This argument comes up every spring when walleyes are relatively easy to catch due to their proximity to known locations. Time has already told us the results of a slot limit and the data, over many years, just doesn't support that a slot limit applies a positive impact upon a walleye population in ND. It has been shown repeatedly that a slot is nothing but a "Warm Fuzzy" regulatory restriction. The proof of that is in your post iceeyes, and I quote "It sure as hell wouldn't hurt anything either." Doing something because it "wouldn't hurt" is not enough of a reason to implement more regulations IMO. It wouldn't hurt anything to require everyone wear a pink hat while fishing either, but it wouldn't improve the walleye fishing any more than a slot limit. The peer reviewed scientific literature shows that. The fact is, that only a small fraction of the walleye population will be an any one particular location at any one time. There are thousands of spawning locations throughout that system and the many other walleye lakes and rivers that NEVER see a fisherman's offering at any time during the spring. Additionally, the vast majority of fishermen don't fish during darkness. It has been shown that a significant amount of spawning activity occurs during the night. Assuming there isn't a catastrophic environmental disaster of some sort, there will be walleyes aplenty in Oahe, Sak, and the Missouri river for all to partake in if they so choose.
