OSHKOSH, Wis. (NBC 26) -- The tradition of sturgeon spearing has returned to Wisconsin. More than 12,200 people have gotten their licenses and about 500 licenses have been sold for the upriver lakes.
Wisconsin DNR experts say the numbers are similar to last year, maybe just a couple hundred less, despite the ice and water clarity conditions.
Total caps for the 2020 season are:
- 430 juvenile females
- 950 adult females
- 1200 males
Ryan Koenigs, a Fisheries Biologist with the Wisconsin DNR says this year the DNR is putting an emphasis on having the proper paperwork with you while while spearing. He added he also believes due to the water clarity being about 7 to 10 feet that the season will go the full 16 days, but that there may be a lower than usual harvest.
Reminder to everyone on the ice. It is never 100% safe. Use extreme caution.
