Poaching

Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Mike Wolsky on June 13, 2014 at 1:51pm

Can someone explain this poaching situation we all read about? Why poach musky? How do they do it? I am probably not the only one that doesn't understand this situation.

MW

Permalink Reply by Ed Walzer on June 13, 2014 at 2:41pm

Mike, Im just guessing they are being sold or at least just poached for the fun of it.Muskies would be easy to poach since they can be approached easily. On Merwin the poachers anchor next to a likely Musky hide out. One or more people snorkel while one stands guard in the boat. Very simple and unless you are very observant you will motor right on by and not see whats going on. The boats are usually ski type boats or nicer runabouts. Mark my word, they will be out again this year.

Permalink Reply by Mike Wolsky on June 13, 2014 at 5:03pm

I am assuming they spear them? Arrow?

Permalink Reply by Don Wittenberger on June 17, 2014 at 1:32am

They spear them, and we believe the poachers are from the Ukrainian/Russian expat community in Portland, and my guess is they're distributing the fish within their extended families to use as food, although it's possible the fish are being sold.

Permalink Reply by Mark Wells on June 26, 2014 at 3:43pm

It's been going on way too long now and it doesn't seem as though any enforcement effort is being put forth. Sure would be nice to hear about a big bust to set an example.
I sent a ton of emails and phone calls and so did others considering the bowfishing muskies at Mayfield and the cut gills at Tapps before anything was done about it.
Like you said Ed, as easy as they are to approach, a couple guys could clean a lake out in a weekend or two.