Bait Proof

   The Department of Natural Resources (DNR) would like to inform anglers about new viral hemorrhagic septicemia (VHS) regulations that went into effect Thursday, Jan. 9. The changes result in simpler regulations for anglers who purchase and use minnows as bait by removing the retail sales receipt provision. Anglers will now no longer be required to possess their bait receipts while fishing and retail minnow sellers will no longer be required to provide anglers with detailed receipts for minnows.
  Receipts were previously used for educational and enforcement purposes to direct anglers to places where their bait could be used based on purchase location and whether or not it was certified as disease-free. VHS regulations have been in effect for several years and, after careful review, the DNR determined the retail receipt provision could be removed because anglers are more knowledgeable about the risks associated with baitfish use.
   There is no known treatment for VHS, so preventing the spread of disease is the best way to protect Michigan's fish. Anglers can help prevent the spread of VHS by keeping the following tips in mind when using baitfish:

• Learn to identify the species of baitfish you are using. Species known to be susceptible to VHS and typically used as live bait include emerald shiners, spottail shiners and white suckers. Other species occasionally used as bait that are susceptible to VHS include bluntnose minnows, trout perch, gizzard shad, shorthead redhorse and silver redhorse.
• Request that your local bait store sell certified disease-free baitfish.
• Purchase and use only certified disease-free baitfish.
• Never move live fish between bodies of water.
• Disinfect your bait bucket, livewells and bilges between uses with a bleach solution (half-cup of bleach to 5 gallons of water) or allow equipment to dry thoroughly before using in a different body of water.
• Properly dispose of all bait containers including worms and soil, crayfish and minnows in a trash receptacle.

   Just like EHD in deer VHS in fish is a disease that has no immediate cure. We should be viligant of disposing of bait but not having to hold on to your receipt is a deregulation that will make fishing easier. So....

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