Ban opponents say allowing the continued use of technology could recruit more people to the sport and lets people see sturgeon and other fish moving beneath the ice.

The issue has been discussed for many years. Most recently, a 2018 survey showed an even split between supporters and opponents of a ban.

The DNR is also considering removing the 36-inch minimum size for sturgeon. The scope statement says many smaller fish that are speared by mistake die anyway. Given the one-fish limit, this would also potentially reduce the number of larger fish that are speared as spearers may look to take a smaller fish if they don't believe they will see another one during the season.