MADISON (WKOW) — The state Department of Natural Resources announced changes to this year’s fishing season, including a unified muskie opener and a new sturgeon catch and release season.

This year will feature only one muskie season opener instead of a split season. Muskie general inland fishing will begin with the regular fishing season opener on May 2.

Experts said the change to a single muskie opener reflects a shift toward catch and release muskie fishing.

“So there’s been a very big change in how anglers view muskie, how they fish for muskie, the safe handling of muskie when they’re caught,” said Justine Hasz, DNR fisheries management bureau director, said. “There’s a very large catch and release ethic with muskie fishing.”

The new sturgeon catch and release season runs from June through March of next year.