Sturgeon spearing license deadline approaches

Want to go sturgeon spearing this winter? You have until the end of the month to get your license.

The DNR says the deadline for buying a license to spear on the Lake Winnebago system is Oct. 31. The season begins Feb. 9, 2013, and lasts up to 16 days.

An unlimited number of licenses are available for Lake Winnebago. People who want to spear on the upriver lakes of Poygan, Winneconne and Butte des Morts had to enter a lottery by Aug. 1. A record 4,894 people entered the lottery, from which 500 names were drawn for the opportunity to buy licenses.

• Click here to see photos of sturgeon speared in February 2012
• Click here to see photos of the next generation of sturgeon spawning in spring 2012

Beginning this upcoming season, the minimum age has been lowered from 14 to 12 years old. Children who turn 12 between Nov. 1 and the end of the spearing season can still buy a license after Oct. 31. Military members home on leave during the spearing season can also buy licenses after Oct. 31.

Also new this year, adults whose names were drawn in the upriver lakes lottery may transfer their licenses to spearers between 12 and 17 years old.

Spearing licenses are $20 for Wisconsin residents and $65 for non-residents. Licenses can be purchased at any license sales location ; over the Internet by going to DNR’s home page dnr.wi.gov and clicking on the online license center or by calling toll-free 1-877-WI LICENSE (1-877-945-4236).