Sturgeon decoys entice the curious
Because sturgeon are primarily bottom dwellers, something is needed to draw them up closer to the water’s surface so they can be speared more easily. That’s the job of the decoy, according to “People of the Sturgeon: Wisconsin’s Love Affair with an Ancient Fish.” It’s not meant to be free lunch but to spur the sturgeon to come closer.
Make mine shiny
The first decoys were carved from mussel shells by Native Americans. Now carved wooden decoys from the Lake Winnebago region have become an identifiable art form. Other spearers swear by copper cover gelatin mold pans and incorporate any other number of shiny objects into their decoys.
A chip off the old block
Vern Gebhart of Hilbert salvages a block of wood from his woodpile and 20 to 30 hours later, voila! A unique decoy alluring to sturgeon and collectors alike.
