In This Issue
A weekly list of news briefs about fish, wildlife, and habitat management.
Fishing regulations updated in online version??
The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources has updated the online version of the 2024 Minnesota Fishing Regulations booklet to address an omission and make two corrections.??
On pages 7 and 29, an omitted regulation was added. Anglers fishing in open water in the Minnesota River downstream of the Granite Falls dam and in the intrastate portion of the Mississippi River downstream of St. Anthony Falls may use two lines. This regulation has been in effect since July 1, 2023. Anglers must continue to use one line when fishing other inland waters (including rivers) or Canada-Minnesota border waters. Two lines are also permitted for anglers on Minnesota border waters with Iowa, North Dakota, South Dakota and Wisconsin. Two lines are also allowed statewide when fishing through the ice.
Additionally, on page 14, the age range for anglers requiring a trout stamp was incorrectly listed; it is 18-64. And, on page 66, the beginning closure date for the fish sanctuary on the St. Louis River Estuary was incorrectly listed; it is March 1.
The online fishing regulations booklet and more information about fishing in Minnesota are available on the?Minnesota DNR website (mndnr.gov/fishing).
Minnesota DNR webinars focus on barotrauma in fish, and bear research ?
The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources invites people interested in wildlife and outdoor skills to check out the spring program schedule for the Minnesota Outdoor Skills and Stewardship Series.
In a webinar on Wednesday, March 27, DNR staff will discuss barotrauma in fish ? the physical damage caused by expanding gases when fish are caught from deeper waters. Staff will describe the effects of barotrauma on popular fish species, explore how it may impact fisheries resource quality and provide tips for anglers to reduce negative impacts from deep water fishing.
In a webinar on Wednesday, April 3, Andy Tri, DNR bear project leader, will discuss what four decades of research on Minnesota black bears can tell us about the state?s bear population.
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.
###
The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources is encouraging homeowners to remove birdfeeders now and check their property for food sources that could attract bears.
While most of the female bears with cubs and yearlings are still near their denning areas, the mild winter has caused some full-grown bears to emerge from dens early to look around or find a quick, high-calorie snack.
?Bird feeders can become bear feeders,? said Andrew Tri, DNR bear project leader. ?Birdseed and grains are very attractive to bears looking for a quick, high-calorie meal. Prevention is key. Once a bear finds a food source, it will likely return.?
As bears emerge from hibernation, their metabolism gradually ramps up as they transition from nibbling on plants to more substantial meals. Food and food odors attract bears, and they can pick up a scent from over a mile away.
Home and cabin owners can prevent bear conflicts now by using the BearWise checklist (files.dnr.state.mn.us/wildlife/bear/bearwise/mn-bearwise-at-home-checklist.pdf) and following these BearWise basics: (bearwise.org/six-bearwise-basics):
- Remove bird feeders when bears are active.
- Secure food, garbage and recycling.
- Never feed or approach a bear.
- Never leave pet food outdoors.
- Clean and store grills and smokers.
- Alert neighbors to bear activity.
More bear information
People should be cautious around bears and give them space. If bear problems persist after cleaning up food sources, contact a Minnesota DNR area wildlife office for advice.
To find a local wildlife manager, contact the DNR Information Center at
651-296-6157 or 888-646-6367, or visit wildlife area office contact information (mndnr.gov/areas/wildlife) on the Minnesota DNR website.?
For more information on how to live responsibly with bears visit?the Minnesota DNR website (mndnr.gov/livingwith_wildlife/bears) or BearWise website (bearwise.org).
###
Anglers, lake user groups, others invited to participate in online survey
The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources is asking people to share their thoughts on how the DNR manages muskellunge as part of an update to the state?s muskie long-range plan.
?We?re gathering input as we update our muskie plan for the future,? said Leslie George, northeast region fisheries manager. ?As a first step in updating the plan, we?re asking about the experiences and interests of anglers and others related to muskie management.?
For the plan update, the Minnesota DNR hopes to hear from anglers who fish for muskies, other anglers, lake-user groups, partners in tribal nations, and anyone interested in muskies. People can share input in an online scoping survey on the Minnesota DNR muskie webpage (mndnr.gov/muskie). A webinar about the update process is planned for fall 2024, and in the winter of 2024-2025 the public will be able to review and provide input on a draft plan.
Muskies are a large, popular predator fish native to Minnesota. The Minnesota DNR manages muskies by stocking them into waters, setting harvest and season regulations, population monitoring and research, and outreach and education about muskies.
As part of the plan update, the Minnesota DNR is considering ways to enhance muskie stocking in lakes that already have muskies, how to ensure that hatcheries can produce enough quality-sized muskies to meet stocking needs in these lakes, and options for improving public education surrounding muskie biology, ecology, and management.
Muskie background
Minnesota has 102 waters managed for muskies, comprising 2% of the state?s fishable lakes and rivers and 21% of the total surface area that is fishable. Muskies have been introduced in 48 lakes and are maintained in these lakes through stocking. The state record muskie for catch-and-release length is 58 1/4 inches, caught on Mille Lacs Lake in 2022.
