A Michigan State University study released earlier this month suggests scientists have significantly underestimated the lifespan of lake sturgeon.

Using decades of growth records from capture and recapture efforts, researchers found that many of the largest, oldest fish may routinely live well beyond 200 years, with some approaching 300.

Scientists have estimated the age of sturgeon by counting growth rings in fin spines for decades. But because the rings become difficult to interpret in older fish, researchers suspected they were underestimating the age of the oldest individuals.

To test that, they analyzed growth records from tagged fish that had been measured repeatedly over many years. They developed a more accurate picture of how slowly these ancient fish continue growing throughout their lives, then used mathematical models similar to those previously applied to estimate the lifespan of Greenland sharks — the longest-living vertebrate known on Earth — which scientists believe ranges from 250 to 500 or more years.

Scott Colborne, an assistant profession in MSU’s Department of Fisheries and Wildlife, said while discussing the latest sturgeon research with a tribal community member, he learned that some indigenous communities had believed lake sturgeon could live as long as 400 years. He said it was “one of those goosebump moments.”

That means there could be a fish swimming Green Bay waters today that was already here when our country was founded 250 years ago!

Hunt openers

The first hunting seasons open Tuesday, and include the early teal, early goose, snipe, common gallinule and mourning dove hunts. Black bear (no dogs) begins Sept. 9 for those who drew tags, and the bow deer and wild turkey seasons begin Sept. 12.

Nearly 6,000 fall wild turkey bonus tags are available, though none for the northern three zones. Check out what’s left, and where, at https://dnr.wisconsin.gov/permits/fallturkey.html. See a map of Wisconsin’s turkey hunting zones at https://p.widencdn.net/hafpm2/turkzones.

There are also some bonus antlerless deer permits left, though many of the northern public land tags have sold out. See what’s left at https://dnr.wisconsin.gov/permits/bonusavailability.html.

If you’re looking for a comprehensive forecast on hunting and trapping this season, the DNR has an online version available at https://dnr.wisconsin.gov/topic/hunt/FallForecasts.

The print version of the hunting regulations should be available soon. For now, you can check out this fall’s seasons and rules at https://dnr.wisconsin.gov/topic/Hunt/regulations/OnlineHuntingRegulations.

Whitetail Watch

Whitetail Watch is an anti-poaching initiative created by Whitetails Unlimited with a goal of improving hunter/landowner relations and reducing the crime of poaching. Participating landowners post the free signs on their property, serving as visible reminders to poachers that citizens are on the watch and suspicious activity will be reported to the wildlife law enforcement.

Whitetail Watch property signs are made from PVC, measuring 11.25 inches on a side, and are white with red and black printing. Decals matching the sign, measuring 3.5 inches on a side, are also available.

The recommended posting distance for Whitetail Watch signs is one sign for every 300 feet of road frontage or four signs per 40 acres.

To order complimentary Whitetail Watch signs or decals, call Whitetails Unlimited National Headquarters at 920.743.6777 or send an email to nh@whitetailsunlimited.com.

Bird migration

Migration time for some of the hundreds of species that winter farther south is already here. Shorebirds, wading birds, flycatchers, orioles, rose-breasted grosbeaks and purple martins are among the first to head out.

While most of us were sleeping this week, millions of birds were in flight over Wisconsin. You can learn about the massive annual migrations, see nightly estimates and view predictions for the coming days at https://birdcast.org/.

Wolf depredations

Through Aug. 24, wolves had killed at least 20 calves, 16 dogs, five chickens, four miniature horses, three cows, one miniature donkey and one goat in Wisconsin so far this year, including six dogs and four horses this month. Wolves have also injured a number of other dogs and horses, and harassed cattle. There were also three recent human health and safety complaints investigated.

Lake levels steady

Lake Michigan water levels higher than they were last August, but have dropped some in the past month due to early evaporative demand and reduced rainfall. The lake remains near its 100-year average, though localized winds and seiches can cause short-term variation at specific docks and harbors.