In This Issue
A weekly list of news briefs about fish, wildlife, and habitat management.
Walk-In Access lands open Sept. 1
Walk-In Access areas will be open for public use beginning Friday, Sept. 1 through May 31, 2025, with the purchase of a $3 Walk-In Access validation.
The program pays landowners to allow public access to their property and no additional landowner contact is necessary. This year, hunters and other people can access around 30,000 acres of private land at more than 280 sites in west, central and southern Minnesota.
Through new legislation, acres enrolled in the program will be open to public uses in addition to hunting, such as bird watching, nature photography and similar compatible uses, starting with approximately half of the total acres this year. All Walk-In Access sites are shown on the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources Recreation Compass (mndnr.gov/maps/compass.html). Digital maps for individual Walk-In Access sites, along with more information, can be found on the Minnesota DNR website (mndnr.gov/walkin).
Current funding for the program includes a grant from the Natural Resources Conservation Service of the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Walk-In Access validations purchased by hunters, a surcharge on nonresident hunting licenses and donations from hunters.
Hunters asked not to shoot ear-tagged, radio-collared research bears
The Minnesota bear hunting season opens Sunday, Sept. 1, and the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources is once again asking hunters to avoid shooting marked research bears. These bears are marked with distinctively large, colorful ear tags and wear radio collars.
Researchers with the Minnesota DNR are monitoring 48 radio-collared black bears across the state, especially in bear hunting zones 27, 45, and parts of the no-quota zone. Most of the radio-collared bears live in or near the Chippewa National Forest, Camp Ripley Military Reserve, the Pillsbury State Forest, and the Brainerd/Baxter area. However, the bears also range widely from these sites. More information for hunters is available in a previous news release (mndnr.gov/news/2024/08/19/hunters-asked-not-shoot-ear-tagged-radio-collared-research-bears) and photos of collared research bears and some research findings gained from them are available on the Minnesota DNR bear hunting webpage (mndnr.gov/hunting/bear).
Reminder: Deer lottery application deadline is Sept. 5
The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources reminds firearm and muzzleloader hunters who want to harvest antlerless deer in a deer permit area designated as antlerless permit lottery this hunting season to purchase their license by Thursday, Sept. 5. Hunters who purchase their license on or before this date are automatically entered into the lottery for the deer permit area or special hunt area they declare.
Successful applicants will receive a postcard in the mail authorizing them to take an antlerless deer using their regular license in that antlerless permit lottery area. No lottery application is needed to take antlerless deer in permit areas with either sex, two-deer limit, three-deer limit or five-deer limit designations. Hunters are reminded that DPAs 235 and 251 went from either-sex to lottery this year.
Hunters who want to participate in special firearm or muzzleloader deer hunts also need to apply for permits that are issued through a lottery. That application deadline is also Sept. 5. More information and details about how to apply for special hunts are available on the Minnesota DNR website (mndnr.gov/hunting/deer/special-deer-hunts.html).
More information about designations and regulations for deer permit areas, as well as details about special hunt opportunities, are available on the Minnesota DNR website (mndnr.gov/hunting/deer) and in the 2024 Minnesota Hunting and Trapping Regulations Handbook, which is available online and in print wherever Minnesota DNR licenses are sold.
Registration open for Minnesota DNR webinars in fall outdoor skills and stewardship
The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources invites people interested in wildlife and outdoor skills to check out the fall program schedule for the Minnesota Outdoor Skills and Stewardship Series.
Webinars will cover deer management, wildlife and aquatic management areas, collecting seeds and cones, moose management, preserving a harvest, campfire treats, bobcats, late season pheasant hunting, deer hunting tips, redhorses, fall birding and photography tips, hunting and fishing stories and opportunities for people with disabilities, and perch.
In a webinar on Wednesday, Aug. 28, Minnesota Orienteering Club members will discuss the basics of map and compass use and will share some great tips on orienteering and how to participate in this exciting outdoor activity.
