Hey listeners! Just a quick heads-up—this episode includes a deep visual dive that's best enjoyed on our YouTube channel. While the audio is still engaging, for the full experience, we recommend heading over to MuskyFoolFlyFishing on YouTube. Now let's get into it!

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Welcome back to another episode of the Spot Burn Podcast with Dan and Josh! In episode 31, we’re doing a deep analytical dive into the current state of fishing licenses in Wisconsin and why it’s crucial for the future of our fisheries. With the WI DNR facing a significant budget shortfall, we’re examining the situation starting with fishing license sales and their impact on our natural resources. Could there be a better funding model that Wisconsin uses to fund the DNR?

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Here's a link to the data we referenced throughout the video:
https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/11Li4djTEbxOxv1eImu8E8kl_WugmNDbP?usp=sharing

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But first, we cover some important events in the fishing world:

Current Events:
Bob Popovics Hit & Run: The legendary saltwater fly-tier and author is in critical condition after being struck by a vehicle on September 23rd. Our thoughts and prayers are with him and his family.

John Geirach’s Passing: The fly-fishing community mourns the loss of iconic author John Geirach, who passed away on October 3rd at 78. His timeless works like Trout Bum continue to inspire anglers everywhere.

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Main Discussion:
We revisit the ongoing funding crisis within the WI DNR and the cuts to fisheries management. After raising awareness in our last episode, we’ve received a mix of support and criticism, even sparking political debates. As business owners in the Wisconsin fishing industry, we’re committed to finding the facts and advocating for the improvement of our fisheries.

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Musky Team Update:
Despite resource cuts, there’s a new co-lead, Dan Oele, who brings a promising vision for musky management in the state.

Madison Musky Stocking:
Thanks to the efforts of Madison’s Musky Inc., $40k was raised to stock Great Lakes muskies in the Madison Chain, set for October 24th.

Wisconsin Wildlife Coalition:
We’ve joined the Wisconsin Wildlife Coalition to collaborate with conservation groups, DNR members, and private sectors to tackle the funding crisis. We break down how the WI DNR is funded, explore current fishing trends, and share data on fishing license sales to understand what’s at stake.

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Conclusion:
Thanks for tuning in to this episode! We’ll be sharing all of our research and data sources, so be sure to check the links in the description. If you have feedback or suggestions for experts we should speak to, let us know. If you're an expert in the industry we'd also like to hear from you!

Thank you to all of our listeners for tuning in, subscribing, sharing, and spreading the good word.

Follow us on Instagram @muskyfool and check out our YouTube channel.

And be sure to check out MuskyFool.com !

Have fun out there on the water ya'll!

- Dan & Josh

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Instagram: @muskyfool
YouTube: Musky Fool Fly Fishing Co.
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