Cormorants (or however its spelled) and the MDNR

[Jmcfarland]

The nasty blackbirds that are out in force are killing some great fishing in Michigan. I've read numerous articles in national magazines telling about this. One area around drummond island in the Upper Penninsula has literally seen its economy drop because the birds have eaten so many perch in Lake Michigan. Another area that is being affected is around Beaver and Hog Islands out in Lake Michigan. The birds are killing a AWESOME smallmouth fishery out there. I have seen flocks in the 100's myself on lakes of only 1000 acres in size. My real question is why is the MDNR so concerned about keeping our bass fishing season closed or not allowing a catch and release only season early in the spring but these birds have been allowed to do so much damage. I don't know the real numbers but i would venture to say that the 75% or more of guys who do target bass (like us on this forum) release them anyway reguardless of whether its possesion season or not. I know personally I have only kept (and ate) 2 bass in my entire life. They were about a 4&5 pounder that i caught on the same lure at the same time when i was 12 years old (thats right 9lbs of smallie on 1 cast The lead in fishing lures is another thing. Why are we worrying about the one loon that gets killed by a lead lure and fining the fisherman whose licence fees are supposed to be taking care of things like the cormorants? Anyways i just would like to thank Dan and those like him who take a stand and the time and im sure money that it cost to speak for those of those of us who really do love this sport and want to take care of it and have more opportunities. I support the longer season and him for getting the ball rolling. Even if you dont like the longer season i bet he would support getting it shortened if there was scientific data showing it needed to be.

[PoorBoy]

a good size group of them have taken a liking to kent lake over the past few years. They hang out on one island in particular and have already killed the few trees that lived on the island with there anthrax-like feces.

Also, i noticed that the amount of cheetams ( small fish named after the king of dinks ) caught by myself and those i fished with last season was very low. A typical day on Kent Lake usually produces a bunch of smaller bass, especially for my one friend Jeff. But last year we only caught quality fish.

Now this might seem ideal, catching mostly keepers, but it could be a sign that these bastard birds are eating up all the cheetams. This could make for some tough fishing down the road a few years.

I have a good friend who is a wizard with a sling shot. Ive been meaning to get him out on my boat to do a little 'population trimming' on our fine feathered friends.

So next time any of you are out on Kent Lake, if you come across piles of rotting bird carcus, dont be alarmed. Its just McCarter and Company looking out for the well being of Michigans finest lake.

PoorBoy himself