6/4/2020
Couple things! First and foremost, we WILL be holding the 6/20/20 event on White Lake!! WHOO HOO!!! As you may have seen with other tournaments, we will be implementing and enforcing proper social distancing, as required by the executive order that allows us to hold the event.
***IMPORTANT INFO ABOUT MONTAGUE BOAT LAUNCH*** We found out today that apparently, Montague is offering only seasonal boat launch permits this year. The rate for a non-resident is $40 (resident rate is $30). PLEASE PLAN AHEAD!! Click here for the City of Montague website for further information.
Couple things! First and foremost, we WILL be holding the 6/20/20 event on White Lake!! WHOO HOO!!! As you may have seen with other tournaments, we will be implementing and enforcing proper social distancing, as required by the executive order that allows us to hold the event.
***IMPORTANT INFO ABOUT MONTAGUE BOAT LAUNCH*** We found out today that apparently, Montague is offering only seasonal boat launch permits this year. The rate for a non-resident is $40 (resident rate is $30). PLEASE PLAN AHEAD!! Click here for the City of Montague website for further information.
5/10/2020
As you know, we are working on a resolution for the 5/23/20 event we have been forced to cancel. We want to do what we can to host a full season, so we have rescheduled this event for Saturday, 9/12/2020, which was originally the date for Day 1 of the 2020 Classic. We considered other options, but find this to be the best one, since it was already a date we had announced that everyone was aware of and would have considered when registering for the season. So, in place of the September date for the Classic, the Classic will now be moved to the weekend of October 3 & 4, 2020.
We are close to confirming a body of water for the September tournament and will announce that as soon as we are able, but have decided this event will not be on the Grand River, as there will likely be nowhere to launch 50 boats with the water levels continuing to rise. We are also looking into some options for a location for the Classic, being that it's now on a new weekend, and will announce that at a later date. (This is not to say it will or will not be on the Grand, we just have to revisit what makes the most sense for that date.) We will also consider whether to hold a one-day or two-day Classic as well, depending on where it is held.
We know this still leaves a few things in the air, and we want to finalize plans as much as you would like to know what the next move is. We are trying to be thoughtful and doing our best to provide the fun, high-quality series that you expect, and appreciate your patience while we work through this. Trust us - if we had some control over this situation, everything would go on as planned, but unfortunately, it is not in our control and we will proceed the best way we know how. We look forward to seeing all of you and getting this season kicked off! Stay safe, everyone!
As you know, we are working on a resolution for the 5/23/20 event we have been forced to cancel. We want to do what we can to host a full season, so we have rescheduled this event for Saturday, 9/12/2020, which was originally the date for Day 1 of the 2020 Classic. We considered other options, but find this to be the best one, since it was already a date we had announced that everyone was aware of and would have considered when registering for the season. So, in place of the September date for the Classic, the Classic will now be moved to the weekend of October 3 & 4, 2020.
We are close to confirming a body of water for the September tournament and will announce that as soon as we are able, but have decided this event will not be on the Grand River, as there will likely be nowhere to launch 50 boats with the water levels continuing to rise. We are also looking into some options for a location for the Classic, being that it's now on a new weekend, and will announce that at a later date. (This is not to say it will or will not be on the Grand, we just have to revisit what makes the most sense for that date.) We will also consider whether to hold a one-day or two-day Classic as well, depending on where it is held.
We know this still leaves a few things in the air, and we want to finalize plans as much as you would like to know what the next move is. We are trying to be thoughtful and doing our best to provide the fun, high-quality series that you expect, and appreciate your patience while we work through this. Trust us - if we had some control over this situation, everything would go on as planned, but unfortunately, it is not in our control and we will proceed the best way we know how. We look forward to seeing all of you and getting this season kicked off! Stay safe, everyone!
