Dear Montana Catfish Anglers, There is a bill working its way through the Montana Legislature that will drastically change the way our tournaments are administered. Please click on the link for further details on SB 87. So what does this mean for our tournament anglers and host communities? This will eliminate live weigh-ins for all of our tournaments. Weve always prided ourselves on the opportunity granted to shore anglers and this law will virtually eliminate all shore anglers from our events. You dont need a $50,000 Ranger boat to fish our events. Its cheap to compete in and 3 of our 4 events are all inclusive to boat and shore anglers. Dont let this law take away that opportunity. What is the position of the Montana Catfish Association? We fully support the intent of the law (stopping the spread of invasive species & stopping the illegal introduction of fish), however, we do not support such a black and white application. It has been stated that this law is not meant to target our circuit or organization, however, it will have a drastic impact on how we administer and run our events. It will take our events away from the city centers and move them away from the businesses that benefit from our events. It will also drastically reduce competitor and community support for these events. Thousands of fisherman have enjoyed these events over the past 15 years. MONTANA CATFISHERMEN are not the law breakers. Please dont punish law abiding citizens, with a law targeted at criminals. Our events have helped raise awareness and respect for the native Channel Catfish in our state to new levels. Even Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks cant deny that. Please amend this law! How to amend this law? It is our position that this law should be amended. We hope the Senate committee will amend the law to allow MFWP the opportunity to grant special permission or permit for the transportation of fish. Montana Cats has invested thousands of dollars to ensure the health of the fish and its safe return to the original body of water. We do not spread invasive species and we most certainly do not illegally introduce fish. We want to continue to share the tournament experience with our local host communities and fans. What can you do? First things first. The first hearing of this bill is in the Senate on Thursday, 1/15/15. Please contact the SENATE FISH and GAME COMMITTEE with your concerns and your wish for this bill to be amended. John C. Brenden (R) of Scobey is the Committee Chair and is a good man.....hopefully hell listen. I encourage you to contact all committee members through the online message form. Its quite easy and only takes 1 message to submit it to all members. I would also reach out to your local Senator and Representative. This will allow some pressure and discussion to happen before this bill becomes law. If you have any questions or concerns please voice them below. Thanks for your help, time and consideration. KEEP MONTANA CATS EVENTS ALIVE! Brady Flaten President Montana Catfish Association
Posted on: Mon, 12 Jan 2015 21:36:48 +0000
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