REWARD OFFERED

[robert0720]

Gizzard Shad found in West Boggs Lake<br>----------------------------------------<br>$1000 reward offered for information about illegal stocking<br>------------------------------------------------------------------------- <br>DNR biologist Brian Schoenung recently confirmed the presence of gizzard shad in West Boggs Lake in Daviess County, which has state biologists, DNR law enforcement and county officials concerned - so concerned that they are offering a $1,000 reward for information about who may have released shad into the lake. <br><br>The gizzard shad is an invasive species that competes with young crappie, bluegill and largemouth bass for food. As shad populations grow, game fish production drops. <br><br>Because largemouth bass tend to grow quickly when shad are first introduced to a lake, zealous anglers may be tempted to stock shad into their favorite fishing spots, which is illegal and reduces fishing success in the long run as shad become the dominant species in a lake. <br><br>West Boggs Lake was drained and restocked with game fish seven years ago to eliminate shad from the fishery. <br><br>"Since the renovation, West Boggs Lake has been one of our finest fish management success stories," said Schoenung. "The misguided and illegal stocking of shad could jeopardize a million dollar fishery." Schoenung has scheduled a fisheries survey this spring to see what impacts the shad are<br>having on the West Boggs fish population. <br><br>The DNR Division of Law Enforcement is investigating the illegal stocking. A reward is being offered through the Turn In a Poacher program (TIP) for information leading to the conviction of the person responsible for this crime. <br><br>Mike Axsom, superintendent of the Daviess-Martin Joint County Parks and Recreation Department, which operates West Boggs Park, has announced that his agency is providing $1,000 for the TIP reward. <br><br>"A lot of time and money went into making our lake a success and we take it seriously when someone tries to jeopardize that," said Axsom. <br><br>Individuals with information about this illegal stocking are urged to call the DNR's TIP line at 1-800-TIP-IDNR. <br><br>West Boggs Park Web site:<br>http://www.westboggs.com/ <br><br><br>