07-23-2012, 02:42 PM
Hello everyone.
The Division of Wildlife Resources apologizes for mishandling this process. As you would imagine the Springville hatchery were caught up in the moment and emotions that flow when an awesome fish like this fish comes in. We have discussed this issue internally and will address it at a meeting on August 1. There is a process in place and here it is:
1. Several pictures should be taken of the fish immediately upon catch this helps because fish tend to lose color quickly. Having a measuring devise along the fish helps.
2. The person with the fish should immediately take the fish to a certified scale at a butcher shop, post office or grocery store. Fish do lose weight quickly so don't take it any further than is absolutely necessary. DWR offices don't have certified scales and I am thankful for not having one. It removes subjectivity from the process.
3. The fish should then be brought into a DWR office to be measured for length and girth and proper identification by a qualified DWR employee (fisheries biologist).
4. After the first three steps are completed the properly completed paperwork is submitted and makes its way to my desk. I, for better or worse am the final judge and jury on all record submissions.
This fish is awesome!!!! I commend the person who caught it on the fish of a life time. If it is a record great!!! If not, then it is still an awesome fish and the envy of many anglers including myself.
It is my job to make sure that when the day ends that the DWR gets the job done correctly and when records are broken that they are legit. I assure you that we will get this one correct.
Drew Cushing
Sportfish Coordinator
Utah Division of Wildlife Resources
[signature]
The Division of Wildlife Resources apologizes for mishandling this process. As you would imagine the Springville hatchery were caught up in the moment and emotions that flow when an awesome fish like this fish comes in. We have discussed this issue internally and will address it at a meeting on August 1. There is a process in place and here it is:
1. Several pictures should be taken of the fish immediately upon catch this helps because fish tend to lose color quickly. Having a measuring devise along the fish helps.
2. The person with the fish should immediately take the fish to a certified scale at a butcher shop, post office or grocery store. Fish do lose weight quickly so don't take it any further than is absolutely necessary. DWR offices don't have certified scales and I am thankful for not having one. It removes subjectivity from the process.
3. The fish should then be brought into a DWR office to be measured for length and girth and proper identification by a qualified DWR employee (fisheries biologist).
4. After the first three steps are completed the properly completed paperwork is submitted and makes its way to my desk. I, for better or worse am the final judge and jury on all record submissions.
This fish is awesome!!!! I commend the person who caught it on the fish of a life time. If it is a record great!!! If not, then it is still an awesome fish and the envy of many anglers including myself.
It is my job to make sure that when the day ends that the DWR gets the job done correctly and when records are broken that they are legit. I assure you that we will get this one correct.
Drew Cushing
Sportfish Coordinator
Utah Division of Wildlife Resources
[signature]