STOCKBRIDGE, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) – Eight state lawmakers, including Congressmen Mike Gallagher and Glenn Grothman, as well as Senators Tammy Baldwin and Ron Johnson, are leading efforts to save sturgeon spearing in Wisconsin.
People from all across Northeast Wisconsin packed the gym at Stockbridge High School Monday to both share their support for the beloved tradition and learn more about why it could soon come to an end.
“The Wisconsin people know that we’re united to keep sturgeon off the endangered species list,” Andy Horn said.
Those who participate in the decades-old tradition say it’s so deeply rooted in Northeast Wisconsin that is has cultural and financial significance.
“My sons are doing it, my grandsons are getting to the age where they’ve got to start thinking about it. It’s just a family tradition, something we enjoy,” Gary Pernat said.
“The fish and line tags — that all generates funds for sturgeon research,” State Representative Ty Bodden said. “That’s money that goes into the DNR.”
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is currently deciding whether it will add lake sturgeon to the endangered species act. Doing so would have serious impacts, according to Bodden. He’s one of the lawmakers behind the legislation.
“It’s been hundreds of people I have talked to about this,” Bodden said. “So, once I heard about that, my office sprung into action. We drafted a letter, circulated to my colleagues.”
On top of the $3.5 million economic impact from the two-week sturgeon spearing season, Bodden says there’s a well established system between the state DNR and other parties that make Wisconsin an example of how to correctly lead conservation efforts.
“Many states around the country come to us for advice on managing sturgeon,” Bodden said. “So, if we lost that in Wisconsin, that would negatively impact the populations of sturgeon.”
And the support goes well beyond elected officials.
“It’s just been a big piece for us since we could walk,” Patrick Wudtke said. “Our parents and grandparents had us out there and we feel it’s important to be able to do that for future generations.”
“There’s historical value behind it, and also economical value for the state of Wisconsin, but it’s a family event,” Horn said.
“Seems like everybody — no matter if you’re Republican or Democrat — is on the same side here,” Bodden said.
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has a court ordered deadline to complete the status review by June 30.
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