An online questionnaire will make it easier for Minnesota deer hunters to report wildlife they see during their hunts this year. “This is a simple, direct way for hunters to share their observations of deer and also broaden our knowledge about other Minnesota species,” said Eric Michel, Minnesota Department of Natural Resources research scientist. “We’re really encouraging hunters to participate... READ MORE >
Grouse season opens Saturday, September 19. Spruce grouse hunters in northern Minnesota’s boreal forests are being asked to voluntarily submit feather samples for a genetics research project being conducted by the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources in partnership with the University of Minnesota. “Hunters who enjoy pursuing these birds are critical to the success of this project and our work... READ MORE >
The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, in conjunction with the consulting firm Up! Outside and District 23/Amateur Riders Motorcycle Association (ARMCA), is creating a master plan for off-highway motorcycle (OHM) use across Minnesota. The master plan will gauge current use and trends, the desires of riders, the views of non-riders, and current and proposed opportunities. When completed, the plan will... READ MORE >
The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, in conjunction with the consulting firm Up! Outside and District 23/Amateur Riders Motorcycle Association (ARMCA), is creating a master plan for off-highway motorcycle (OHM) use across Minnesota. The master plan will gauge current use and trends, the desires of riders, the views of non-riders, and current and proposed opportunities. When completed, the plan will... READ MORE >
“Jumping worms” are a relatively new invasive species in Minnesota and they are a threat to gardens and forests,” said Laura Van Riper, DNR terrestrial invasive species coordinator. “They make rich soil more like coffee grounds. They eat plant roots, damaging garden plants and sod.” Jumping worms are a type of earthworm that looks similar to other common earthworms, such... READ MORE >
The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources has scheduled two public auctions of confiscated fishing, hunting and trapping equipment. The auctions, which will be held online because of the COVID-19 pandemic, include 501 firearms, 71 bows and a variety of other equipment. All of the equipment was confiscated as a result of serious game and fish violations. The auctions are scheduled... READ MORE >
A shortage of natural foods is causing more bear-human conflicts in northeastern and north-central Minnesota as bears gravitate toward food sources at homes, cabins and campsites. “We’re asking people to remove food sources that could attract bears from their properties or campsites,” said Andrew Tri, a bear biologist for the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. “It’s important that folks be... READ MORE >
Minnesota’s ruffed grouse spring population counts are similar to last year and likely are following the ten-year cycle of rise and fall, a predictable pattern recorded for 71 years. Due to COVID-19 related restrictions, this past spring’s drumming counts in southeastern Minnesota were not conducted as planned. As the DNR was able to resume more field operations in May, there... READ MORE >
Test results from the second year of a study on West Nile virus in ruffed grouse showed similar results to the previous year. Antibodies consistent with virus exposure were detected in 12.3 percent of the 317 samples submitted by hunters in 2019. This compares with a 12.5 percent antibody rate in the 273 samples submitted by hunters in 2018. “West... READ MORE >
Wild rice conditions are looking good this year in many areas of Minnesota and the Department of Natural Resources is offering tips and a reminder of important regulations restricting harvest to rice stands that are ripe. “Favorable weather without too much heavy rain early in the season has been a positive for wild rice,” said Ricky Lien, DNR wetland habitat... READ MORE >