In a webinar on Wednesday, Sept. 4, join Minnesota DNR’s Big Game Program staff as they share the behind-the-scenes look at deer management in Minnesota, including the deer population goal setting process, what biologists consider when setting bag limit designations, current research projects, and an outlook on the upcoming hunting season.
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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Minnesota DNR reminds hunters about Sunday, Sept. 1 start date for teal, goose seasons
Minnesota waterfowl seasons are around the corner and hunters have a wide variety of opportunities to look forward to in 2024, with seasons starting Sunday, Sept. 1.
“It’s critical that hunters review the regulations and hunting season dates this year to ensure they are in compliance,” said Nate Huck, Minnesota Department of Natural Resources resident game bird specialist. “As usual, scouting and preparation will be key to success. And with high water, hunters will probably find it easier to get duck boats through wetlands this year.”
Waterfowl hunting begins this year with the early teal season and September goose season, which both begin on Sunday, Sept. 1. Hunters are reminded that hunting starts on a Sunday and hunting is illegal before this date. The Sept. 1 opening date is the earliest that waterfowl seasons can open according to federal frameworks.
The Waterfowl Hunting Regulations handbook is available wherever hunting and fishing licenses are sold, and on the Minnesota DNR waterfowl hunting page (mndnr.gov/hunting/waterfowl). The Minnesota DNR is also working on having the regulations translated into Hmong, Karen, Somali and Spanish and making them available for hunters this fall.
Early teal season reminders
Early teal season is Sunday, Sept. 1 through Thursday, Sept. 5, with shooting hours from sunrise to sunset. The Minnesota DNR reminds waterfowl hunters taking part in early teal hunting season to be aware of and cautious around wild rice beds. Wild rice is an important natural resource that typically ripens in early September. Plants are susceptible to damage during this time and wild rice harvesters may be active in beds if the rice is ready to be collected.
During this year’s early teal season, teal hunters may not hunt within wild rice beds posted open to rice harvest within the boundaries of White Earth Reservation (i.e., publicly announced as “active manoomin waters” by the White Earth Division of Natural Resources) or within one-half mile of wild rice beds posted open to rice harvest within the boundaries of Leech Lake Reservation.
For more information about what areas are closed, hunters are encouraged to contact White Earth Division of Natural Resources by calling 218-850-8035, and review a map of closed areas on the Leech Lake Division of Resource Management webpage (drmllbo.maps.arcgis.com/apps/webappviewer/index.html?id=9f9c4e15c6f24b808c5eb91284dd42d9) or call 218-368-4767.
Throughout Minnesota, the early teal season falls at a time when many people are engaged in a wide range of water-based activities. The Minnesota DNR urges all over-water waterfowl hunters to be aware of and cautious about people participating in other activities on the water, no matter where they hunt.
“We continue to remind everyone about keeping a safety mindset and being mutually courteous, to make sure early waterfowl hunting and other water-based activities are all able to safely enjoy their opportunities,” Huck said. “Hunters are also reminded to be careful to correctly identify waterfowl species before shooting, and to continue to follow the basic tenets of firearms safety, including knowing with certainty what’s beyond their blinds and decoys before shooting.”
Information to help hunters properly identify waterfowl is available in an illustrated guide on page 18 of the 2024 Minnesota Waterfowl Hunting Regulations (mndnr.gov/regulations/hunting). Access to complete information on Minnesota’s waterfowl hunting seasons is available from the Minnesota DNR’s waterfowl hunting webpage (mndnr.gov/hunting/waterfowl).
Changes to federal duck stamp, and goose permit
New this year, electronically issued federal stamps are now valid for the entire season. Pictorial stamps will be mailed to purchasers after the close of waterfowl seasons. The stamps are available through the Minnesota DNR electronic licensing system, in person or online (mndnr.gov/buyalicense), and cost $29 per stamp. Federal duck stamps are required for all hunters age 16 and older. Waterfowl hunters must also possess a small game license, state waterfowl stamp and Harvest Information Program (HIP) certification. The state waterfowl stamp requirement is for residents age 18 to 64 and nonresidents age 16 and older. Additionally, beginning this year, an early goose permit is no longer required for goose hunters.
