Attention Walleye Anglers

February 27 , 2007

Attention walleye anglers:

On Oct. 24, 2006, the Secretary of Agriculture issued a federal order aimed at preventing the spread of viral hemorrhagic septicemia (VHS) within the United States. Unfortunately, this order prohibits the transportation of live walleyes across state lines from Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Minnesota, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania and Wisconsin and international borders from Ontario and Quebec, even if the fish are to be returned to the same body of water from which they were caught.

As a result of this order, FLW Walleye League anglers competing on the Detroit River March 31 and FLW Walleye Tour anglers competing on the Detroit River April 11-14 will be restricted to Michigan waters of the river and Lake Erie only. The northern boundary for both tournaments remains unchanged at N 42.22.326 8255.204 S 4220.089 8254.043, first green marker north of Peche Island.

FLW Outdoors is currently working with officials in VHS-affected states to have the federal order amended so that competitors in fishing tournaments can transport fish across state lines so long as they remain in the same body of water. If we are successful, artificial boundaries instituted as a result of the order will be lifted.

Named after the legendary founder of Ranger Boats, Forrest L. Wood, FLW Outdoors administers the Wal-Mart FLW Tour, Wal-Mart FLW Series, Stren Series, Wal-Mart Bass Fishing League, Wal-Mart Texas Tournament Trail presented by Abu Garcia, Ranger Owners Tournament Championship Series, Wal-Mart FLW Walleye Tour, Wal-Mart FLW Walleye League, Wal-Mart FLW Kingfish Tour, Wal-Mart FLW Kingfish Series, Wal-Mart FLW Redfish Series and Wal-Mart FLW Striper Series. These circuits offer combined purses of nearly $43 million through 238 events in 2007.

Wal-Mart and many of America's largest and most respected companies support FLW Outdoors and its tournament trails. Wal-Mart signed on as an FLW Outdoors sponsor in 1997 and today is the world's leading supporter of tournament fishing. For more information about Wal-Mart, visit Wal-Mart.com.

For more information about FLW Outdoors and its tournaments, browse FLWOutdoors.com or call (270) 252-1000.

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