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Tyler Winter

@buffalo_catcher

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I'm a native fish conservationist and angler based in Minnesota. I'm also a co-founder of Native Fish For Tomorrow. @nativefish4tomorrow

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What an incredible day out on the water learning and fishing with Tyler Winter (@buffalo_catcher) from @nativefish4tomorrow, harvesting native redhorse sucker fish! 🐟

If you aren’t familiar with native redhorse suckers, they are a beautiful native fish with an incredible history.
Historically, their spring spawn was a lifeline for Indigenous communities, providing a nutrient-dense food source when winter reserves were running low.
They also play a vital role in protecting our waters, Tyler shared that they are one of the few native fish that actively eat invasive zebra mussels, helping keep our river habitats balanced and healthy! ✨

You guys know how much I love hanging out with passionate, fishy people, and Tyler is truly one of them. He is one of the few anglers out here speaking out for these native species, dedicating his platform to protecting them and bringing awareness to their history and rewriting their current narrative.

I left soooo inspired and wanting to learn more and fish more??? If that is possible??

This upcoming Wednesday, we are bringing these redhorse suckers to the Fish Processing Workshop hosted by Dream of Wild Health, Indigenous Food Network, and Four Sisters Food Sovereignty. The heart of this workshop aligns so deeply with what I stand for, as these organizations work tirelessly to ensure Native and Indigenous peoples have access to reclaiming our traditional lifeways. 🫀🌱

My heart and mission has always been centered on reclaiming these spaces, stepping in to learn, and passing on the knowledge. For me, having and passing on these skills is everything for our current and future generations.

Stay tuned this Wednesday as we honor these native fish. ✨🤍

#foodsovereignty #nativefish #brownfolksfishing #protectourwaters #diversifytheoutdoors

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Join the FWCB club this Sunday at Fort Snelling! Learn about native fish and their importance and meet the folks working on native fish conservation. Also join our experience officers in birding, no experience or equipment needed.

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The only thing that makes us happier than native fish is conserving native fish!

#conservation #nonprofits #nativefish4tomorrow

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The North American Model of Wildlife Conservation has 7 principles. Number 7 is, "Scientific management is the proper means for wildlife conservation."

Fish are uniquely suited to scientific management because each one records their individual growth and life in their tissues and otoliths. The things scientists can learn from otoliths and isotopes boggles the mind. Hypothetically, you can calculate the growth of individuals and populations. Not growth in numbers, but growth in biomass produced by a population. Managers could limit harvest so it never exceeds the annual production.

There are two challenges to that intense approach. One, is the time/ expense of collecting the data. The second: our current regulatory structure doesn't limit total harvest.

But we can apply our current regulatory structure scientifically by looking at population trends and life history traits.

However, the @minnesotadnr still hasn't gotten the administrative law judge hearing scheduled. This is the final hurdle necessary before native fish limits can be implemented. It has to be done before regulation books go for printing ahead of the 2027 fishing season. Given the pace of these things, now is the time to make it a priority.

#ShortheadRedhorse #NativeFish #SciCom #fisheriesmanagement
#NativeFish4Tomorrow

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Native Fish Fest 2026 was a GAR-gantuan SUCKER-cess. Native Fish 4 Tomorrow's board was absolutely thrilled by the turn out. Nobody exemplifies the Native Fish Fest enthusiasm quite like @aefl_uwgb members that drive NINE HOURS (round-trip) to attend NFF! They participated on all the festivities and even brought their own sucker and buffalo stickers!

Thanks again to everyone who came, ate, had fun, made gyotaku, caught fish, and shared your support for native fish.

We are already planning next year. What does NFF mean to you? What should we add for next year?

#NativeFishFest #NativeFish4Tomorrow #SciCom #NativeFish #suckerforasucker

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Hell yeah! It has been A TIME. Realized I haven't shared a shorthead redhorse in a month. I've been catching, but between the Minnesota State Fair and organizing Native Fish Fest for @nativefish4tomorrow I haven't been on the socials much.

Low water has really concentrated the redhorse in deep runs on the main stem Mississippi. And these have been quality fish, almost all over 16". Many of them in the 18"-20" range.

I live on the ichthyological calendar. The departure of the buffalo has marked the beginning of fall. It usually happens around Labor Day. Sunset is just after 7 pm now, water temps have dropped dramatically. Take advantage, as best you can,of these warm days. Winter is coming.

#ShortheadRedhorse #NativeFish #ForkedStickProstaff #suckerforasucker #NativeFish4Tomorrow

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2nd Annual Native Fish Fest 2026 hosted by Native Fish for Tomorrow was a smashing success! Thank you to everybody who pitched in and showed up. We seemed to have at least double the turn out from last year and a lot of people from out of state. There were many informative and knowledgeable presenters with a wide variety of expertise ranging from anglers to artists. The fried catfish and buffalo ribs hit the spot and the drum dip was fantastic. Folks were catching fish from shore, while enjoying the beautiful weather. I am sure looking forward to Native Fish Fest next year. #conservation #event #nativefishfest #nativefishfortomorrow

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I have heard it said that Buffalo just “do what Buffalo do”. This one really proved that true. While sight casting to a smallie in a shallow riffle, this buff absolutely hammered a Kreelex on the swing. That was a first. Just another example of why I love these fish so much. A very discerning fish inhaled a fly made up of pure flash. Wild times. Great times!

#buffaloonthefly #nativespecies #warmwaterspey #warmwaterflyfishing #bigmouthbuffalo

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Went to Native Fish Fest today and had a V agreeable time! So many smart and thoughtful people in one space. Highly inspirational. Also got to meet and hang out with some excellent individuals. Should have taken more photos. ❤️

#shorelunchwithnatep #nativefish4tomorrow

@nativefish4tomorrow @buffalo_catcher @etkhandmade @solomon.r.david @kol_eric @kimberly_boustead @tedhansen_art

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Join the @nativefish4tomorrow team canoeing or kayaking down the St. Croix National Scenic Riverway and learn how to fish for and identify native fish with our river experts.

Discover the St. Croix River in a whole new way! Native Fish for Tomorrow and Paddlefish Adventures have teamed up to offer an immersive ecological adventure along the St. Croix. Dive into the world of native fish: snorkel among vibrant Rainbow Darters, encounter the threatened River Redhorse, and touch the ancient Lake Sturgeon—all while gaining a deeper appreciation for this remarkable river ecosystem.

40% of the registration fees will be donated to NF4T to support their efforts as advocates for native fish.

Registration is open! Space is limited.

#fish #fishing #river #riverecology #adventure

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It’s tough to beat closing out an evening trip with a stud of a buffalo! Nice job on this one, Jason! A perfect cast, well timed hookset and a great fight ended in a great fish!

#regalbeagleflyfishing #regalbeaglebugs #buffaloonthefly #nativespecies #warmwaterflyfishing

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2nd Annual Native Fish Fest coming soon. Save the date to celebrate all things native fish.
Sept. 13th 2026 3-8 p.m.
Watergate Marina St. Paul #conservation #events #roughfish

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