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Sept. 6, 2024
Stay informed! Here’s a summary of upcoming wildlife and habitat management activities and ways you can discover, explore and experience Minnesota’s outdoors.
Pheasant numbers similar to 2023
Pheasant numbers in the 2024 Minnesota August Roadside Survey were similar to 2023 and 19% above the 10-year average — welcome news after the wet spring and summer we had.
Our milder winter meant more hens were available for nesting this year, which likely offset chick losses that occurred due to wet conditions during the breeding season.
This year’s statewide pheasant index was 52 birds per 100 miles of roads driven, compared to 51 birds per 100 miles of road driven in 2023. Pheasant numbers increased the most in the east central region (increase of 70%), followed by increases in the central (34%), south central (8%), and west central (6%) regions. Though pheasant numbers declined in the southwest (decrease of 29%), the region still had the greatest number of birds at 82 birds per 100 miles, and should provide some of the best hunting opportunities in the state.
Weather and habitat are the main influences on Minnesota’s pheasant population trends. Weather causes annual fluctuations in pheasant numbers, while habitat drives long-term population trends. The Minnesota pheasant hunting season opens at 9 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 12. Check out the full report and the pheasant hunting prospects map on the Minnesota DNR pheasant hunting page.
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Small game survey results available
The number of small game hunters in Minnesota in 2023 increased slightly from 2022 and was 5% below the 10-year average. Overall, 230,283 small game licenses were sold for the 2023-24 hunting seasons, compared to the 10-year average of 242,688 small game licenses. But similar to the previous year, hunters who did pursue the top small game species (waterfowl, grouse and pheasants) had similar or slightly better success rates compared to the 10-year averages, according to the Minnesota DNR’s small game hunter mail survey. The survey report is available on the DNR website.
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Tools for archery deer hunters
Minnesota’s archery deer season opens Saturday, Sept. 14, and the Minnesota DNR has online tools and area wildlife staff ready to support hunters as they prepare for a safe, enjoyable season. Check out some reminders in the DNR news release.
Now is also an ideal time for hunters to start using the DNR’s online log for deer and other wildlife sightings. The information supplements population estimates, which are an important tool for managing wildlife.
Photo courtesy of Dave Strain
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Youth have many special ways to go hunting this fall
Youth who want to hunt in Minnesota have several opportunities to go hunting in the fall in addition to regular hunting seasons. These hunting opportunities are designed for youth to have positive hunting experiences and get dedicated time to learn outdoor skills.
Youth hunting opportunities and dates this fall that are in addition to regular hunting seasons are:
And remember firearms safety training and to review the 2024 hunting regulations booklet, including details for youth hunters on page 35.
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Northwest elk public meeting is Sept. 10
The Minnesota DNR 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. 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. Find more details and learn about a northwest Minnesota elk research project in the DNR news release.
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Minnesota DNR seeks applications for advisory groups
The Minnesota DNR 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. 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.
Photo courtesy of Ryan Dunlop
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Winner chosen for waterfowl stamp
Mankato artist Kurt Kegler won the Minnesota waterfowl stamp contest with an acrylic painting of a cackling goose, a species that looks like a smaller version of a Canada goose. Michael Sieve of Rushford earned second place with a cackling goose painting done in oil and acrylic. Third place went Stephen Hamrick of Lakeville with a painting of a cackling goose done in acrylic. The winners were selected out of 12 eligible submissions. The waterfowl stamp can be purchased in combination with a hunting license, or as a collectable. Visit the Minnesota DNR website for more information about habitat stamps and contest guidelines.
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Coming March 2025: Fishing, hunting and recreational vehicle licensing, made easy!
The Minnesota DNR is in the process of modernizing the system used to offer fishing, hunting, trapping and recreational vehicle licenses and registrations, including watercraft and off-highway vehicles.
The new system will include a mobile app and make it easier for customers to buy licenses, register their harvests, access safety trainings and more.
Learn more and sign up for project updates at our FAQ webpage.
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Minnesota Twins offer special edition hats with DNR ticket package
Anyone with a 2024 Minnesota fishing or hunting license can access a special ticket package with the Minnesota Twins this season that includes a special edition blaze orange wool-blend Twins cap with ticket purchase.
The Minnesota DNR Days partnership included seven games this year, with the final one coming up at 6:40 p.m. on Tuesday, Sept. 10 vs. the Los Angeles Angels. Find instructions for purchasing tickets on the Minnesota DNR Days webpage.
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Webinars on public land and hunting
We have a webinar coming up on Wednesday, Sept. 11, all about wildlife management areas and aquatic management areas — some history, purposes of these lands, and the variety of recreational opportunities they offer, and about the system-wide planning process currently underway to ensure consistent and holistic management of WMA and AMA lands into the future.
You can also check out recordings of deer management and tree stand safety webinars, and register for upcoming webinars for free, at the Minnesota Outdoor Skills and Stewardship Series page.
Photo courtesy of Cam Miller
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Let’s talk about wildlife
Hunters, trappers and wildlife watchers benefit from the management, habitat and oversight work of the Minnesota DNR’s area wildlife office staff. Have question, comment or concern? Area wildlife staff are happy to talk with you!
Find hunting and trapping regulations, harvest registration, how to contact a conservation officer and information about pursuing a variety of species at the DNR hunting page. New to hunting? Check out the DNR learn to hunt page.
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