I would not support their contest either.

Chris, I was a die hard of this contest up until about 7 years ago, I got into it with the "big guy" about the big cats dieing in the stock tanks every year. Since then I have boycotted it, along with other catfishing contests. I see no need to do more then measure, weigh it, and picture it, release it!

The video that Dark30 filmed a couple years ago at the contest weigh-in is evidence enough of the complete disregard to this awesome resource we have.

I believe there are ways to have competition without resorting to the killing of fish. King of the Cats Contest, Belle Plaine Cat League, Moore's Bait & Tackle contest are all examples of competition while protecting and respecting the resource at the same time. I see interest in these events growing and growing every year.

Don't get me wrong... I'm not anti-competition or contest, but I have a hard time supporting an event where big fish are going to die.

There are some concered cat guys working to get the BP tourney shut down, or some restrictions put in place. The DNR can pull a permit just the same as giving it out. Sounds like the permit is up to waterville and Hutch. The waterville office has a copy of the flyer that skelly puts out. Hopefully they can at least stop some fish from being killed.

Pretty sad to kill a 20+ year old fish. CPR the only way to go.

I suggest that anyonw with an interest in catching/preserving the flathead resource starts voicing their opinion to law makers and the DNR. Without public interest the state won't do a whole lot. How many people would throw a fit if trophy muskies were handled the way these cats are?

Can any one say excessive abuse of nature. The fish and any sand bar from carver to henderson feels the impact.