Waterfowl season dates and youth reminders
Hunting season dates for ducks, mergansers, coots, and moorhens are:
- Saturday, Sept. 21, through Tuesday, Nov. 19, in the north zone;
- Saturday, Sept. 21, through Sunday, Sept. 29, and Saturday, Oct. 5, through Sunday, Nov. 24, in the south and central zones.
Hunting season dates for geese are:
- Sunday, Sept. 1, through Sunday, Sept. 15 and Saturday, Sept. 21, through Saturday, Dec. 21, in the north zone; and
- Sunday, Sept. 1, through Sunday, Sept. 15, and Saturday, Sept. 21, through Sunday, Sept. 29, and Saturday, Oct. 5 through Thursday, Dec. 26 in the south and central zones.
Youth waterfowl weekend is Saturday, Sept. 7, through Sunday, Sept. 8, when waterfowl hunters 17 and younger can hunt if accompanied by a nonhunting adult 18 years of age or older. Regulations for this hunt are available on page 8 of the waterfowl hunting regulations(mndnr.gov/regulations/hunting). Learn to hunt information is available on the Minnesota DNR website (mndnr.gov/gohunting).
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Minnesota DNR ramping up elk planning and research
The Minnesota Department of Natural Resource is holding an in-person meeting on northwest elk management on Sept. 10 to begin work on developing a legislatively directed plan to enhance the size and range of Minnesota’s elk population and provide increased recreational opportunities while maintaining a healthy, sustainable elk population going forward.
“Elk are important to a lot of Minnesotans for many different reasons,” said Kelsie LaSharr, Minnesota DNR elk coordinator. “At this meeting, we look forward to providing an update on elk management and an upcoming research project. We also look forward to hearing a range of perspectives about how elk are managed in northwest Minnesota.”
A 2024 amendment to existing statute requires the Minnesota DNR to work with the DNR elk working groups, private landowners, local units of government, and Minnesota tribal nations to develop a plan to enhance the size and range of Minnesota’s elk population and provide increased recreational opportunities while maintaining a healthy, sustainable elk population going forward. The legislation also allows one of the three elk herds in northwest Minnesota to grow from the 2023 population estimate of 75 elk up to a total of 98 elk to allow for genetic diversification and herd health.
The in-person meeting will be held 6-8 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 10, at Northland Community and Technical College, 1101 Highway One East, Performance Art Theater, in Thief River Falls. The meeting will begin with brief presentations on the upcoming research project and the state of northwest elk management. Invited panelists will then share their perspectives on these topics through a facilitated panel discussion. The meeting will conclude with breakout sessions for all meeting participants to ask their questions and share their views on key research and management topics.
Northwest Minnesota elk herd resiliency and research
Research biologists from the Minnesota DNR and University of Minnesota-Twin Cities will begin an in-depth elk research project in northwestern Minnesota in January 2025. The project is the beginning of a new effort that seeks to better understand Minnesota’s elk population.
The study aims to build upon the results from research on the northwestern elk herds conducted from 2016 to 2018. While the results from the prior research provided an understanding of adult female (cow) elk home range size and habitat use, current information is lacking on basic life-history characteristics, herd health and genetic composition of the herds, as well as movements of bulls, which were not included in the first study.
The Minnesota DNR has begun reaching out to private landowners in northwest elk range to seek permission to access private properties for the study. This life-history research study is led by Dr. Eric Michel, Minnesota DNR ungulate research scientist.
“Although we gained valuable information from our prior research, we now need additional data on population health, pregnancy and survival rates, more specific movement information on both bulls and cows, and insight into alternative population estimation methods,” said Dr. Eric Michel, DNR ungulate research scientist.
Project funding for the northwest elk research project comes from the Minnesota Environment and Natural Resources Trust Fund as recommended by the Legislative-Citizen Commission on Minnesota Resources and approved by the Minnesota Legislature. The Minnesota DNR is also providing in-kind support.
More information on elk research and management, and a sign-up for the Minnesota DNR Elk Notes quarterly email newsletter, are available on the DNR elk management webpage (mndnr.gov/elk). People can also sign up for Elk Notes newsletter at the public meeting in September.
