Thank you for the replies. I'll make a few phone calls and see what my options are. Have never tried transplanting fish that were caught over considerable distances. I'm guessing that it would need to be done during cool weather and would need some decent equipment and knowledge.
Cecil, I usually run two field trials a year in Syracuse, not too far from you but unfortunately won't be making it this year due to an injury. As far as climate, we may not be too bad in southwest Michigan due to the moderating effect of the Lake. If you go by agricultural zones we are pretty similar.
I'm not a fish guy so I'm guessing that the effects of hybridization will be to create some interesting looking fish and possibly muddle up the gene pool. If the redears are on the edge of their range, maybe they are a better choice experimentally than the pumpkinseed, which might establish very quickly. Anyone know what the traits of the natural hybrids would be(redear/bluegill vs pseed/bluegill)? Would a northern bluegill/redear cross be a 13-inch coldwater snail killing machine that breeds 5 times per year?
On a serious note, if hybridization occurred, would the fertility of the forage base be diminished?
