Spring time walleye poaching, Sick and tired of it

I am a First Nation person and an avid fisherman. I am not happy that the walleye numbers are not what they were 100 years ago. All fish species are affected by invasive species and more affected by spawning grounds destroyed by developments and human encroachment. First Nation people have been catching walleye and other species for 1000s of years by nets and spears with no significant impact. If First Nation people did over fish, we would not be discussing walleye because they would have been extinct 1000s of years ago. About our agreement of Canada, First Nation means we are kind of like a country, we are separate from Canada and the USA. Treaties are agreements between countries. First Nation people have treaties with Canada and the USA. Some of the treaties with Canada include fishing and hunting rights among other things. Canada is slowly reneging on it's agreements. Oddly enough the USA is holding up it's part of the treaty agreement. Who knew that the USA can be good at international matters. Don't get me wrong, I love living in Canada, it's one of the greatest countries in the world with some of the best people in the world. We live in a great mixing pot of cultures. Everyday I work with people with roots from Italy, France, England, Ireland, Jamaica, Africa, China and the list goes on and on and I wouldn't have it any other way. I understand everyone's frustration about fishing and hunting because I want my children and my children's children to enjoy fishing and hunting just as I have.

Well, since you brought it up......the fact that you are moving to be independant nations .....reserve by reserve

Are you sure you want to go that route, because as far as I am concerned as soon as that declaration is made, then you can create your own currency, laws etc.

BUT...........all Fed. dollar transfers cease immediately for all native funding

As an aside.....1000's of years ago, even 100 years ago there were not as many people as today and most tribes were nomadic.no?

Hi wiiam. Just to let you know in no way is this posting aimed at insulting the first nations people however it is meant to bring to knowledge for other fisherman to see and put forth their opinions. Common sense would suggest that due to the decreasing numbers in walleye populations in certain areas that the immediate cessation of fishing spearing netting or poaching whatever you want to call it in fish sanctuaries would definitely benefit the population of the species. Agreements have been made on manitoulin island between first nations people and OFAH that prevent natives from fishing in certain sanctuaries. The same could be done at other areas to protect the species. Thousand or hundred of years excuses are not noteworthy nor helpful in this ongoing problem.

Just because you used to do something 100 years ago, doesn't mean you should still be doing it. The whiteman used to light their lamps with whale oil, we don't do that anymore. There are so many places natives can fish, spearing walleye below a dam should not be one of them.

Absolutely true.

There are only a handful of natives who actually practice their right in that area. Their practice does not even compare to the Caucasian netting in that area or regular sport fishermen. You should look into what you are talking about and learn the truth of what affects fish stocks.

Hi oldtimer.....always good to hear from those that have years on the water.

I think you may be missing a key point here..that is the legit concern of "fishing" in sanctuary waters.

I also am unsure as to whom your commenst are referring to.

Could you elaborate more please

I guess my point here is that a fish taken is a fish taken. In sanctuary or not. In season or not. Natives do not do more dammage than sports fisherman or commercial fisherman on the bay anyways. I cannot comment on other lakes.

I can't believe there is actually people supporting this behaviour. Sanctuary are there for a reason to protect the fishery. No morals or common sense.


This was said by minnkota and I don't think it could be said any better.. I think we are getting wayyy off topic here when bottom line is that no one should be able to fish in a protected area. Even if the damage done by spearing the fish on spawning grounds is rather small it's damage none the less.

Gotcha

I have fished across the province from the Great lakes as far north as Hudsons Bay and west to Kenora

Along with what you observe, I can add that many factors change a watersheds ability to maintain or sustain the same population of fish for more than a decade or 2 as a constant.

With more anglers and other enviromental matters, fisheries will fluctuate up and down on a regular basis. When on a noticeable downward spiral, we look at the easiest interim solutions psossbile to get the popualtion back up to sustainable levels. Among one of the would be to ban any harvesting on sanctuaries.

Other quick fixes include limit reductions as you well know. I believe w all need to be more aware and accountable for our actions out there on the waters.

Nice talkin with you

This argument has been going on for years. Once the walleye numbers in an area start to decline everyone starts pointing fingers at everyone else. The point of this discussion is this, we have fish sanctuaries and open seasons in place for a reason to protect the fish. Spearing spawning walleye full of eggs on the beds does not help the fishery, I do not agree with you, minimual effects, killing a female full of eggs kills hundreds of fish not just one.

I'd have to say that it does seem a little ridiculous to let anyone fish in the sanctuaries. The fact that people are spearfishing/netting fish in the sanctuaries is unbelievable. Sanctuaries are set up so that the fish have natural habitat to spawn and replenish the fish population.

People preach how important it is to recycle and conserve in today's society. Let's save the planet so our children and our children's children have world to live in. This is no different than recycling plastic bottles, aluminum cans, or paper. Fish are a natural resource, and if "people" regardless of race/national origin, don't see that their actions could have a serious negative affect on the fisheries of tomorrow then they need to do a little research.

Poaching any fish during its spawning season is short sighted and could have long lasting effects on the lakes/areas eco system. Regardless of whether or not people have permission to do this they should realize that it's not the right thing to do. Have a little common sense people...

I have been watching this topic for some time and now. I would like to say it is time the natives make up there mines what they want. They talk about Mother earth I will be the first to go along with we ALL need to do all we can to help her. I don't think taking fish off spawning beds is right If you want them to eat not to sell go fish them. But not on the beds , hunt when you want eat not to sell the meat but not when they are having there young.

I know the natives got a raw deal years ago but What I am trying to say live all out the true native way or the white man.s way.

By the way I am 3/4 native

Couldn't agree with you more Wizard.

Trying to have it both ways is a recipe for doom...

Well said wizard. As I said before I blame our government for allowing this to continue.