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The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources is recruiting new members to serve on key advisory groups related to fish and wildlife conservation; promoting knowledge and skills in fishing, hunting, trapping and related activities; conservation policy and funding; parks and trails; and aquatic invasive species. Interested people can learn more or apply on the Engage with DNR webpage (engage.dnr.state.mn.us/advisory-group-appointment-opportunities).
Advisory groups are one way the DNR works with Minnesotans to further the department's mission. Participation in one of these appointed roles is an important way that Minnesotans can contribute their ideas and perspectives.
Most terms begin in 2025 and are for three years, and most groups meet four to six times per year, with in-person and online options for joining meetings. Exceptions to this pattern are noted below where applicable.
The Minnesota DNR strives for each committee to include people from a diverse mix of backgrounds, perspectives, locations and experiences, so that we can benefit from the breadth of knowledge and insight that such diversity brings and so that our advisory committees reflect the population of Minnesota.
Fisheries Work Groups
Fisheries work groups provide input and feedback on DNR policies related to bass, northern pike and muskie, panfish, walleye, and commercial production of minnows. Members represent a variety of viewpoints and work together to address topics such as recreation, water quality, fish habitat, fish management and effects on local economies.
The commercial minnow work group is a new advisory group created to enhance dialogue between the DNR and commercial minnow interests to discuss research, population, harvest trends and fisheries management in Minnesota.
Online applications (engage.dnr.state.mn.us/embeds/projects/7945/survey-tools/22952) will be accepted until 4:30 p.m. Friday, Sept. 27. More information about fisheries work groups is available on the DNR website (mndnr.gov/fishgroups).
Hunter and Angler Recruitment, Retention and Reactivation Council (R3 Council)
The Minnesota R3 Council works with and is facilitated by the DNR to develop a plan and implement strategies to promote knowledge, skills and participation in hunting, fishing and closely related outdoor activities. Members work to educate the public and make it easier to get involved in hunting, fishing, and related outdoor recreation. The group makes recommendations for recruiting new, retaining current and reactivating former hunters and anglers in Minnesota.
Online applications (engage.dnr.state.mn.us/embeds/projects/7945/survey-tools/22952) will be accepted until 4:30 p.m. Friday, Sept. 27. More information about the R3 Council is available on the DNR website (mndnr.gov/r3/council).
Mille Lacs Fisheries Advisory Committee (MLFAC)
This group makes recommendations to the DNR on fisheries management for Mille Lacs Lake. Members include representatives of area resorts, fishing guides and other businesses; property owners; county officials; representatives of the DNR’s work groups that focus on walleye, bass, and northern pike and muskellunge; and others.
The DNR supports the committee’s efforts by supplying information that is used to help manage the Mille Lacs fisheries, including standard fish population assessments, creel harvest surveys, status of invasive species and other available information requested by the committee.
Online applications (engage.dnr.state.mn.us/embeds/projects/7945/survey-tools/22952) will be accepted until 4:30 p.m. Friday, Sept. 27. More information about the MLFAC is available on the DNR website (mndnr.gov/millelacslake/advisory-committee.html).
Minnesota Parks and Trails Legacy Advisory Committee
People with enthusiasm for Minnesota parks and trails can help guide efforts to provide welcoming, engaging, accessible, rewarding and sustainable outdoor recreation experiences for everyone. The partner agencies of the Parks and Trails Legacy Advisory Committee include the Metropolitan Council, the Greater Minnesota Regional Parks and Trails Commission and the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. The Parks and Trails Legacy Advisory Committee’s mission is to champion the 25-year Parks and Trails Legacy Plan.
Terms are two years, with the option of being reappointed for a maximum of three terms. The committee meets every two months at park and trail facilities around the state, with an online meeting option. Meetings typically include tours of state and regional parks and trails and provide members with the opportunities to experience the impact of projects and programs supported by the Parks and Trails Legacy Fund.
