Take a Mom Fishing Weekend — when Minnesota-resident moms can fish without purchasing a license — is Saturday, May 8, to Sunday, May 9. This special weekend is defined in Minnesota statutes as the weekend that coincides with Mother’s Day. Most years, under Minnesota law, the fishing opener, and Take a Mom Fishing Weekend fall on the same weekend, but... READ MORE >
Boaters, remember to give yourself enough time to renew your watercraft registration if it has expired. As a result of COVID-19 and an increase in requests, the DNR License Center currently is requiring up to nine weeks to process mail-in boat registration renewals. Additional staff have been pulled in to help with the backlog. To avoid the wait, the DNR... READ MORE >
Minnesota’s popular warm weather stream trout season opens Saturday, April 17, with quality fishing opportunities in every region of the state. Brook trout and splake fishing also open April 17 on Lake Superior and its tributary streams. “Minnesota has some excellent trout fishing and anglers help pay for trout habitat and access improvements with their fishing licenses and trout stamps,”... READ MORE >
Fishing seasons open for walleye, bass, trout in lakes, and northern pike on Saturday, May 15, with this year’s date taking the prize for the latest possible opener under Minnesota statute. “We know there is some confusion about this year’s opener date,” said Jon Hansen, fisheries program consultant for the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. Minnesota statute sets the fishing... READ MORE >
Many lakes and rivers throughout Minnesota are now ice-free, and those where ice remains likely will be open in the near future. People are understandably eager to hit the water, but it remains dangerously cold. That means it is vital for people to exercise extreme caution whenever they’re on or around the water. Each year, about 30 percent of fatal... READ MORE >
Through Sunday, April 11, people can submit comments on the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources’ proposed waterfowl hunting regulations and seasons. Comments may be submitted by completing an online comment form through Sunday, April 11. The DNR is proposing the following regulatory changes and seasons: 1) Increasing the Canada goose bag limit to five birds per day for the entire... READ MORE >
The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources will temporarily close some state forest roads and trails because they are not firm enough to support vehicle traffic without causing damage. Depending on weather conditions, the temporary closures could remain in effect until sometime in May. “The annual spring thaw creates wet, unstable road and trail conditions,” said Deb Pitt, roads program coordinator... READ MORE >
With bears emerging from hibernation in the coming weeks, the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources reminds homeowners to check their property for food sources that could attract bears. “To avoid season-long problems, take the time now to remove or secure anything that could attract a bear,” said Eric Nelson, wildlife damage program supervisor for the DNR. “Prevention is key. Once... READ MORE >
The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources urges people to be extremely cautious on and around the ice, as recent warm weather has deteriorated ice conditions across the state. Some lakes already have large areas of open water and there have been reports of vehicles breaking through. Ice thickness varies widely across the state. In some places south of the Twin... READ MORE >
Drought conditions across Minnesota have created the potential for an active and damaging spring wildfire season. The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources urges woodland landowners and homeowners to help prevent wildfires by using burn-free options for spring brush and yard cleanup. One of the drier areas of the state is the northwest. There, Ben Lang, DNR Forestry assistant supervisor in... READ MORE >
