Nearly half a million firearms deer hunters are preparing for the season that opens Saturday, Nov. 9, and offers opportunity to spend time with friends and family, find adventure outdoors and put venison in the freezer. Hunters help keep deer populations in line with population goals across the state, and wildlife managers report good opportunities to harvest deer. But they... READ MORE >
Throughout most of Minnesota, the bag limit for antlered bucks is one. In specific deer permit areas in the southeast corner of the state the bag limit is one antlered buck per license type, making the limit three total bucks. In permit areas 643, 645, 646, 647, 648, 649 and 655 in southeast Minnesota, one buck can be taken on... READ MORE >
On a recent visit to Lower Dean Lake, Ann Geisen, wildlife lake specialist with the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, looked out at what she called a gorgeous stand of wild rice. “We’re happy to have a part in managing this lake for wild rice and wildlife. Favorable weather helps the rice, too,” Geisen said. “Wild rice and its harvesting... READ MORE >
Minnesota Department of Natural Resources Commissioner Sarah Strommen issued an order denying requests by the Fond du Lac Band of Lake Superior Chippewa, multiple environmental organizations and some individuals to reconsider the tailings dam permits issued to PolyMet on Nov. 1, 2018. The DNR takes the safety of all tailings dams it regulates very seriously and the agency understands concerns... READ MORE >
The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources has completed a 10-year effort to provide much more accurate maps of Minnesota’s wetlands. The update of the state’s National Wetlands Inventory (NWI) used new technologies to produce a clearer picture of Minnesota’s wetlands, lakes, rivers and streams. The updated NWI gives resource managers and landowners a vital tool to aid wetland protection and... READ MORE >
Hunters can start planning ahead for significant changes to deer season regulations, including a youth deer season that’s expanded statewide, expanded deer feeding and attractant bans, and other updates related to managing chronic wasting disease. “We heard a lot of support for a statewide youth deer hunting season,” said Barbara Keller, big game program leader for the Minnesota Department of... READ MORE >
The Department of Natural Resources is seeking volunteers for its loon monitoring program. As part of this effort, the DNR has launched a new online system that will help volunteers identify lakes available for monitoring. Volunteers will be able to use the system to manage their lake assignments, view information for their lakes, and print data sheets. “This new system... READ MORE >
Docks and dock platforms provide access to Minnesota’s lakes and rivers, and are regulated to help protect public safety as well as aquatic habitat. As summer approaches, the Department of Natural Resources encourages property owners and lake service provider businesses to review the regulations, to ensure the equipment they own, sell or install is in compliance. Extensive dock systems may... READ MORE >
Despite this spring’s wet weather, much of Minnesota is still dry enough to fuel a dangerous wildfire, according to the Department of Natural Resources. “It’s easy to think all of this rain has saturated the ground enough to prevent a wildfire,” said Casey McCoy, the DNR’s fire prevention supervisor. “But even though the ground may be wet, the reality is... READ MORE >
With waterways across the state clearing of ice, the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources reminds anxious boaters that wearing a life jacket is a critical safety necessity during the spring “cold water” season. While boaters should always wear a life jacket no matter the water temperature or season, public safety officials stress wearing a life jacket – not just having... READ MORE >
