Reduce the general daily bag limits for Whitefish from 25 to 10 per day.
Rationale
The current daily bag limit of 25 whitefish was adopted in 1950. While whitefish populations remain robust in certain waters, there is also information showing whitefish in some waters are experiencing declines in population abundance. Causes of declines are unclear and current information does not suggest harvest is driving the declines.
This proposes a more conservative approach to whitefish management while additional research is conducted to better understand population status and the causes for whitefish declines, while still allowing for harvest of up to 10 fish/day.
Review the proposal below and submit by June 10, 2024, at 6 p.m. MDT.
After reviewing feedback and considering agency goals, season recommendations will be presented to the Commission for their consideration at the July 2024 meeting.
Proposal
Reduce the general daily bag limits for Whitefish from 25 to 10 per day.
Rationale
The current daily bag limit of 25 whitefish was adopted in 1950. While whitefish populations remain robust in certain waters, there is also information showing whitefish in some waters are experiencing declines in population abundance. Causes of declines are unclear and current information does not suggest harvest is driving the declines.
This proposes a more conservative approach to whitefish management while additional research is conducted to better understand population status and the causes for whitefish declines, while still allowing for harvest of up to 10 fish/day.
Review the proposal below and submit by June 10, 2024, at 6 p.m. MDT.
After reviewing feedback and considering agency goals, season recommendations will be presented to the Commission for their consideration at the July 2024 meeting.