New MN DNR deer population goals have been approved by the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources for large portions of northeastern, north-central and east-central Minnesota, covering 40 of 128 deer permit areas in the state. As a result, 85 percent of the 40 areas will be managed for populations higher than those experienced in 2014. “These new goals will result in management to increase deer numbers in relation to last year’s levels in most of the 40 permit areas,” said Steve Merchant, wildlife populations manager. “The new goals largely reflect the desires shared by stakeholders who participated in the deer goal setting process and generally reflect the public feedback we’ve heard during the past few years.” Comparison to former goals Twenty six of the permit areas with new ... [ Read More ]
Don’t miss the MN kids fish free weekend!
The annual MN kids fish free weekend falls this year from Friday, June 5 to Sunday, June 7, and Minnesotans age 16 or older don’t need a fishing license to take a child age 15 or younger fishing during this event. “This is an annual opportunity to introduce a child to fishing without the prior purchase of a fishing license,” said Mike Kurre, mentoring program coordinator with the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. “It’s a great weekend to make some memories and go fishing with family and friends.” Check out the DNR’s Fish Minnesota Web page at www.mndnr.gov/fishmn for answers to basic fishing questions and for explanations of fishing terminology. The site also includes links to a beginner’s guide to fishing, fishing regulations and information on where to fish. “It is ... [ Read More ]
Minnesota wildfires tackled by DNR and National Guard
Minnesota wildfires are under attack as the DNR and National Guard join forces to get them under control. The DNR and the National Guard have been training together with live fires since 2001, but for the first time a DNR Enforcement helicopter is being used to direct the Black Hawks to their targets. The DNR helicopter is ideal for serving as an aerial supervision platform, guiding the Black Hawks. With a Department of Natural Resources Air Attack operator in a helicopter pointing out the targets, two Minnesota Army National Guard Black Hawk helicopters assaulted a series of controlled grass fires this month at Camp Ripley. “This cooperative effort is an excellent example of a partnership designed to improve firefighting efficiencies, as well as contain air support costs,” said ... [ Read More ]
One of Top Minnesota Fishing Tournaments: Big Names, Big Prizes, Great Cause
One of the more interesting, popular and charitably impactful Minnesota fishing tournaments, the 2015 Minnesota Fishing Challenge has once again garnered support from an impressive list of generous local businesses, as well as some of the top names in the fishing world. In its seventh year, the Minnesota Fishing Challenge benefits the Minnesota Adult and Teen Challenge, a faith-based organization dedicated to restoring hope for people struggling with drug and alcohol addiction. Slated for May 30, 2015 on Central Minnesota’s Gull Lake, the Minnesota Fishing Challenge promises to provide fantastic fishing, with separate divisions for bass, walleye, pike, panfish and mixed bag. An impressive list of prizes reward top catches. Teams may enter one or as many divisions as they wish, all ... [ Read More ]
Good Conditions on Tap for Minnesota Fishing Opener 2015
Barring storms, favorable conditions should be on tap for anglers for the 2015 Minnesota Fishing Opener, when fishing begins for walleye and northern pike Saturday, May 9. Walleye and northern pike spawning will have been on-track before the opener, and anglers have a wide variety of choices this year while planning fishing opener trips. However, water levels on many lakes are still below normal following recent drought conditions. Anglers are advised to call a local DNR office before traveling to inquire about water level or boat access conditions, and to have a plan B on fishing opener. “It may be wise for boaters to call ahead to get the latest report on the water body and access they plan to use,” said Nancy Stewart, DNR public water access program coordinator. Anglers who are ... [ Read More ]
Watch the skies for pelicans migrating to Minnesota
Flocks of giant white birds are catching the eyes of outdoor enthusiasts across Minnesota, as once-rare American white pelicans migrate north to their nesting grounds across the state, according to the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. American white pelicans were driven to near extinction in the early 20th century from human pressures. There were no reports of nesting pelicans in Minnesota for 90 years, from 1878 until 1968. Conservation efforts and federal regulations have helped pelican populations make a slow and steady comeback. Still, they remain one of Minnesota’s 'Species in Greatest Conservation Need'. This designation is given to animal species whose populations are rare, declining or vulnerable in Minnesota. “The prairie pothole region of western Minnesota ... [ Read More ]
Proposals to bolster Minnesota’s outdoors
A new proposal by Gov. Mark Dayton would have Minnesota’s outdoors enthusiasts seeing significant improvements to the state’s management of fish and wildlife, and to other outdoor recreation programs. It would use existing funds from the Minnesota fish and game fund to improve fish and wildlife populations, habitat, user facilities and access to information that supports those activities. Dayton’s budget seeks $5.4 million in fiscal year 2016, which begins July 1, and $5.1 million in fiscal year 2017. “Gov. Dayton’s proposal is an investment,” said Ed Boggess, director of the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources’ Fish and Wildlife Division. “He’s asking the Legislature to allow DNR to improve management of fish and wildlife, and enhance enforcement efforts, by using dollars that ... [ Read More ]
Minnesota fishing opener preview – fishing facts
The DNR compiled these Minnesota fishing facts in preparation for the 2015 fishing opener, which is Saturday, May 9, 2015. Anglers and waters There are about 1.5 million licensed anglers in Minnesota. About 500,000 people are expected to fish on opening day of the walleye and northern pike season, Saturday, May 9. Minnesota has 11,842 lakes, 5,400 of which are managed by DNR Fisheries. There are 18,000 miles of fishable rivers and streams, including 3,800 miles of trout streams. Average annual expenditure per angler is about $1,500.* Although not every kind of fish lives everywhere, 162 species of fish can be found in Minnesota waters. Participation and the economy Fishing contributes $2.4 billion to the state’s economy in direct retail sales, ranking Minnesota fourth ... [ Read More ]
Deer Land Management Madness
My 60 acre family farm has seen it all. In the name of Deer Land Management, I've created bedding cover and foodplots, mineral sites and water holes. As a result of my efforts, we've killed some great bucks on our small Michigan farm. I'm having so much fun with improving our habitat that is has quickly evolved from a hobby to an obsession. Understandingly so, I jumped at the chance to talk with James Brion the 'Land Management Madman' about how he's made a living out of my obsession for the last 25 years. In an industry where most outfitters can't make ends meet in the first few years, a veteran like James in an anomaly. James said this about himself, “I'm a business major with a land management habit”. He's got his hands in a bit of everything outdoors; running a hunting ranch and ... [ Read More ]
Minnesota likely to see early start to 2015 fire season
With the recent warm weather, Department of Natural Resources fire behavior analysts are predicting an early start to Minnesota’s 2015 spring fire season. Predicted temperatures this week in the 40s and 50s will likely take care of what little snowpack the state had this winter. Plus, forecasts for the next two weeks show mild temperatures and a dry weather pattern. Minnesota also had a relatively dry fall and very little snow this winter. All of this points toward abnormally dry conditions in early spring. In addition to predicting an early start to the 2015 spring fire season, fire behavior analysts say that based on past weather patterns and fire occurrence, Minnesota will likely have an average to above average number of fires this spring. Without the snow compaction, grass fires ... [ Read More ]