Genetics 102
Musky Hunter|August/September 2019

FINDINGS IN WISCONSIN HAVE IMPLICATIONS FOR STOCKINGS EVERYWHERE

Jordan Weeks
Genetics 102

In my last submission I discussed some basic genetic terms and concepts. This article will focus on Wisconsin’s muskellunge genetic management plan framework and finish with the results of one small genetics study.

An article written in 2010 by a myriad of Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (WDNR) and University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point (UWSP) personnel and published in Fisheries, outlines the process. Titled “Implementation of Genetic Practices in a Muskellunge Propagation and Stocking Program,” researchers Martin Jennings, Brian Sloss, Gene Hatzenbeler, Jeffrey Kampa, Timothy Simonson, Steven Avelallemant, Gary Lindenberger, and Bruce Underwood address the potential of genetic risks associated with propagation of muskellunge in Wisconsin.

While this study focuses on Wisconsin’s musky program, the same concepts hold true anywhere muskellunge are stocked.

Fish are propagated and stocked for a number of reasons. Often, stocking is driven by public expectation. “To address the ongoing potential for genetic risks in Wisconsin muskellunge propagation program, the WDNR developed a comprehensive set of recommendations to conserve genetic diversity and evaluated the extent to which the recommendations can be implemented,” the study said. With over 700 muskellunge waters, Wisconsin is rich with opportunity often a direct result of stocking.

“Stocking has a long history in Wisconsin and is a highly visible component of the management program,” the report said. WDNR staff have been leaders and pioneers in the musky propagation field for a very long time. However, much of that excellent work was historically focused on producing the largest fall fingerling fish to maximize survival. Genetic concerns were not well understood due to historically cumbersome and very expensive techniques.

“Prior to widespread discussion and acceptance of genetic

This story is from the August/September 2019 edition of Musky Hunter.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

This story is from the August/September 2019 edition of Musky Hunter.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

MORE STORIES FROM MUSKY HUNTERView All
What can Current Do For You?
Musky Hunter

What can Current Do For You?

WATER FLOW IN LAKES IS SUBTLE AND OFTEN OVERLOOKED. BUT MUSKIES USE IT, SO WHY SHOULDN’T YOU?

time-read
3 mins  |
February/March 2021
Mountain State Muskies In Spring
Musky Hunter

Mountain State Muskies In Spring

CATCH MUSKIES DURING TIMES WHEN NOTHING IS PREDICTABLE

time-read
4 mins  |
February/March 2021
Winter Presentations For Southern Rivers
Musky Hunter

Winter Presentations For Southern Rivers

Winter has arrived, yet in the South it’s still mild enough to keep fishing with the exception of maybe a week or two of an Arctic front.

time-read
3 mins  |
February/March 2021
Tune Up For The Season Ahead
Musky Hunter

Tune Up For The Season Ahead

Have you started making your plans for the upcoming fishing year?

time-read
3 mins  |
February/March 2021
Rob Manthei
Musky Hunter

Rob Manthei

Guide Rob Manthei’s love for the Vilas/Oneida County region of northern Wisconsin is deeply rooted. His father and grandfather started taking him there on fishing trips when he was just two years old, and he began guiding full-time at the age of 25.

time-read
6 mins  |
February/March 2021
Find The Right Structure In Deep, Clear Water
Musky Hunter

Find The Right Structure In Deep, Clear Water

With breathtaking scenery, vast amounts of water, and complex and diverse structure, clear water Canadian Shield lakes offer some of the most sought-after musky fishing in the world. A bucket-list destination for the passionate and determined angler, there’s something truly special about being in the sanctuary of the great Canadian Shield lakes.

time-read
4 mins  |
February/March 2021
Multi-Species Or Bay Boat ... You Make The Choice
Musky Hunter

Multi-Species Or Bay Boat ... You Make The Choice

Is there really such a thing as a perfect musky boat? There are so many variables to choose from in the market today. Do I want a casting or trolling boat? Aluminum or fiberglass? Welded or riveted? Do I want a tiller, side console, dual console, or full windshield?

time-read
4 mins  |
February/March 2021
Region To Region
Musky Hunter

Region To Region

Region To Region

time-read
10+ mins  |
February/March 2021
Genetic Study Yields Answers
Musky Hunter

Genetic Study Yields Answers

STUDY SUGGESTS LEECH STRAIN IS NOT THE ‘SILVER BULLET’ FOR WISCONSIN MUSKY WATERS

time-read
6 mins  |
February/March 2021
Crawling Crankbaits To Catch Cold Water Muskies
Musky Hunter

Crawling Crankbaits To Catch Cold Water Muskies

Crankbaits catch plenty of muskies during spring, summer and fall, but the key to catching ’skies in the very early cold water season on these lures involves some special tricks.

time-read
3 mins  |
February/March 2021