5/7/2020
You may be aware that Governor Whitmer gave an address this afternoon, during which she extended the Stay at Home Order to 5/28/20, and laid out the MI Safe Start Plan, a graduation of the steps we must go through to get through the COVID-19 pandemic. The plan lays out how the restrictions will be gradually reduced as things start to improve in our state. Unfortunately, what we have been dreading became clear today - we will not be allowed to hold our first scheduled tournament as scheduled on 5/23/20. We have been discussing alternative options for the past few weeks and are working to finalize a new plan for being able to make up the tournament, which is our first choice of options. We hope to be able to update all of you in the next few days. We regret many of you have lodging reservations for the first event that will now have to be cancelled, however, this situation is well beyond anyone's control; we hope the places you had reserved will be understanding of these circumstances.
Below is a link to the plan that was laid out today. On page two, you will see the six stages of the plan; at this time, we are on Stage 3. Even if we were in Stage 4, we would still not be able to hold the event, as those rules allow for only "small gatherings."
Please check back for an update on the rescheduling of the 1st tournament, and please keep yourselves and your loved ones safe.
Click here for details on the MI Safe Plan
You may be aware that Governor Whitmer gave an address this afternoon, during which she extended the Stay at Home Order to 5/28/20, and laid out the MI Safe Start Plan, a graduation of the steps we must go through to get through the COVID-19 pandemic. The plan lays out how the restrictions will be gradually reduced as things start to improve in our state. Unfortunately, what we have been dreading became clear today - we will not be allowed to hold our first scheduled tournament as scheduled on 5/23/20. We have been discussing alternative options for the past few weeks and are working to finalize a new plan for being able to make up the tournament, which is our first choice of options. We hope to be able to update all of you in the next few days. We regret many of you have lodging reservations for the first event that will now have to be cancelled, however, this situation is well beyond anyone's control; we hope the places you had reserved will be understanding of these circumstances.
Below is a link to the plan that was laid out today. On page two, you will see the six stages of the plan; at this time, we are on Stage 3. Even if we were in Stage 4, we would still not be able to hold the event, as those rules allow for only "small gatherings."
Please check back for an update on the rescheduling of the 1st tournament, and please keep yourselves and your loved ones safe.
Click here for details on the MI Safe Plan
5/3/2020
We hope everyone is staying healthy and has had an opportunity to get your boats in the water now that the restriction on motors was lifted last week (and that they still float!). As everyone is well aware, our first scheduled tournament is coming up quickly, and as it stands today with the current restrictions, tournaments can not yet be held. We are closely monitoring the situation and will make a decision on whether we can hold the event or not this week. Unfortunately, as it stands now, fishing tournaments scheduled through 5/15/20 have been cancelled, as that is the current expiration date of the executive order; it is impossible to predict whether the executive order will be extended beyond 5/15/20, and if it is, what the restrictions might be. We are hopeful that the event does not have to be cancelled and do not want to make a decision prematurely, but also want to give members time to plan. So, we will see what happens this week and make a decision from there. Thank you for your patience and check back for an update later this week.
We do want to share the letter sent out to tournament directors on 4/28/20, so you will have the same information we were provided with. Read below:
Directors:
You are receiving this email today because you have registered at least one fishing tournament on the DNR’s Fishing Tournament Information System (FTIS) for the 2020 season. With the Covid-19 pandemic and the governor’s “Stay Home, Stay Safe” Executive Order there has been a lot of confusion about which activities are allowed and which are not. Local recreational fishing is allowed if proper social distancing is followed. Additionally, traveling long distances or coming to Michigan from out of state for the purpose of fishing is not considered an essential activity and is discouraged.
Holding, hosting or sponsoring an organized fishing tournament in the State of Michigan is not allowed in the Executive Order.
The following section and language in EO 2020-59 apply to this situation:
“2. Subject to the exceptions in section 7, all individuals currently living within the State of Michigan are ordered to stay at home or at their place of residence. Subject to the same exceptions, all public and private gatherings of any number of people occurring among persons not part of a single household are prohibited.”
While the Governor’s recreational fishing exemption to the “Stay Home, Stay Safe” order encourages the public to get outside and enjoy Michigan’s natural resources, fishing tournaments inherently obligate anglers to congregate and fish at a specific and predetermined location and time. It is this organized and purposeful congregating of people that violates EO 2020-59.
