on the topic and also made supportive statements about more opportunity pointing out the possibility of more bass fishing as an example.

We had a great session on working with the NRC and with Legislators that included Commissioner Matonich, State Rep Rendon, State Senator Moolenar and a knowledgeable lobbyist Rusty McAlvey. SB 869 was discussed a little again, and I had another chance to say thanks for that. The Scientific Fish and Wildlife Conservation Act (our petition initiated law) sounds like it is in good shape but we discussed options, ideas and emergency backup plans. I had a chance to ask specific questions about what they would like from us and what they don't need from us at this time. I will share some of that information next week.

I'm going to check out the deer out the window of my hotel room for a few minutes and then get some 'beauty' sleep before tomorrow's convention start and a fishing skill challenge I'm helping with in the afternoon - that should be fun.

[djkimmel]

Yeah baby! That's my quick report on our results this weekend. More to follow.

[mikesmiph]

I like the sounds of that.

[djkimmel]

Yes. I ran out of steam before I finished details. I'll do so tomorrow for sure. Only 3 major steps left now - public meetings, get the Scientific Fish and Wildlife Conservation Act introduced and passed and get a new bass season Fisheries Order to and through the NRC early this fall - because we now have MUCC policy support added to the recent victory of stripping the old limits out of state law with the passage of Public Act 145 of 2014 (SB 869)!