Sunday, June 22 at 9:00 PM ET on Animal Planet, Wardens of the North steps into a rare and carefully managed tradition: Michigan’s lake sturgeon spear season. This episode pulls back the curtain on a unique winter hunt that balances long-standing tradition with strict conservation efforts for a truly ancient fish.
February marks the only time of year when hunters can legally use spears to catch lake sturgeon, a species that has roamed these waters since prehistoric times. The rules are unyielding, allowing for only six fish to be taken from among hundreds of hopeful anglers, a measure put in place to help protect the sturgeon numbers.
The show follows the wardens, whose watchful presence ensures that these tight regulations are followed to the letter. Their work becomes central to the delicate equilibrium between allowing a cherished activity to continue and safeguarding the sturgeon population for future generations. It’s a compelling look at how human activity and wildlife preservation intersect.
This hour gives us a close view of a very short, annual event, highlighting not just the thrill of the hunt, but also the deep respect for the fish and the environment it lives in.