Online applications (legacy.mn.gov/ptlac/application) will be accepted until 4:30 p.m. Friday, Sept. 27. More details are available on the DNR website (legacy.mn.gov/ptlac).
Aquatic Invasive Species Advisory Committee
Aquatic invasive species present one of the state’s most pressing natural resource issues. Preventing the spread of zebra mussels, Eurasian watermilfoil, invasive carp, starry stonewort and other invasive plants and animals is critically important to Minnesota’s environment, recreation opportunities, and economy.
The Aquatic Invasive Species Advisory Committee comprises 15 members who provide advice and diverse perspectives on programmatic direction, emerging research needs, communications, and funding strategies. Members have a variety of personal and professional experiences with aquatic invasive species issues and represent a range of private, nonprofit and public sector organizations that are actively engaged in aquatic invasive species prevention. Online applications (tinyurl.com/AISAdvisory) will be accepted until 4:30 p.m. Friday, Sept. 27. Interested applicants can learn more about the committee on the DNR website (mndnr.gov/aisadvisory).
Natural Heritage Advisory Committee
The Natural Heritage Advisory Committee advises the DNR on issues relating to sustaining the state’s natural heritage, biological diversity and ecosystem services. NHAC members make recommendations to help protect high quality prairies, forests, wetlands and other native habitats, and the diversity of plants and animals they support.
NHAC applicants should have knowledge, demonstrated dedication or experience related to natural resource management, conservation biology, ecological education and outreach, and other aspects of Minnesota’s natural heritage.
New member appointments will begin in January 2025 and extend through December 2027. Minnesota residents with interest or expertise in sustaining our state’s natural heritage can apply online until 4:30 p.m. Friday, Sept. 27. Interested applicants can learn more on the DNR website (mndnr.gov/nhac).
Fish and Wildlife Advisory Committee
A newly created Fish and Wildlife Advisory Committee is taking the place of citizen oversight committees that operated from 1994 to 2024. The committee will review annual outcomes achieved from game and fish fund expenditures and make recommendations to the legislature and the commissioner for desired outcomes related to protecting, restoring, and enhancing fish and wildlife habitat; fish and wildlife population management; fish and wildlife monitoring and research; communications and engagement; and improvements in the management and use of money in the game and fish fund.
Nearly $100 million is expended from the Game and Fish Fund each year. The revenue supporting these expenditures is primarily the product of hunting and fishing license sales, federal reimbursements, and a sales tax on state lottery tickets.
Minnesota residents with a hunting, fishing or trapping license or an active critical habitat license plate can apply until 4:30 p.m. Friday, Sept. 27. Interested applicants can learn more by visiting the committee page of the DNR website (mndnr.gov/gamefishoversight).
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The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, thanks to funding from U.S. Forest Service Inflation Reduction Act, is committed to fostering the next generation of tree care professionals. As part of this effort, the DNR is making available $2.3 million of federal funds through competitive grants aimed at recruiting, training and retaining youth and adults from environmental justice areas for careers in urban and community tree care.
The Growing Tomorrow’s Tree Care Professionals Grants will help develop the skilled workforce needed to tackle the growing challenges to our trees to keep them healthy. Healthy neighborhood tree canopies are not only beautiful — they improve health and enhance air and water quality.
These grants are open to nonprofits with 501(c)(3) status, educational institutions, professional associations, local governments, and Tribal nations.
“Our trees are facing new challenges every year,” said Madisson Masucci, DNR’s Urban and Community Forestry coordinator. “It’s more important than ever to have people who can help educate the public about the importance of trees and to protect and maintain them. These grants are a great opportunity to train the next generation of tree care professionals who can help our trees stay healthy and resilient for years to come.”
Eligible organizations can apply for up to $500,000, with no minimum match required. The funding can be used for a variety of activities, including urban and community forestry education, career-focused outreach, professional certifications and training programs. The grants can support staff time and recruitment and retention initiatives, as well as provide necessary program materials and personal protective equipment for participants.
Applications are due by Oct. 8. For more information or to sign up for the informational webinar on Sept. 18, visit the DNR website (mndnr.gov/community-forestry-grants).
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