MADISON — The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) will hold a public hearing on Sept. 19 for a proposed rule that would require daily electronic harvest reporting for all Lake Michigan and Lake Superior charter fishers, meaning those required to hold an outlying water sport trolling license.

Charter fishing harvest reporting has been mandatory since 1976 and is vital for Great Lakes fisheries management. This electronic harvest reporting would replace the current paper reporting system, saving time and reducing errors. Accurate harvest records are important and electronic reporting would provide real-time harvest data. 

An electronic reporting system was implemented in January 2022 for the DNR’s Great Lakes Fishing guide program. Visit the Great Lakes Fishing Guide Information webpage for an example of what the electronic charter fishing harvest reporting system might look like.

For more information and to view the materials for the proposed rule FH-16-21, visit the DNR’s proposed permanent rules webpage

In addition to the public hearing, the DNR will also accept written comments on the proposed rule until 11:59 p.m. on Sept. 19, 2022. Submit comments to:

Dept. of Natural Resources

C/O Meredith Penthorn, FH/4

P.O. Box 7921

101 S. Webster Street

Madison, WI 53707-7921

Email: Meredith.Penthorn@wisconsin.gov