In This Issue
A weekly list of news briefs about fish, wildlife, and habitat management.
Hunters can find CWD test results online
Hunters can check the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources website (mndnr.gov/cwdcheck) for chronic wasting disease test results on the deer they?ve harvested. The site also shows statewide CWD test results, summary statistics and mapped locations of deer that tested positive. Any additional deer harvested during Minnesota deer seasons that test positive for CWD will be reported on the CWD results page. The DNR also will directly notify any hunter who harvests a deer that tests positive. The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources relies on hunters? participation in providing samples to help with disease surveillance and appreciates all those who submitted samples.
Minnesota DNR webinars focus on mudpuppies and the northern lights
The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources invites people interested in wildlife and outdoor skills to check out the winter program schedule for the Minnesota Outdoor Skills and Stewardship Series.
In a webinar on Wednesday, Dec. 20, DNR biologists Jeff LeClere and Krista Larson will discuss the ecology of mudpuppies, the unique aquatic salamanders that become more active in wintertime and are sometimes unintentionally caught by ice anglers.
In a webinar on Wednesday, Dec. 27, Jesse Gates, dark sky educator from Voyageurs Conservancy, will discuss the science behind the northern lights and tips on where to see them and Travis Novitsky, photographer, author and DNR park manager, will discuss indigenous peoples? connection to the night sky, and photographing the northern lights.
The Minnesota Outdoor Skills and Stewardship Series webinars are free and offered year-round, though registration is required. Visit the Outdoor Skills and Stewardship webpage of the Minnesota DNR website (mndnr.gov/discover) for the registration portal, more information about upcoming webinars and recordings of past webinars.
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Two changes that enhance protection for Minnesota?s native turtles will go into effect Jan. 1.
Commercial harvest of western painted turtles and snapping turtles is no longer allowed in Minnesota beginning Jan. 1, the result of a new law enacted in 2023. People will still be allowed to raise turtles for commercial purposes under an aquaculture license with a turtle endorsement.
In addition, also beginning on ?Jan. 1, anglers will need both an angling license and a newly required recreational turtle license to harvest turtles using angling gear like hook and line, landing nets and gaff hooks. In the past, only an angling license was required. Traps will not be allowed for turtle harvest. Individuals under 16 do not need a recreational turtle license and may still collect turtles for turtle races.
Minnesota?s native turtles face several threats including habitat loss and fragmentation, pollution and overharvest. Due to the life history characteristics of turtles ? that they are long-lived and slow growing ? even low levels of increased mortality can result in declining populations, especially in northern latitudes that have short growing seasons. The enhanced protections coming into effect will help ensure the ongoing health of turtle populations in Minnesota.
Recreational turtle licenses are $25 annually and will be available Jan. 1 through the Minnesota DNR electronic license system, and more information is available on the Minnesota DNR website (mndnr.gov/fishing/commercial/turtles.html).
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