The current restriction on fishing tournaments will remain in effect until the Executive Order is rescinded. Any tournament registered to take place between now and the end date of the current Executive Order -- currently set to expire at 11:59 p.m. on May 15, 2020 -- is hereby cancelled and will be removed from the DNR’s Fishing Tournament Information System. Directors of these tournaments will not need to take any further action in the FTIS concerning these events.
Directors with events planned after the current order’s expiration date should pay close attention to further declarations from the Governor’s office regarding additional/future stay at home directives. You will be notified of any further changes to this policy. This is an abnormal and disruptive time for us all with a significant portion of the U.S. population on stay at home orders. However, the actions we collectively take in the present to safeguard our health and that of our fellow citizens will pay dividends towards ensuring Michigan’s and the country’s continued and future success. Be safe and stay healthy!
Sincerely,
Thomas M. Goniea
Fishing Tournament Specialist
Department of Natural Resources
We hope everyone is staying healthy and has had an opportunity to get your boats in the water now that the restriction on motors was lifted last week (and that they still float!). As everyone is well aware, our first scheduled tournament is coming up quickly, and as it stands today with the current restrictions, tournaments can not yet be held. We are closely monitoring the situation and will make a decision on whether we can hold the event or not this week. Unfortunately, as it stands now, fishing tournaments scheduled through 5/15/20 have been cancelled, as that is the current expiration date of the executive order; it is impossible to predict whether the executive order will be extended beyond 5/15/20, and if it is, what the restrictions might be. We are hopeful that the event does not have to be cancelled and do not want to make a decision prematurely, but also want to give members time to plan. So, we will see what happens this week and make a decision from there. Thank you for your patience and check back for an update later this week.
We do want to share the letter sent out to tournament directors on 4/28/20, so you will have the same information we were provided with. Read below:
Directors:
You are receiving this email today because you have registered at least one fishing tournament on the DNR’s Fishing Tournament Information System (FTIS) for the 2020 season. With the Covid-19 pandemic and the governor’s “Stay Home, Stay Safe” Executive Order there has been a lot of confusion about which activities are allowed and which are not. Local recreational fishing is allowed if proper social distancing is followed. Additionally, traveling long distances or coming to Michigan from out of state for the purpose of fishing is not considered an essential activity and is discouraged.
Holding, hosting or sponsoring an organized fishing tournament in the State of Michigan is not allowed in the Executive Order.
The following section and language in EO 2020-59 apply to this situation:
“2. Subject to the exceptions in section 7, all individuals currently living within the State of Michigan are ordered to stay at home or at their place of residence. Subject to the same exceptions, all public and private gatherings of any number of people occurring among persons not part of a single household are prohibited.”
While the Governor’s recreational fishing exemption to the “Stay Home, Stay Safe” order encourages the public to get outside and enjoy Michigan’s natural resources, fishing tournaments inherently obligate anglers to congregate and fish at a specific and predetermined location and time. It is this organized and purposeful congregating of people that violates EO 2020-59.
The current restriction on fishing tournaments will remain in effect until the Executive Order is rescinded. Any tournament registered to take place between now and the end date of the current Executive Order -- currently set to expire at 11:59 p.m. on May 15, 2020 -- is hereby cancelled and will be removed from the DNR’s Fishing Tournament Information System. Directors of these tournaments will not need to take any further action in the FTIS concerning these events.
Directors with events planned after the current order’s expiration date should pay close attention to further declarations from the Governor’s office regarding additional/future stay at home directives. You will be notified of any further changes to this policy. This is an abnormal and disruptive time for us all with a significant portion of the U.S. population on stay at home orders. However, the actions we collectively take in the present to safeguard our health and that of our fellow citizens will pay dividends towards ensuring Michigan’s and the country’s continued and future success. Be safe and stay healthy!
Sincerely,
Thomas M. Goniea
Fishing Tournament Specialist
Department of Natural Resources
4/18/2020
EARLY DRAW RESULTS ARE AVAILABLE - CLICK HERE!!!! :) :) :)
Also, at long last, pictures from the 2019 Dylan Compagner Memorial are posted! We are very sorry they were not shared much sooner and hope looking through them brings back fond memories and makes you smile during these difficult times. Enjoy!
