Dennis and Barb Cook
People of the Sturgeon: Wisconsin's Love Affair with an Ancient Fish
People of the Sturgeon: Wisconsin’s Love Affair with an Ancient Fish a tale of the cultural and scientific history of an iconic Wisconsin fish, the lake sturgeon. Throughout the process of writing the book, the authors interviewed community activists, sturgeon spearing enthusiasts, spear and decoy craftsmen, and scientific researchers associated with the Lake Winnebago sturgeon population. Because of the cultural, social, economic, and scientific knowledge captured in these interviews, the UW-Madison Wisconsin Water Library preserved the audio files as a collection of oral histories. This collection, People of the Sturgeon, encapsulates perspectives on lake sturgeon as they are reflected in the book.
The People of the Sturgeon collection includes interviews with outdoorsmen, scientists, and craftsmen associated with the Lake Winnebago, Wisconsin, lake sturgeon population.
Collection compiled by the UW-Madison Wisconsin Water Library. Audio courtesy of the Oshkosh Public Museum. Recordings were collected as part of the research for People of the Sturgeon: Wisconsin's Love Affair with an Ancient Fish published by Wisconsin Historical Society Press, Madison, WI.
National Capital Contracting
Dennis and Barb Cook have been longtime residents of the Lake Winnebago area. Dennis Cook is an experienced sturgeon fisherman in the Lake Winnebago region. Barb Cook has supported and participated in the sturgeon fishing community alongside Dennis
Scope and Content Note
The interview with Dennis and Barb Cook, part of the "People of the Sturgeon: Wisconsin's Love Affair with an Ancient Fish" project, provides a comprehensive look into their experiences and insights related to sturgeon fishing in Lake Winnebago. The interview covers various topics, including traditional fishing methods, changes in the sturgeon population, and the significance of sturgeon fishing to the local community. Dennis discusses his techniques for catching and preparing sturgeon, offering practical advice on cleaning and cooking the fish. He also reflects on the camaraderie and social aspects of sturgeon fishing, highlighting its role in bringing together friends and family. Barb Cook's contributions focus on the cultural and familial importance of sturgeon fishing. She emphasizes the tradition of passing down fishing knowledge to younger generations and the community's collective efforts to preserve this heritage. The interview also touches on environmental concerns, such as the impact of invasive species and the importance of sustainable fishing practices. Throughout the conversation, both Dennis and Barb provide valuable historical context and personal anecdotes that illustrate the unique culture surrounding sturgeon fishing in Wisconsin.
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