Hey natetreat.
Tiger Musky are not indigenous. Tiger Musky are sterile.
This alone makes them rare.
Aside from the public monies that go into this species, hundreds of Musky anglers donated thousands of dollars in cold hard cash to purchase rearing tanks for these critters. We also donate our time to work on the local fisheries and the parks we access those fisheries through. Each of the Musky clubs regularly has WDFW representatives at our meetings to give presentations and discuss "What's Next".
Were not just passionate about Musky, were FANS!
So, if you wonder why we "Get Bent" over things like this, its because we put so much effort into it... and them. There has been issues over the years with people needlessly killing them.