DNR staff


Latest Articles:

Cisco and whitefish sport netting to open on northern lakes

Recreational netting for cisco, also referred to as tullibee, and whitefish is open this fall on designated lakes. Whitefish and cisco sport netting is open to Minnesota residents only. About 700 Minnesotans participate each year. Netting schedules are based on expected water temperatures. As the water temperature cools, game fish head to deeper water while cisco and whitefish come to... READ MORE >

Statewide youth deer season October 21-24

Minnesota’s youth deer season will continue statewide for its third year, starting Thursday, Oct. 21, through Sunday, Oct. 24. The season coincides with statewide teacher workshops, so many Minnesota students don’t have school during the youth season. To participate, youth must be 10-17 years old and have a deer license. Participant numbers are not limited and there is no special... READ MORE >

Hunter walking trails provide access to public hunting in northern Minnesota

The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources maintains hunter walking trails as easy ways to travel by foot through wildlife management areas, state and federal forests, and other public hunting lands. Hunter walking trails wind through prime habitat for ruffed grouse, American woodcock, wild turkey and white-tailed deer. There are more than 600 miles of hunter walking trails meandering throughout the... READ MORE >

Grouse samples requested for genetic research

Spruce grouse hunters in northern Minnesota’s boreal forests can voluntarily submit samples for the final year of a genetics research project being conducted by the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources in partnership with the University of Minnesota. Spruce grouse are a climate-sensitive species that rely on boreal forest habitats containing black spruce, jack pine and tamarack – all of which... READ MORE >

Hunters asked not to shoot ear-tagged and radio-collared research bears

The Minnesota bear hunting season opens Wednesday, Sept. 1, and the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources asks hunters to avoid shooting marked research bears. These bears are marked with distinctively large, colorful ear tags and have radio collars. Researchers with the DNR monitor about 20 radio-collared black bears across the state, especially in 25, 27, 45 and 451 bear hunting... READ MORE >

Help the DNR help you in the outdoors

Do you purchase hunting or fishing licenses or critical habitat license plates and wonder how the money is spent? Are you interested in good stewardship of budgeted funds and how agency operations are funded through licenses and related monies? Here is an opportunity to play an active oversight role. You can apply for a two-year appointment on the fisheries oversight... READ MORE >

Wild rice season opens soon, but harvesters must ensure rice is ripe

Wild rice conditions are looking good this year in many areas of Minnesota and the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources is offering tips and a reminder of important regulations restricting harvest to rice stands that are ripe. “While I’m hearing reports of good wild rice in some places this year, the hot and dry conditions that much of the state... READ MORE >

Get involved in DNR funding and oversight by joining a committee

Do you buy hunting or fishing licenses and wonder how the money is spent? Are you interested in good fiscal stewardship? Participating on a citizen oversight committee for the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources is a great way to learn more about DNR funding and programs. It also provides an opportunity to provide feedback on budgets and spending that impact... READ MORE >

People urged to consider removing watercraft early where water conditions are low

According to the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, as water levels continue to drop due in many areas to drought, boaters are experiencing significant issues with launching and retrieving boats. DNR crews are repairing and extending many boat launch ramps to provide boating opportunities in these low-water conditions. However, little can be done to fix boat ramps on naturally shallow... READ MORE >

Deer lottery application deadline September 9

Firearm and muzzleloader hunters who want to harvest antlerless deer in a deer permit area designated as antlerless permit lottery this hunting season are reminded they must purchase their license by Thursday, September 9. Hunters who purchase their license before this date are automatically entered into the lottery for the deer permit area or special hunt area they declare. No... READ MORE >