I am an avid angler and…

I am an avid angler and support the decision for the proposed changes as it will allow for a sustainable population for future generations, but these proposed changes need an amendment that still allows for the ability to take photos of walleye within the new slot size. I am also a tournament angler and participate in the annual womens lake of the woods walleye tournament along with several other women who look forward to this tournament every year. This is the biggest womens walleye tournament in North America and without allowing for photos within that slot size will put an end to this tournament, which will be devastating for all anglers, volunteers and the entire community who support it. This tournament is catch and release, and all fish are quickly measured on a bump board and a photo is taken then the fish is released immediately. If this amendment to the proposed changes is not made to allow for photos of fish within the slot size it would not only put an end to the tournament we look forward to all year but it would also not allow people to take photos of their trophy walleye and create those memories. You are still required to handle that fish to get the hook out and allowing for a quick photo will not cause any additional harm to the fish. Anglers respect the walleye so much and put so much money into tackle, fuel, tournament fees, boats, cabin rentals and support the local economy all to fish for these walleye.

I really hope the committee reconsiders this change and allows photos to be taken. I want the walleye population to be sustainable and being able to take photos of them will still allow for that.

PLEASE DO NOT PUT AN END TO OUR WOMENS LAKE OF THE WOODS WALLEYE TOURNAMENT !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!