SHIOCTON, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) – Many are gearing up for a springtime tradition, the sturgeon spawning season is approaching.
At the same time, volunteers and law enforcement from the Department of Natural Resources are doing the same.
The second year of the Sturgeon Guard is expected to be bigger and better than before.
Inside the Shadows on the Wolf Clubhouse in Shiocton, about a dozen people are coming together with what they call a common purpose.
“We just want to sit down. Have an organized meeting with the law enforcement, so everybody’s on the same page,” said Don Mielke, Sturgeon Guard Coordinator.
“Last year, the initial restructuring of the guard, I had approximately 35 names to work with. This year, it’s been overwhelming. I’ve met just wonderful people. The word is out. As of right now, I we have approximately 130 names on the email list,” he said.
Mielke says more volunteers are always needed. He says guards will be able to cover popular sturgeon viewing places like the Wolf River’s Bamboo Bend in Shiocton, and some of the more remote areas too. He says guard members will have vests, hats, and cell phones. DNR Warden Supervisor Lieutenant Chris Shea says the volunteer effort has an impact.
“It’s a great tool for us. It really allows them to help be our eyes and ears. Allows us to perform a lot of our other job duties that we need to do. Be out on the water, on the lake.”
DNR scientists say they expect the sturgeon spawning season to begin soon, but….
“The river is really, really low. We definitely need some rain,” said Margaret Stadig, DNR Sturgeon Biologist.
Stadig says when it’s warm, and river levels are low, the prehistoric fish may change their spawning behavior.
“Usually I’m up here telling you 50 degrees is usually when the sturgeon spawn. This year, it’ll probably be warmer. Lower years, they take a warmer temperature to actually initiate that spawning. So, despite the fact that the water temperature is about 45 degrees, we’re still a ways off from when the sturgeon will end up spawning.”
And when that happens, Don Mielke says he expects the sturgeon guard will be there too.
“We’re out in front. We are in the backwaters now, but we’re out in front more than the game wardens are, but it allows them to be out back. That’s the main strategy.”
Wardens say there were a few incidents last season.
They say the fine for harassing wildlife starts at about $300.
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