Recent Minnesota DNR research on muskie diets show that, on a population level, pike and bass consume much more food than muskies in the lakes where they are present. The research found that muskies consumed a wide range of prey, but the primary makeup of muskie diets are yellow perch, white sucker, bullheads, invertebrates and northern pike. Cisco can also be important in those lakes where their populations are abundant. Walleye are not an important component of muskie diets.
More information about the muskie long-range plan update is available on the Minnesota DNR muskie webpage (mndnr.gov/muskie).
###
As Minnesotans prepare for the summer camping season, the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources is sharing tips to help campers plan their summer camping adventures.?
?We know Minnesotans love being outdoors, and camping at Minnesota state parks and recreation areas is more popular than ever,? said Ann Pierce, state parks and trails director. ?Camping provides so many benefits, like connection with nature, relaxation, and quality time with loved ones. While we are experiencing some winter-like weather this week, we know Minnesotans are eager to plan their summer vacations. We want to make it easy and fun to plan a summer camping adventure, so we?ve gathered some of our top tips. We look forwarding to seeing you in state parks and recreation areas this summer!??
Choose the right location
Looking for something special? Use the ParkFinder tool (mndnr.gov/parkfinder) to find a state park or recreation area with the recreation opportunities, amenities or facilities important to you. Among other things, ParkFinder can screen for accessible campsites and bathroom facilities. Trip planners can search by programs, things to see, camping or lodging types, recreation facilities, trail types or rental equipment offered.??
Book campsites and lodging early, and be flexible
Now is a great time to book summer camping reservations. Reservations for campsites and lodging in state parks and recreation areas can be made up to 120 days in advance. This means all of June and some of July are already within the reservation window. Reservations are in high demand for holiday weekends, campsites with electric hookups and the most popular parks. ?
If reservations are full for preferred location and dates, the DNR has three suggestions. First, sign up for the ?notify me? function on the reservation website to get notified by email if there?s a cancellation. Cancellations do occur regularly. Second, consider a camping trip on weekdays instead of the busy weekends. Third, look for open reservations at less busy parks. There are more than 70 state parks and recreation areas across the state, and many of them always have camping reservations available. If the first choice park is full, use the ParkFinder tool (mndnr.gov/parkfinder) to find another location.??
Cancel if plans change
If a camping reservation is made but plans have changed, reservations can be canceled on the DNR website (mndnr.gov/reservations) or via phone at 866-857-2757. Campers who will not be able to use their reservation are strongly encouraged to cancel, not just to get a full or partial refund, but to open those camping opportunities to other campers. There is no cancellation fee if a reservation is canceled 14 or more days prior to the scheduled arrival.??
Check out the summer activities guide??
The DNR offers an online summer activity guide (mndnr.gov/summerguide) that provides information on a variety of recreation opportunities in state parks and recreation areas, including biking, birding, swimming, tours, fishing, paddling, picnicking and more.?
Find state park events and programs
Events are scheduled at many state parks throughout the year, offering a wide range of activities from fishing and birding to guided hikes to crafting to learning about park wildlife. No prior experience is necessary to participate, and most events are free. Find event listings on the parks and trails event calendar (mndnr.gov/ptcalendar).?
People camping with kids will want to check out the Junior Ranger program. Junior Ranger booklets can be picked up at ranger stations during open hours or printed at home. Kids who complete the program earn a badge. There?s no cost to participate. Details are available on the Junior Ranger webpage (mndnr.gov/junior-ranger).?
Check visitor alerts before leaving home
Staff post visitor alerts on the DNR website to communicate important information related to safety, closures, construction projects and other things that might impact trips. Find visitor alerts at the top of each individual park website (mndnr.gov/park-list).?
Don?t get lost ? use Avenza
The Avenza Maps app uses GPS location tracking so park visitors find their location, even when off the grid. After the app and a park or trail map is downloaded, no internet or cell service is needed. DNR maps can be downloaded for free. Get details on the DNR?s GeoPDF webpage (mndnr.gov/geopdf).?
Get a vehicle permit
Each vehicle requires a vehicle permit in state parks and recreation areas. Permits can be purchased on the state park permits website?(mndnr.gov/permit) or at ranger stations during open hours. The cost is $7 per day or $35 per year. Save time and get the permit when making a camping reservation through the online reservation system (mndnr.gov/reservations).
Pack appropriately
Make a checklist of essential camping gear, including a tent, sleeping bags, cooking items, food, water, clothing and personal hygiene items. When deciding what clothing and footwear to pack, be prepared for various weather conditions, including rain, wind, and temperature fluctuations. Don't forget to pack health and safety items such as insect repellent, sunscreen and a first-aid kit.
Take photos and share them?
Make sure to bring a camera to document the camping trip, then share photos with the DNR. Images submitted might be featured on the DNR?s social media accounts. Share photos on the DNR photo sharing webpage (mndnr.gov/sharephotos).
For more information about any of these camping tips, visit the DNR website (mndnr.gov). ?
###
|
? 
? 
? 
? 
