WISCONSIN — The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources reminded residents on Tuesday to purchase a sturgeon license before Oct. 31 if they want to take part in spearing season next year. 

The sturgeon spearing season for Lake Winnebago and the Upriver Lakes of Butte des Morts, Winneconne and Poygan begins Feb. 11, and will run for a maximum of 16 days or until any of the pre-determined harvest caps are reached.

Both resident and nonresident licenses can be purchased through the GoWild system or at any license sales location. License holders must be at least 12 years old or older.

Licenses for the Lake Winnebago must be purchased before Oct. 31, except for military personnel home on leave during the spearing season and youth who will turn 12 between Nov. 1 and the last day of the 2023 spearing season, according to the Wisconsin DNR.

There are unlimited licenses available for Lake Winnebago. However, the Upriver Lakes fishery is managed by a preference point system and limited to 500 permitted spearers. 

For more information on the sturgeon season, residents can visit the Wisconsin DNR's website.