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AUTHORS. Derek P. Crane, Marinda Cornett, Cory Bauerlien, Michael L. Hawkins - Coastal Carolina University; Jeff L. Hansbarger, West Virginia Division of Natural Resources; Daniel A. Isermann, U.S. Geological Survey, Wisconsin Cooperative Fishery Research Unit; Jeffrey M. Kampa, Timothy D. Simonson, and Michael P. Rennicke, Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources; Kevin L. Kapuscinski, Lake Superior State University; Jonathan R. Meerbeek, Iowa Department of Natural Resources
ABSTRACT. Accurate and precise age estimates are essential for understanding population characteristics such as growth and mortality. Counting annuli on cleithra is believed to provide accurate age estimates for Muskellunge, but removal of cleithra requires sacrificing fish. Previous research suggests that counting annuli on sectioned fin rays may be a reliable, non-lethal technique for estimating age of Muskellunge