The Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is reminding spearers interested in harvesting lake sturgeon from Lake Winnebago during the 2025 sturgeon spearing season to purchase their licenses by October 31st. There are an unlimited number of licenses available for Lake Winnebago, and residents and nonresidents can buy them through the Go Wild system or at any license sales location. Upcoming military personnel home on leave and kids turning 12 during the spearing season are exempt from this deadline. The upriver lakes fishery is managed by a preference point system and lottery limited to 500 spearers. The next sturgeon spearing season opens on February 8, 2025.
In other news, the DNR is highlighting the importance of bats in Wisconsin ecosystems during International Bat Week from October 24-31. Bats play a crucial role in controlling agricultural pests and mosquitoes, but many species are threatened due to white-nose syndrome, a fungal disease. Efforts are being made to conserve bat populations in the state.
Additionally, Jason Riddle, Ph.D., has been named the new UW-Stevens Point Douglas R. Stephens Chair in Wildlife and WCW director. He will focus on bird conservation and management in his new role. The DNR has also started the planning process for a Rib Mountain State Park trail plan, working with various local partners to implement the approved master plan, which includes hiking, climbing, biking, and skiing trails. Public engagement on the trail plan is expected in early 2025.
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