MADISON, Wis. (AP) -- The state Department of Natural Resources is warning sturgeon hunters they're responsible for their own safety when Wisconsin's annual spearing season begins this weekend on the Lake Winnebago system.

Recent warm weather has left ice on the system in poor shape. The DNR says it's dangerously thin in many areas.

Forecasts call for lows in the teens for the rest of the week, which could lead to better conditions.

DNR officials say the season will go on and it's up to spearers to judge the ice's safety for themselves. They say the ice is never completely safe no matter how thick it is.