EARLY DRAW RESULTS ARE AVAILABLE - CLICK HERE!!!! :) :) :)
Also, at long last, pictures from the 2019 Dylan Compagner Memorial are posted! We are very sorry they were not shared much sooner and hope looking through them brings back fond memories and makes you smile during these difficult times. Enjoy!
Regarding COVID-19 and Current Stay-at-Home Order Regulations
4/11/2020
As many of you have probably heard by now, with Governor Whitmer's extension of the Stay-at-Home Order this week, there are further restrictions on what Michigan residents are allowed to do, including a new prohibition of the use of any kind of motor on a boat, including trolling motors. This appears to be the DNR's interpretation of the executive order, as the order itself does not specifically state the restriction. Under Section 7 of the order, regarding exceptions to the mandate to stay home, it states: "Individuals may leave their home or place of residence, and travel as necessary,
It is the DNR's website that specifies the prohibition of the use of motors, and the reasoning being that use of boats with motors leads to the need for parts and gasoline for the boats, which means increased contacts with others. There is also mention of people congregating at boat launches when this whole thing started. While private launches have been forced to close, according to the website, DNR launches remain open, but not any of the facilities, such as restrooms.
We, like you, are frustrated with the restriction of the use of motors on any body of water and feel that the use of one's own boat to fish, either alone or with members of the same household (in order to comply with proper 'social distancing') is far more safe than using a kayak or canoe, as is suggested. We are also dismayed that at the same time the DNR has said motors are not allowed, the governor says she encourages residents to get out and enjoy Michigan's natural resources, and has allowed ORV and ATV trails to remain open for use.
We encourage you to review the information posted on the DNR's website as well as some other information we have links to below. After doing so, if you are inclined, you can call Governor Whitmer's Executive Office at 517-335-7858 and voice your opinion. (If you do so, please be polite and respectful, as you will not be talking to the governor herself.)
Michigan Executive Order 2020-42 (Effective 11:59pm, 4/9/20)
DNR Frequently Asked Questions
Letter to Tournament Directors 4/10/20 (***PLEASE NOTE - this was received at 7:57am, prior to more recent information and clarification given with regard to the use of motors)
Michigan United Conservation Club Opinion Piece
WoodTV Article
Regarding our 2020 season, we have been asked about the status of our first tournament, which is scheduled for May 23, 2020. At this time, the Stay-at-Home order is set to expire prior to then. All we can do is wait and see what happens in the coming weeks, but at this point, all events remain scheduled as originally planned.
Stay safe, everyone!
As many of you have probably heard by now, with Governor Whitmer's extension of the Stay-at-Home Order this week, there are further restrictions on what Michigan residents are allowed to do, including a new prohibition of the use of any kind of motor on a boat, including trolling motors. This appears to be the DNR's interpretation of the executive order, as the order itself does not specifically state the restriction. Under Section 7 of the order, regarding exceptions to the mandate to stay home, it states: "Individuals may leave their home or place of residence, and travel as necessary,
- To engage in outdoor physical activity, consistent with remaining at least six feet from people from outside the individual’s household. Outdoor physical activity includes walking, hiking, running, cycling, kayaking, canoeing, or other similar physical activity, as well as any comparable activity for those with limited mobility."
It is the DNR's website that specifies the prohibition of the use of motors, and the reasoning being that use of boats with motors leads to the need for parts and gasoline for the boats, which means increased contacts with others. There is also mention of people congregating at boat launches when this whole thing started. While private launches have been forced to close, according to the website, DNR launches remain open, but not any of the facilities, such as restrooms.
We, like you, are frustrated with the restriction of the use of motors on any body of water and feel that the use of one's own boat to fish, either alone or with members of the same household (in order to comply with proper 'social distancing') is far more safe than using a kayak or canoe, as is suggested. We are also dismayed that at the same time the DNR has said motors are not allowed, the governor says she encourages residents to get out and enjoy Michigan's natural resources, and has allowed ORV and ATV trails to remain open for use.
We encourage you to review the information posted on the DNR's website as well as some other information we have links to below. After doing so, if you are inclined, you can call Governor Whitmer's Executive Office at 517-335-7858 and voice your opinion. (If you do so, please be polite and respectful, as you will not be talking to the governor herself.)
