Images from the Wisconsin Walleye Wars

[TheMightyFavog]

http://www.wisconsinoutdoorfun.com/apps/pbcs.dll/gallery?Avis=U0&Dato=20110519&Kategori=WOF071&Lopenr=105190807&Ref=PH

In May 1991, Wisconsin resolved one of the most fierce political fights in state history when it reached an accord with American Indian tribes to allow spearfishing. For six years prior to that agreement, Northwoods boat landings became battlegrounds as hundreds of anti-spearing protesters clashed with tribal members in a war of words and physical threats. Men, women and children from both sides became entangled in violent, racially charged episodes. The so-called Walleye Wars were about more than fish. They were about traditions, livelihoods, pride and fairness. Now, 20 years later, spearing continues in relative serenity. But an undercurrent of resentment and misperceptions still flows through the state.

[Scuba]

1. I still hear that old "they're spearing ALL the big females" meme every year....

...the walleye wars are a stain on Wisconsin's history. Reneging on treaties with Native Americans is a stain on America's history.

Unfortunately, both stains are lost among so many others.

[TheMightyFavog]

2. Iremember seeing this on the news when I was a kid.

And hearing racist jokes from my fellow kids at school. Man, ignorant fuckwittery at its worst.

[murielm99]

3. I found out about that because I went to a town hall

meeting that Senator Paul Simon had here in Illinois. That was in 1986 or 1987.

Some of the fishermen here in Illinois were angry about it and saw fit to ask Simon to comment on it or do something about it. Several of them were there, and for a while, would not let him change the subject. He handled it well, but it was stupid of them to bring it up in that context.