In This Issue
A weekly list of news briefs about fish, wildlife, and habitat management.
Know the difference between white-tailed deer and elk
People sometimes report seeing elk in a wider geographical area outside of far northwestern Minnesota. Hunters need to make sure they know the difference in the field. The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources website (mndnr.gov/hunting/deer-elk-id.html) has drawings and traits listed to help distinguish elk from white-tailed deer. Additionally, people are encouraged to report elk sightings in Minnesota using the online elk sighting reporting tool (mndnr.gov/elk/elk-sightings.html).
Deer hunters invited to share wildlife observations
Minnesota deer hunters can use an online log (mndnr.gov/mammals/deer/management/hunter-field-log.html) to report wildlife they see while hunting. Data from the observation logs help the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources estimate population level trends for deer and track wildlife distribution for other species across the state.
Using a mobile device or desktop computer, hunters can enter information on the online log about wildlife they see each day of hunting, including deer, turkeys, bears, fishers and other species. They’ll also be able to report specific information about any deer they harvest. Hunters are encouraged to fill out a report after each hunt, even if they don’t see any deer that day. The online questionnaire will be available until Jan. 15, 2025.
Minnesota DNR webinars focus on late-season pheasant hunting and deer hunting tips
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.
In a webinar on Wednesday, Oct. 23, Aaron Wilson, senior Farm Bill biologist with Pheasants Forever, will discuss pheasant hunting later in the pheasant season, which runs through Wednesday, Jan. 1, 2025. Hunting pheasants as winter rolls in can be a great time to find birds congregated in predictable areas. Wilson will talk about where to find pheasants once the crops are out and the snow is flying, and how to prepare for hunting once the weather turns colder.
In a webinar on Wednesday, Oct. 30, Minnesota DNR outreach staff and lifelong deer hunters Jeff Ledermann and Kraig Kiger will share their top 10 list of deer hunting tips. They’ll cover everything from scouting and stands to field dressing and butchering and will take questions to help hunters put some venison in their freezers this fall.
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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As the leaves fall and the nights grow cooler, the water temperature in lakes and rivers across the state has started dropping as well.
Whether they’re hunting, fishing, or paddling, the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources offers this reminder to anyone still using the water: Your safety is your responsibility. Even for strong swimmers, unexpected falls into the cold water this time of year can turn tragic quickly. Considering there are fewer people on the water to help in the case of an emergency, it is vital people take steps to ensure their own safety.
“This time of year, the water is particularly unforgiving,” said Capt. Adam Block, DNR boating law administrator. “Unfortunately, in the past few weeks we have seen a number of people on the water either not wearing life jackets, or not even having them along. If there’s one thing you can do to ensure you make it home safely at the end of your trip, it’s wearing a life jacket.”
While more boating related accidents occur during the busy summer season, a higher percentage of cold water incidents are fatal. In addition to wearing a life jacket (foam is better than inflatable during the cold-water season), other steps people can take to stay safe include:
- Distribute weight evenly across the watercraft.
- Abide by manufacturer’s weight limits.
- Tell someone on shore where they’re going and when they plan to return, and carry a communications device.
- Keep an eye on the weather.
For more information, including how to survive a fall into cold water, visit the Minnesota DNR’s cold water safety webpage (mndnr.gov/safety/boatwater/cold-water.html).
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As 400,000 hunters prepare for firearms deer hunting seasons, the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources reminds hunters about some ways to be safe and successful.
“Know before you go so you can focus on having a great season,” said Barb Keller, Minnesota DNR big game program leader. “It’s easy to use our website to find out what you need to know.”
The Minnesota DNR’s online DPA lookup tool (mndnr.gov/deerhunt) provides a comprehensive step-by-step list of information hunters need to consider before heading to deer camp. Hunters can walk through the steps to consider, including knowing the hunting regulations, planning for deer processing, getting their deer sampled for chronic wasting disease, being safe and making the most out of their hunt. To use the online tool, all hunters need to know is the deer permit area number or DPA numbers where they intend to hunt, which they can find on the interactive deer map (mndnr.gov/deermap).
