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In a monumental decision , Michigan anglers have won a victory as the Grand Traverse Band of Ottawa and Chippewa Indians suffered a pair of setbacks in their long-running dispute with the state over fishing in northern Lake Michigan.
U.S. District Court Judge Richard Enslen DENIED a motion by lawyers representing the tribe seeking to lift the ban on gill net fishing in certain parts of the Grand Traverse Bay, one of the Ottawa and Chippewa's traditional fishing grounds.
Then Judge Enslen granted a motion by the state of Michigan seeking increased enforcement of agreements NOT to target salmon with gill nets in the same waters because that type of fishing also nets a significant number of threatened lake trout.
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 "Not surprisingly, the parties do not agree in how to interpret data (gathered during a 1992 experiment with gill net fishing)," Enslen said in explaining his decisions. Tribe lawyer William Rastetter spent the better part of an hour arguing that the ban on gill netting has harmed small boat Native American commercial fishers in the area. He presented statistics showing a steady decline in harvest since 1990. Judge Enslen apparently didn't buy into the tribes line of reasoning. Injecting a note of levity into the proceedings, he quoted Mark Twain after hearing one barrage of statistical data presented. "Twain once said, 'There are three kinds of lies: lies, damn lies and statistics,' " said Enslen.
 FWS in search of Blue Pike DNA - you can help!!
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Anglers, in many states may be in for a surprise when they go to purchase their 1998 Fishing License, and if you are behind in your child support payments, mail the check first.
Under the "welfare reform" legislation a new law, requires government agencies to obtain Social Security numbers from applicants for recreational licenses, including fishing licenses.
Congress enacted a number of new laws to improve enforcement of
child support obligations. As part of a broad "welfare reform" effort, the U.S. Government has required the states to implement new requirements to encourage payment of child support.
More information on The PA ss# requirement
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 Pennsylvania is the first state to enact the mandated requirement, effective Jan. 1, Pennsylvania officials have the authority to revoke driver's licenses and fishing & hunting permits if they find that the applicant is behind in child support payments. Wisconsin legislation has been introduced, but according to the DNR License bureau, the rule will most likely go into effect in the 1999 fishing and hunting season. Other states will soon follow suit and abide by the Federal law or risk possible loss of federal welfare funds.
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