Oshkosh, Wis. – The deadline for sturgeon spearers to apply for 2025 upstream lake spear tags is August 1.
Due to the higher success rate on upstream lakes, only 500 license holders will be selected to spear sturgeon from Lakes Poygan, Winneconne or Butte des Morts in February. These spear tokens will be issued in a random drawing, with priority given to applications with the most preference points.
In the case of group entries, the point value will depend on the person with the lowest number of points in the group. Spearers may also choose to purchase a preference point instead of applying for a tag.
The “winners” will be notified by October 1. Any license holder not selected in the drawing will receive a preference point and will be able to purchase a Lake Winnebago spearing license.
The 2025 Winnebago sturgeon spearing season opens on February 8. The season lasts a maximum of 16 days or until any of the annual biological catch limits are reached.
MORE COVERAGE FROM WISCONSIN OUTDOOR NEWS:
Wisconsin DNR abruptly ends cooperative trout stocking program
Wisconsin’s northern deer herd: Wolves, coyotes blamed in Sawyer and Price counties
Wildlife Forever acquires the Future Angler Foundation to provide more families with opportunities to enjoy the outdoors
White Bear Lake, Minnesota – Wildlife Forever has merged with the Future Angler Foundation (FAF) of Forestville, Wisconsin. The merger includes Wildlife Forever’s plans to continue FAF programs and brands, including free fishing equipment and conservation-themed clothing for youth, to aid support hands-on, volunteer-led family events across the country. The combined programs will continue Wildlife Forever’s mission to engage youth and families in conservation through the arts, fisheries and management practices related to habitat restoration.
“I am excited to combine the Future Angler Foundation with Wildlife Forever. With a citizen-first approach, we will reach nearly 20,000 young people and their families each year through the Fish Art program and volunteer-led fishing education events, which will continue to be supported by FAF,” said Pat Neu, FAF president.
The merger includes plans to continue its digital content syndication program with Into the Outdoors Education Network (ITO), which partners with ABC, NBC, CBS, FOX and PBS to make episodes available to more than 225 channels nationwide and an estimated five million viewers per show.
“Wildlife Forever has a rich history of developing partnerships and programs that reach people and make a difference,” said Pat Conzemius, president of Wildlife Forever. “The combined efforts of the Future Angler Foundation will create a best-in-class, comprehensive platform for engaging youth and families to create lasting connections with nature.”
DNR fills Bakken Pond on Lower Wisconsin Riverway
Madison — The DNR will conduct a full water withdrawal from Bakken’s Pond in Sauk County in mid-July to prepare the site for construction and repairs expected to begin in mid-July. The project will involve rebuilding the dike and replacing a penstock in the water protection structure caused by flooding that breached the dike in the past.
“The impoundment is already partially depleted due to the south end violation,” said Nancy Frost, DNR biologist. “These repairs will restore our ability to once again manipulate water levels in the flow.”
Some works will start while the water level is lowering. The project is expected to be completed by overdue fall, and the DNR hopes to raise water levels soon after completion.
The DNR’s updated network mapping application now makes it easier to locate public lands
Madison – The DNR has released a up-to-date online mapping application to aid people learn about public lands in Wisconsin. The Public Access Lands app is designed for desktop and mobile devices and offers user-friendly tools to aid you locate a state park, county forest or lake for hiking, hunting or fishing. This update also covers the properties of the Open Managed Forests Act/Forest Crops Act.
“The updated application has been simplified with a clear screen and easy-to-use tools,” said Ann Scott, DNR land records specialist. “Click on the screen to open links and find information about DNR properties, public access, private open land for hunting and other helpful features to help you find your perfect getaway.”
The app also shows DNR parking lots and boat access areas and completes the printout Atlas of public areas, which contains 441 maps covering public lands, roads and waterways throughout the state.
The Iowa DNR is changing rules for seasonal hunting of non-resident deer
Des Moines, Iowa – Due to the Iowa DNR’s efforts to clarify and simplify hunting, fishing and taking rules, Iowa deer hunting regulations now specifically state that party hunting is not permitted in any form for deer hunters non-residents. Non-residents with the appropriate license may hunt as part of a hunting party, but must shoot and tag their own deer.
The Iowa DNR has unveiled a proposed policy on the utilize of trail cameras on public lands to allow greater public participation in wildlife policy meetings held across the state in February. There are no changes to the utilize of trail cameras on public lands for the 2024-25 seasons.
A digital version of the 2024-2025 hunting regulations is available on the Iowa DNR website. Print copies will be available on August 1.
