Irene L. Halfmann

Location of Interview
Collection Name

People of the Sturgeon: Wisconsin's Love Affair with an Ancient Fish

Description

People of the Sturgeon: Wisconsin’s Love Affair with an Ancient Fish showcases 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 University of Wisconsin-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.

The collection was compiled by the University of Wisconsin-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, Wisconsin.

Interviewer
Date of Interview
03-24-2006
Transcribers

National Capital Contracting

Audio
Transcript
Supplemental Material
Abstract

On March 24, 2006, Bill Casper interviewed Irene and Greg Halfmann for the People of the Sturgeon: Wisconsin's Love Affair with an Ancient Fish project. Irene, known as the "big fisherman," and her husband, Greg, are long-time residents and avid sturgeon spearers from Calumetville, Wisconsin. The interview begins with Irene recounting her memorable catch of a 92-pound sturgeon. She describes the experience of moving their shanty at night and setting up for a morning of fishing. Irene details the patience required, waiting for hours before a sturgeon came into view. When a large sturgeon finally appeared, she successfully speared it and faced the challenge of getting the massive fish onto the ice and into their truck without assistance. Irene humorously recounts how passersby waved back at her calls for help, leaving her to improvise using an old rug to haul the fish. Greg and Irene discuss their transition away from sturgeon spearing, prompted by winter trips to Texas. They reminisce about their connections with other local fishermen, including their friend Dick Harris. The conversation covers the community and traditions surrounding sturgeon spearing, highlighting how it brought families and friends together. The couple also talks about their methods of preparing sturgeon, mentioning their preference for steaks and smoking the larger parts of the fish. Greg and Irene describe the camaraderie and the informal competitions among local spearers, including playful rivalries with their son-in-law, Mike, who also enjoys sturgeon spearing. Greg reflects on the changing conditions of the lake, the impact of weather on ice quality, and the logistics of fishing in different seasons. He recalls the importance of safety and the use of specially-made spears and equipment to ensure successful and efficient fishing. The interview delves into the historical aspects of sturgeon spearing, including the evolution of techniques and the community's resilience in adapting to new challenges. Throughout the interview, Irene and Greg emphasize the strong sense of community and the enduring appeal of sturgeon spearing despite the sport's physical demands and unpredictable nature. Their stories capture the essence of this unique tradition and its significance in their lives and the local culture.


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