MADISON, WI (AP)-- Wisconsin's six Chippewa tribes say they want to spear 63,488 walleye across northern Wisconsin this spring.
The quotas represent a 5,089-fish increase over last year's declaration of 58,399.
That declaration drove the Department of Natural Resources to limit non-tribal anglers to just one walleye on nearly 200 lakes and two walleye and 331 lakes to protect the fishery, creating tensions between the tribes and state lawmakers concerned about the impact on tourism.
The tribes ultimately took only about 28,400 walleyes, defusing the situation.
DNR Fisheries Bureau Director Mike Staggs says the tribes traditionally take only about half of their declaration. Still, the DNR's board on Wednesday authorized the agency to take additional steps to protect the fishery beyond imposing bag limits.
The agency hasn't drafted any specific proposals yet.