Eugene Biettler
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
Eugene Biettler was born in Winchester, Wisconsin, on October 13th, 1940. He grew up in a family of four children, with two brothers and two sisters. His father worked for Winnebago County, while his mother was a housekeeper. His introduction sturgeon fishing began in 1962, following his completion of a course at Reinhart School, which sparked his initial interest in the activity. Biettler was known for his involvement in the community and tradition of sturgeon spearing, often sharing stories and experiences related to this activity. Over the years, Biettler has become an experienced sturgeon fisherman. His fishing expeditions often included the company of Freddy Selo, with whom he shared the tradition of crafting homemade shacks and decoys, essential tools for their fishing endeavors.
Scope and Content Note
Richard Braasch interviews Eugene Biettler about his experiences with sturgeon spearing. Richard tells tales of his times out on the ice, the equipment he used, and mounting and cooking sturgeon. Biettler recounts his introduction to sturgeon fishing in 1962, emphasizing the importance of ice conditions, the use of homemade fishing equipment, and the camaraderie among fishermen. He reflects on the evolution of the sport, noting significant changes in techniques and equipment, such as the adoption of chainsaws for ice cutting. The interview also captures personal anecdotes, including a humorous account of modifying a fishing shack as part of a prank. Beyond the mechanics of fishing, Biettler discusses the cultural and economic significance of sturgeon in the local community, including the role of sturgeon in local traditions and the contributions of fishermen to conservation efforts through organizations like Sturgeon For Tomorrow. His involvement in mounting sturgeon for raffles highlights the intersection of sport, community service, and conservation.
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