It’s been a deadly start to the open-water season in Minnesota. As of June 16, as many as nine people have been victims of boating fatalities. That number, which is preliminary, marks the most fatalities at this point of the year in more than a decade. In addition, a higher than-average number of people have drowned at places like beaches... READ MORE >
The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources is seeking volunteers to help monitor the loon population in Cook and Lake counties in northeastern Minnesota. Volunteers are needed for one day during the July 2-12 monitoring period to count the number of adult and juvenile loons on pre-selected lakes. For the past 20 years, with the assistance of hundreds of volunteer observers,... READ MORE >
Is your yard or campsite attractive to bears? Bears rely on small, scattered patches of natural foods: specific types of young green vegetation in spring; certain species of ants and ant pupae in June; berries in summer; and nuts in fall. If bears can get concentrated, high-calorie, easily accessible foods around people’s homes and campsites, they are easily enticed away... READ MORE >
Hunters have a new opportunity to harvest up to six teal during an experimental five-day early teal season and shooting hours will continue until sunset rather than ending at 4 p.m. during the first portion of Minnesota’s waterfowl hunting season. Other changes to waterfowl hunting regulations for the 2021 season include increasing the bag limit for dark geese from three... READ MORE >
The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources will begin herbicide treatment on select lands in the Two Harbors work area to ready the site for reforestation efforts. Applications totaling 189 acres in the Finland and Grand Portage State Forests will begin around June 15. Herbicides will be sprayed to reduce woody vegetation that would otherwise compete with the newly planted tree... READ MORE >
The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources encourages Minnesotans to get outdoors for the many benefits outdoor recreation brings. However, increased outdoor recreation can also lead to a heightened risk for the movement of invasive species. Throughout the year, the DNR urges campers, hikers and other outdoor enthusiasts to protect forests, wetlands and prairies from invasive species by cleaning their gear... READ MORE >
Hikers, campers and others recreating outdoors should be aware of bears when heading outdoors, whether for a quick hike or a longer camping trip. People can peacefully share the outdoors with bears by paying attention to where and when they are most likely to encounter bears. Black bears are naturally cautious animals that avoid human contact for their safety. However,... READ MORE >
The bass fishing catch-and-keep season opened Saturday, May 29, and spring is a great time to cast a line for these fun-to-catch fish. Largemouth and smallmouth bass can be easier to catch in spring and early summer when they spend more time in shallow water. Later, as water temperatures rise, bass move to deeper water in search of sunken points,... READ MORE >
Dry conditions mean very high fire danger persists in north-central and northeastern Minnesota. Spring outdoor recreation activity is increasing, and the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources urges outdoor enthusiasts to limit the use of campfires and use caution with off-road vehicles that could spark and start a wildfire. Northern Minnesota counties remain under open burning restrictions. Minnesota’s wildland fire management... READ MORE >
Mother Nature gave Minnesotans extra ice-free days this spring on many of the state’s water bodies, but relatively cool weather since then—including overnight lows in the 30s—means the water temperature may be lower than people expect. As anglers prepare to hit the water for Saturday’s fishing opener, it’s vital they keep this in mind and put their safety first. “The... READ MORE >
