In This Issue
A weekly list of news briefs about fish, wildlife, and habitat management.
Spring turkey hunting season continues through May 31
Firearms turkey hunters who have an unused tag from an earlier hunt period can participate in the final hunt period from Wednesday, May 17, through Wednesday, May 31. Hunters can also purchase a license for this time period. Archery-only and youth ages 17 and younger are allowed to hunt during any time period, including the final one. Hunters cannot purchase both a firearms and archery-only license.
Turkey licenses can be purchased online (mndnr.gov/buyalicense), by phone at 888-665-4236, or in person from a license agent. More information about turkey hunting in Minnesota can be found on the Minnesota DNR website (mndnr.gov/hunting/turkey). Hunters concerned about avian influenza and wild turkeys can find USDA safe handling practices (aphis.usda.gov/publications/animal_health/fsc_hpai_hunters.pdf) and additional information on the DNR avian influenza webpage?(mndnr.gov/ai).
DNR webinars cover keeping young wildlife wild, and monarch butterflies
The Minnesota DNR invites people interested in fishing, wildlife and outdoor skills to tune in to upcoming webinars that feature discussions about what to do if people encounter young wildlife in the spring, and monarch butterflies.
The first webinar is Wednesday, May 17. People tend to encounter young wildlife in the springtime. Heidi Cyr, DNR nongame wildlife permit coordinator for wildlife rehabilitators, will discuss how wild animals rear their young, and the best actions people can take to help keep wildlife wild.
The second webinar is Wednesday, May 24. Experts from Monarch Joint Venture will discuss what is being done for monarchs in North America and how to take simple steps to make a difference for monarchs.
The webinars are part of the DNR?s Minnesota Outdoor Skills and Stewardship Series. The webinars are free, but registration is required. More information is available on the outdoor skills and stewardship page of the DNR website (mndnr.gov/discover).
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After a long winter, the off-highway vehicle riding season is upon us. Minnesota boasts more than 3,000 miles of trails for all types of OHVs and rider skill levels.
Before heading out on the trails, remember these key points:
Know before you go. Some trails might be opening later than normal due to late spring thaw, flooding, or trail maintenance work. Check the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources? OHV Trail Closures webpage (mndnr.gov/closures) before leaving home.
Be trained. Safety should come first for all OHV riders, and safety training is required for some riders. Riders born after July 1, 1987, must complete online all-terrain vehicle safety training before riding an ATV on trails. Riders under age 16 must also complete a hands-on ATV safety training course. Online safety training for off-highway motorcycle operators under 16 is required before operating on OHM trails. Off-road vehicles may only be operated by individuals age 16 and older. The DNR offers training courses to everyone, even if they?re not required to take the training. Find information about upcoming trainings on the DNR education and safety training webpage (mndnr.gov/es)
Be registered. A valid OHV registration is required by law when riding on state and Grant-in-Aid trails. These registration fees support trail construction, trail maintenance and OHV safety. For more information on OHV registration procedures and fees, visit the DNR?s OHV registration webpage (mndnr.gov/licenses/ohv).
Riders who are interested in trying the trails but aren?t ready to commit to OHV registration, can participate in two upcoming no-registration riding opportunities. The first is May 20 for off-road vehicles at the Iron Range Off-Highway Vehicle State Recreation Area near Gilbert, Minnesota. The second is June 9-11 for ATVs statewide.
Help out. Most trails in Minnesota are built and maintained by clubs and funded through the Grant-in-Aid program. Consider joining a club to assist in maintaining trails.
For information on where to ride, regulations and safety training, visit the DNR?s OHV program webpage (mndnr.gov/atv).
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Due to a recent rise in wildfire activity, with 207 wildfires reported since May 1, the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources reminds the public that safety matters. Report wildfires immediately by calling 911 from a safe location.
A quick clean-up of yard waste or a simple campfire might seem harmless, but on warm, sunny, or windy days, even a small fire near dry grass or brush can quickly become a rapidly moving wildfire. Not only do wildfires threaten property, but too often, they lead to injuries and even fatalities.
"We learn of people every year who have suffered serious injuries that require hospitalizations, or worse, fatalities, from attempting to control a wildfire on their own," said Paul Lundgren, wildfire section manager with the DNR. "Just like a house fire, a wildfire is extremely dangerous and unpredictable.?
According to Lundgren, trained firefighters are equipped to put the fire out safely and are the best option. If your fire escapes or you spot a wildfire, please get to a safe location and call 911 immediately.
As summer approaches, be careful when burning vegetation or enjoying an evening around the campfire. And remember, any fire larger than 3 feet diameter and 3 feet high needs a burning permit. By allowing burning permit activation only on days that are safe to burn, DNR is keeping your safety a priority. Learn more on the DNR?s burn permit webpage (mndnr.gov/burnpermit).
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