Wisconsin Mixed Bag: Winnebago system upriver lakes sturgeon spearing application deadline arrives Aug. 1 – Outdoor News
Oshkosh, Wis. — The deadline for sturgeon spearers to apply for 2025 upriver lakes spearing tags is Aug. 1.
Due to a higher success rate on the upriver lakes, only 500 license holders will be selected to spear a sturgeon from lakes Poygan, Winneconne or Butte des Morts in February. These spearing tags will be issued through a drawing where priority is given to applications with the most preference points.
Those applying as a group will have their point value based on the individual with the lowest points within the group. Spearers may also choose to buy a preference point instead of applying for a tag.
“Winners” will be notified by Oct. 1. Any license holder not selected during this drawing will be awarded a preference point and may buy a Lake Winnebago spearing license.
The 2025 Winnebago system sturgeon spearing season will begin on Feb. 8. The season is authorized for a maximum of 16 days or until any of the annual biologically based harvest caps are reached.
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Wildlife Forever Acquires Future Angler Foundation to Get More Families Outdoors
White Bear Lake, Minn. — Wildlife Forever has merged with Wisconsin’s Future Angler Foundation (FAF), of Forestville. The merger includes plans for Wildlife Forever to continue operating FAF programs and brands, including free fishing equipment and conservation themed apparel for youth to help support hands-on, family events run by volunteers nationally. The merged programming will continue Wildlife Forever’s mission of engaging youth and families into conservation through the arts, fishing, and stewardship practices surrounding habitat restoration.
“I am thrilled to have the opportunity to merge the Future Angler Foundation with Wildlife Forever. Through a grassroots outreach approach, we will reach nearly 20,000 youth and their families annually with the Fish Art Program and the volunteer-run angler education events that will continue to be supported by the FAF,” said Pat Neu, FAF president.
The merger includes plans to continue the digital content distribution program that is in place with Into the Outdoors Education Network (ITO), which has relationships with ABC, NBC, CBS, FOX, and PBS to bring episodes to more than 225 channels across the nation and to 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, Wildlife Forever president. “Merging the efforts of the Future Angler Foundation will deliver a best-in-class, comprehensive platform for engaging youth and families to make lasting connections with the outdoors.”
DNR Drawing Down Bakken’s Pond In Lower Wisconsin State Riverway
Madison — The DNR will conduct a full drawdown on Bakken’s Pond in Sauk County in mid-July to prepare the site for construction and repairs slated to start in mid-July. The project will involve rebuilding the dike and replacing the gate in the water control structure due to past flooding that caused a breach in the dike.
“The impoundment is already in a partial drawdown due to the breach on the south end,” said DNR Wildlife Biologist Nancy Frost. “These repairs will restore our ability to manipulate water levels once again in the flowage.”
Some construction will begin while water levels are being lowered. The project is expected to be completed in late fall, with the DNR hoping to raise water levels shortly after completion.
Updated DNR Web Mapping App Now Makes it Easier to Locate Public Lands
Madison — The DNR has a new web mapping application available to help people to learn about public lands in Wisconsin. The Public Access Lands application is designed for desktop and mobile devices and offers user-friendly tools to make it easy to locate a state park, county forest or lake for hiking, hunting or fishing. The Open Managed Forest Law/Forest Crop Law properties are also included in this update.
“The updated app has been simplified with an uncluttered screen and easy-to-use tools,” said Ann Scott, DNR real estate land records officer. “Click on the screen to open links to find information on DNR properties, public access, open private lands for hunting and other helpful features to find the perfect getaway.”
The application also shows DNR parking areas and boat access sites and complements the printed Public Access Lands Atlas, which contains 441 maps covering statewide public lands, roads and waterways.
Iowa DNR Changes Nonresident Deer Season Rules on Party Hunting
Des Moines, Iowa — Due to the Iowa DNR’s effort to clarify and simplify hunting, fishing, and trapping rules, Iowa’s deer hunting regulations now clearly state that party hunting is not allowed in any form for nonresident deer hunters. Properly licensed nonresidents may hunt as part of the hunting party, but must shoot and tag their own deer.
The Iowa DNR has tabled its proposed policy regarding trail camera use on public land to allow for more public input during its wildlife rules meetings, held across the state in February. There are no changes to how trail cameras may be used on public land during the 2024-25 seasons.
The digital version of the 2024-25 hunting regulations is available on the Iowa DNR website. Printed copies will be available Aug. 1.