Michigan Executive Order 2020-42 (Effective 11:59pm, 4/9/20)
DNR Frequently Asked Questions
Letter to Tournament Directors 4/10/20 (***PLEASE NOTE - this was received at 7:57am, prior to more recent information and clarification given with regard to the use of motors)
Michigan United Conservation Club Opinion Piece
WoodTV Article
Regarding our 2020 season, we have been asked about the status of our first tournament, which is scheduled for May 23, 2020. At this time, the Stay-at-Home order is set to expire prior to then. All we can do is wait and see what happens in the coming weeks, but at this point, all events remain scheduled as originally planned.
Stay safe, everyone!
3/24/2020
For obvious reasons, the annual launch permit sale at Fisherman's Landing that was scheduled for this Saturday, 3/28/20 has been CANCELLED. At this time, another date has not been scheduled. If that changes or the permits become available another way, we'll be sure to let you know! Stay safe, friends!
For obvious reasons, the annual launch permit sale at Fisherman's Landing that was scheduled for this Saturday, 3/28/20 has been CANCELLED. At this time, another date has not been scheduled. If that changes or the permits become available another way, we'll be sure to let you know! Stay safe, friends!
2/16/2020
Wondering where the Classic is going to be held this year? Look no further!! The 2020 Classic will be held on ............. drumroll please ..........
the Grand River!! Surprised? Us too. But, we know some folks are concerned with the amount of travel this year, and considering we have 2 'up north' events during the regular season, have decided to keep it closer to home for the Classic. And, from what we hear, the river is not like you've experienced in the past several years, so it should be like a whole new body of water. This will still be a 2-day event. Launch location will be announced later in the year, after we can see where the water levels will be, but only needing space to launch 15-20 boats will work in our favor. Should be a fun season, can't wait to see you!!
Wondering where the Classic is going to be held this year? Look no further!! The 2020 Classic will be held on ............. drumroll please ..........
the Grand River!! Surprised? Us too. But, we know some folks are concerned with the amount of travel this year, and considering we have 2 'up north' events during the regular season, have decided to keep it closer to home for the Classic. And, from what we hear, the river is not like you've experienced in the past several years, so it should be like a whole new body of water. This will still be a 2-day event. Launch location will be announced later in the year, after we can see where the water levels will be, but only needing space to launch 15-20 boats will work in our favor. Should be a fun season, can't wait to see you!!
1/27/2020
BIG NEWS!!! After much consideration, we have decided to accept 60 boats for the 2020 season. Registration will begin at the Winter Meeting, to be held at 11am on Saturday, 2/8/20 at The Outdoorsmen. At this point, we will be a pre-pay, full-season registration only. Last year's members will have a 2-week window for a guaranteed spot, commencing at the meeting and ending on 2/22/20. New boats wishing to register to get at the top of the waiting list for the additional spots can also register at the meeting. Please CLICK HERE or check out the Forms Page for this year's set up! See everyone on 2/8!
BIG NEWS!!! After much consideration, we have decided to accept 60 boats for the 2020 season. Registration will begin at the Winter Meeting, to be held at 11am on Saturday, 2/8/20 at The Outdoorsmen. At this point, we will be a pre-pay, full-season registration only. Last year's members will have a 2-week window for a guaranteed spot, commencing at the meeting and ending on 2/22/20. New boats wishing to register to get at the top of the waiting list for the additional spots can also register at the meeting. Please CLICK HERE or check out the Forms Page for this year's set up! See everyone on 2/8!
1/9/2020
Happy New Year!! After much deliberation and consideration of many factors, we now have lakes to go with our 2020 schedule!!! Please CLICK HERE to see where we'll be and decide if you're up for a different kind of season than we've seen in the past several years. We are excited and hope you'll join us for the tour!
Happy New Year!! After much deliberation and consideration of many factors, we now have lakes to go with our 2020 schedule!!! Please CLICK HERE to see where we'll be and decide if you're up for a different kind of season than we've seen in the past several years. We are excited and hope you'll join us for the tour!