Frank Schneider Jr.
Frank Schneider Jr. was an avid angler, hunter, conservationist and citizen-activist who, for more then 35 years, worked doggedly for Minnesota's hunters and anglers - for no pay and little glory. He is one of the state's conservation legends. If you fish or hunt in Minnesota, Frank Schneider affected you. Frank worked tirelessly on his own time at the state Capitol and at the meeting rooms around the state of hunters and anglers. Whole no one person can be credited with the follow accomplishments, Frank was a driving force behind many of these and man and many others:
- Minnesota has perhaps the finest muskie fishing in the nation
- Commercial fishing nets are no longer used in Rainy Lake and Lake of the Woods to capture walleye
- Most of the state's lakes have public access or fishing piers
- Minnesota lakes are managed individually with the specific fishing regulations rather then lumped all together
- Millions of dollars from the state lottery flow annually to the state's natural resources
Gene Merriam, former legislator and DNR commissioner, who knew Frank for about 30 years said, "For somebody who has never served in government or held elective office, he's had a profound impact on public policy." Frank had long involvement in Muskies Inc. He was involved as a president and treasurer for most of its early existence, and Regional Vice President in later years. Muskies have been passion, although he finished - and fought for - all species. He pushed to ban winter spearing to ban spearing on some lakes to protect the muskie population (a controversial issue the earned him bullet holes in his fishing boat). As of 2009 only 27 lakes have such restrictions. He also pushed the DNR to stock muskies in more lakes. Frank championed catch-and-release fishing for all species. He lobbied for more restrictive regulations to improve fishing for everyone. And he regularly supported funding increases for natural resources. In the early 1908s Frank lobbied successfully for funds which were used to buy out commercial fishing operations on Lake of the Woods and Rainy Lake. Frank's efforts haven't gone unacknowledged. He is a member of the Minnesota Fishing Hall of Fame, was twice honored by the Minnesota DNR for meritorious services, was named "Sportsman of the Year" by the Minnesota Association of Farmers, Landowners and Sportsmen, and was name "Man of the Year" by Outdoor News. In his honor an annual muskie tournament was renamed for Frank over 10 years ago. He worked to improve the outdoors for each of us, helping to secure a future of outstanding outdoor experience.
I'll always remember you, Frank
[beep] Smith
Past President of the MN BASS Federation (1982)
Now living in New Hampshire and still doing bass tournaments at 73