Maybe it was the resident lady that actually killed it by moving it back and forth in the water. If the water was cold, the gills were working, it probably had a chance to swim away. Sounds like she drowned the musky. This could have been handled in a much different way. This could have been a great opportunity to teach and share information with excited amateurs to the Flowage. They obviously didn't know they were doing anything wrong with the fish. (The problem with not having a license? That's something else, but that is NOT why the DNR was called.)

From reading your story, I'm sure the conversation went more like, "I'm calling the Warden on you and you are in big trouble. You better leave right away." Why did she even get involved?

Otherwise, nice to know there are so many that want to be a cop and get involved in everybody's business. Why is it that people can't wait to turn others in. Probably the same people that keep a few extra walleyes when the bite is good, or go out and bag a limit, a couple times a day during the opener. How many of you are breaking the law right now with too many fish in your freezers? Probably a good portion. Let the DNR do THEIR job. You can help with purple loose strife or during the walleye watch when you are asked for help. Who knows, maybe that happy family was interested in buying a cabin up here. They could have purchased from a neighbor that is in a foreclosure situation and needs help to get out. With the poor economy, and property values dropping 30%, we don't need to chase any people away. Especially ones spending their money in our local area.

We should: Educate, yes. Help others, yes. Be nice, yes. Show neighborly love, yes. There is too much anger in this world and especially in the big cities. That's why people come up here. To get away and relax. This was simply way over reacting. Just remember what goes around comes around. You might have friends or family up sometime in the future that get into trouble and need help from your neighbor. As Rodney King once said, "Can't we all just get along?"

As for the guy in the pontoon..he was talked to and educated first. Then he ignored the advice and openly knowingly continued violating; go ahead and call, he deserves to get busted.

Have a nice Holiday season and be extra nice to tourists this season. WE NEED THEM!!