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  • 'we have more fun' FishingMN Creators
Posted

Fewer small game hunters took to the field in 2016 as compared to the previous season. By species, grouse hunters were up slightly, but duck, goose and pheasant hunters were down slightly, according to the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources’ annual small game survey. 

There were 67,301 duck hunters in 2016, fewer than the previous year, which led to a decline in the duck harvest from 663,811 in 2015 to 606,458 but the take per active hunter was up slightly in 2016 (9.0 ducks per hunter compared to 8.7 ducks per hunter in 2015).

Canada goose harvest edged up slightly to an estimated 204,825 geese harvested despite the decline in hunters from 45,938 in 2015 to 40,950 in 2016. Estimated take per hunter increased from 5.7 to 7.1 geese per successful hunters.

An estimated 59,965 pheasant hunters went afield in 2016, down slightly from 2015. Estimated ring-necked pheasant harvest declined from 243,176 roosters to 196,141, similar to 2011 levels.  A wet fall and standing corn throughout much of the pheasant range likely contributed to some of the reduced harvest.

In 2016, the number of grouse hunters was 82,348, representing an increase of 4 percent from 2015. Ruffed grouse harvest increased slightly from 267,997 grouse in 2015 to 308,955 in 2016.

The DNR annually surveys small game hunters to make estimates of both hunter numbers and harvest trends. For the 2016 season, 7,000 small game license buyers were surveyed of which 3,371 surveys were returned and usable.

The complete report is on the DNR website on the wildlife publications page.

Discuss below - to view set the hook here.

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  • Your Responses - Share & Have Fun :)

    • smurfy
      🤣 he's absolutely a poster child for everything whats gone bonkers in the DFL party!!!!!!!😉
    • leech~~
      Well he does shoot the bull-shat when he can figure out how to load his gun!  🤭
    • STMA_I_HUNTER
      "Lures with a built-in light have been effective in the stained water. Reminder: In Minnesota, lighted lures are legal **as long as the battery is mercury-free and the hook is attached directly to the lure (not on a dropper line)."   So all the pictures/video's that show the dirty bombs with a dropper line are illegal?
    • SkunkedAgain
      I'm not a big FB user, but have an account for checking the Vermilion pages or a few other organizations that I'm involved with. I'm generally not a social media fan. However, social media can be great for helping to reunite people with lost items. I can't believe all of the lost dog/cat posts that get posted.   Next time give your son the hand auger! I still don't own a gas or electric. I never have to mess with something that doesn't work, and if I ever get cold I can just drill another hole and get warmed right up. Plus there's a sense of relief when you reach the bottom and then accomplishment when you break through. Unlike the starter cords on a motor, the auger doesn't seem to bother my crappy shoulders.
    • LakeofthewoodsMN
      On the South Shore...  Ice fishing remains strong across Big Traverse Bay, with resorts and outfitters reporting great action on walleyes and saugers. Some ice roads are now extending over 19 miles out, staying on productive schools of walleyes and saugers.  Ice conditions continue to build, making this one of the best ice seasons in recent years. If you're fishing on your own, be sure to bring an extension for your auger, as ice thickness is significant. Most fish houses are positioned over deep mud, while some remain on or near structure.  As always, it's fishing, but February has been highly productive for most anglers.  It's Lake of the Woods, be prepared to catch some small fish along the way.  This also shows the health of the fishery. With fish houses allowed on the ice through March 31st and walleye and sauger seasons open through April 14th, the extended season on Lake of the Woods offers plenty of opportunities. Pike fishing never closes, and with thick ice, conditions are shaping up well for late-season action. Current Fishing Depths & Patterns: Most fish are being caught in 26-32 feet of water. Anglers are catching walleyes, saugers, jumbo perch, eelpout with some pike, tullibees, and crappies mixed in. Watch electronics for suspended walleyes. Many are reporting plenty of fish for fresh fish fries with extra to bring home. Best Techniques: The one-two punch of jigging and deadsticking continues to be the go-to strategy. Jigging Line: Jigging spoons with rattles tipped with a minnow head are producing consistent bites. Lipless crankbaits and jigging rap-style lures are also working well. Lures with a built-in light have been effective in the stained water. Reminder: In Minnesota, lighted lures are legal **as long as the battery is mercury-free and the hook is attached directly to the lure (not on a dropper line). Deadstick: A plain hook or small jig with a live minnow, set 6 inches to a foot off the bottom, is catching many of the neutral or less aggressive fish. Time of Day: Bite windows vary daily. Some days, mornings are best, while other days, afternoons produce better. Walleyes can move through at any time, so staying patient and paying attention to electronics is key. On the Rainy River...  Mornings and evenings continue to be the most productive times for walleyes. A jig and minnow or jigging spoon tipped with a minnow head has been the most effective presentation. Sturgeon fishing has been good by anglers targeting them. (Reminder: The current sturgeon season is catch-and-release.) Safety Note: While ice conditions on the Rainy River are good, they can vary significantly due to the current. Always check with resorts or outfitters before heading out. Up at the NW Angle...  Ice fishing remains excellent in the islands region of Lake of the Woods. Resorts continue to move fish houses, keeping guests on active schools of walleyes. Anglers are catching a solid mix of walleyes, saugers, jumbo perch, pike, and tullibees. Big crappies are being caught just over the border in Canada. If you're interested in targeting crappies, check with a NW Angle resort for guide services and ice conditions. Plan Your Ice Fishing Adventure! Lake of the Woods offers an extended ice fishing season, with:  Fish houses allowed on the ice through March 31st  Walleye & sauger season open through April 14th  Perch, crappie, and pike seasons open year-round Whether you're looking for a day house rental, a sleeper fish house, comfortable lodging at a resort, or you are fishing on your own, there's a perfect option for every angler.    
    • smurfy
      🤣 you got a man crush on ole Timmy!?🙄🤣
    • leech~~
      Oop's sorry!   I forgot, everyone belongs!  😏  
    • monstermoose78
      I normally don’t shoot them but this one looked so good but his red eyebrow didn’t stay as he was a young bird.
    • leech~~
      Nice, love both the Grouse.  I've only got one spruce ever, eat it.  😋
    • leech~~
      For their Governor!! 😜    
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