I got my new grass carp permit this week, and this is the relevant part after the GC permit changes:
"Permit is valid for 36 months from the date of issuance, or until all grass carp authorized by the permit have been purchased/stocked, whichever occurs first. Permit holder may purchase fewer carp than total quantity permitted; remaining quantity may be purchased prior to the permit expiration date of 36 months from the date of issuance but cannot be purchased/stocked after the permit expires."
So, I got a permit for 97, and am front loading the first batch this year. 40 to be exact. What means for me is that I'll skip next year, and then stock again in 2025. Unless coontail starts crawling up the banks, I'll stock maybe 1/3 to 1/2 of the initial stocking. Yes, I will be leaving permit money on the table if I don't purchase all 97, but is a muddy pond down the road worth losing a few dollars? My understanding is that if you get less than the maximum number of GC(based on pond acreage), then the 3 year limit actually lets you renew a permit earlier if needed.
Melissa Schimdt is the new permit coordinator, and she's very easy to work with. Just have all the requirements covered, fencing, percentage of weeds, etc. The online form is much better than the previous paper forms, and it keeps your permit history on your account.