In Minnesota, archery deer season began Sept. 14 and continues through Tuesday, Dec. 31. Firearms “A” deer season begins Saturday, Nov. 9, with various closing dates depending on a hunter’s DPA. Muzzleloader begins Saturday, Nov. 30, and continues through Sunday, Dec. 15.
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The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources has confirmed the presence of zebra mussels in Clear Lake, near Forest Lake in Washington County.
Rice Creek Watershed District staff contacted the DNR after a lake resident reported a zebra mussel on their dock on the west side of the lake. Another resident in the same area subsequently reported a zebra mussel on their dock. More zebra mussels were found by the DNR during shoreline searches in the same area as the two residents’ docks.
Several new zebra mussel confirmations in Minnesota lakes in recent years were initially reported by property owners and lake service providers removing docks, boats, and boat lifts at the end of the season. The DNR asks people to carefully check boats and trailers, docks and lifts, and all other water-related equipment for invasive species when removing equipment for seasonal storage.
Remember to also keep docks and boat lifts out of the water for at least 21 days before putting them into another body of water. This is state law.
Whether or not a lake has any invasive species, Minnesota law also requires people to:
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Clean watercraft, trailers and equipment to remove aquatic plants and prohibited invasive species.
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Drain all water and leave drain plugs out during transport.
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Dispose of unwanted bait in the trash.
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Never release bait, plants or aquarium pets into Minnesota waters.
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Dry docks, lifts and rafts for 21 days before moving them from one water body to another.
These additional steps reduce the risk of spreading aquatic invasive species:
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Decontaminate watercraft and equipment – find free stations on the courtesy decontamination page of the DNR website (mndnr.gov/decon).
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Spray watercraft and equipment with high-pressure water or rinse with water if high-pressure water is not available.
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Dry watercraft and equipment for at least five days before using in another water body.
People should contact a Minnesota DNR aquatic invasive species specialist (mndnr.gov/invasives/ais/contacts.html) if they think they have found zebra mussels or any other invasive species that was not already known to be in the water body.
More information is available on the aquatic invasive species page of the DNR website (mndnr.gov/ais).
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The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources has confirmed the presence of zebra mussels in Potato Lake, near Park Rapids in Hubbard County.
A lake property owner contacted the DNR after a lake service provider found a zebra mussel on a boat lift they were removing for the season from Potato Lake. DNR and Hubbard County staff and Potato Lake Association members found five additional zebra mussels at the location of the initial report and two more at another location about 2.5 miles away.
Several new zebra mussel confirmations in Minnesota lakes in recent years were initially reported by property owners and lake service providers removing docks, boats, and boat lifts at the end of the season. The DNR asks people to carefully check boats and trailers, docks and lifts, and all other water-related equipment for invasive species when removing equipment for seasonal storage.
Remember to also keep docks and boat lifts out of the water for at least 21 days before putting them into another body of water. This is state law.
Whether or not a lake has any invasive species, Minnesota law also requires people to:
-
Clean watercraft, trailers and equipment to remove aquatic plants and prohibited invasive species.
-
Drain all water and leave drain plugs out during transport.
-
Dispose of unwanted bait in the trash.
-
Never release bait, plants or aquarium pets into Minnesota waters.
-
Dry docks, lifts and rafts for 21 days before moving them from one water body to another.
These additional steps reduce the risk of spreading aquatic invasive species:
-
Decontaminate watercraft and equipment – find free stations on the courtesy decontamination page of the DNR website (mndnr.gov/decon).
-
Spray watercraft and equipment with high-pressure water or rinse with water if high-pressure water is not available.
-
Dry watercraft and equipment for at least five days before using in another water body.
People should contact a Minnesota DNR aquatic invasive species specialist (mndnr.gov/invasives/ais/contacts.html) if they think they have found zebra mussels or any other invasive species that was not already known to be in the water body.
More information is available on the aquatic invasive species page of the DNR website (mndnr.gov/ais).
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