Minnesota Wildlife

Bear hunt lottery deadline is May 5

Bear hunters, here?s a reminder that you have through Friday, May 5, to apply for a bear license. A total of 4,035 licenses are available in 14 permit areas for the 2023 season, which opens Friday, Sept. 1, and closes Sunday, Oct. 15.

Lottery winners will be notified Thursday, June 1. The deadline to purchase a bear license awarded by the lottery is Tuesday, Aug. 1. Any remaining unpurchased licenses will be available over the counter starting at noon Friday, Aug. 4.

An unlimited number of bear licenses also will be sold over the counter for the no-quota area that includes east-central and far northwestern Minnesota. No-quota licenses are valid only in the no-quota area. Find more information on the DNR bear hunting page.

Photo courtesy of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service

Share your thoughts on Mille Lacs WMA master plan update

The DNR invites people interested in the Mille Lacs Wildlife Management Area to participate in a webinar and help inform the DNR?s updates to the WMA?s master plan.

The webinar will be 6-8 p.m. Tuesday, May 9. DNR staff will present a brief overview of the WMA and the planning process, answer questions and take feedback during the session. Registration is not required. A link to join the webinar is available on the DNR?s Mille Lacs WMA webpage.

Mille Lacs WMA?s 43,000 acres provide habitat for a wide variety of wildlife species. The updated master plan will be used to guide management of the WMA?s forests, wetlands and brushlands. It will include management goals, objectives and strategies for the WMA for the next 10 years.

Input from the upcoming webinar will help the DNR develop a draft management plan for Mille Lacs WMA. The draft plan will be available for public review and input in early fall. At that time, people will be able to comment on the draft plan in person, online and via mail/email. The DNR will finalize the plan by Dec. 31.

Toward building a modernized electronic license system

The DNR and Minnesota IT Services have selected conservation technology company S3 as the vendor to build a modern electronic licensing system to serve the state?s anglers, boaters, hunters and recreational vehicle owners.

This is an important and exciting milestone toward making it easier for all Minnesotans who already buy licenses for their outdoor pursuits and those who would like to try something new.

We want to make sure you have the most up-to-date opportunities to connect with the information and services you need to get outside and enjoy our exceptional lands and waters.

S3 has built licensing systems for a number of other states including Arkansas, Michigan, Missouri and Ohio. The new system?s construction and testing are expected to take about two years to complete, with a public launch expected in early 2025.

Check out the DNR website for some basics about what to expect with the new system.

Bird watching time

May through June is a great time to spot brightly-colored songbirds in all their splendor!

In late spring and early summer, male birds are sporting colorful feathers for the breeding season. Migratory species, like the scarlet tanager pictured here, are returning to Minnesota from their wintering grounds to begin the breeding season.

Learn more about wildlife viewing opportunities in Minnesota on the DNR website.

Turkey hunting views?

Have you been out turkey hunting? Seasons go until the end of May, and hunting turkeys is a great way to watch the woods turn from winter to spring.

Do you have photos to share of your hunting experiences? Upload your photos so we can share them in DNR email updates, social media and our website.