Aug. 4, 2025



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*Minnesota DNR News
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*FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
*

Aug. 4, 2025




*For more information:*

Contact the DNR Information Center

by email  <[email protected]>or call 888-646-6367.





In This Issue

* DNR Fish and Wildlife Almanac [ #link_1491411839600 ]
* Minnesota DNR invites conversation about wildlife [ #link_1491411977526 ]

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DNR Fish and Wildlife Almanac

"A weekly list of news briefs about fish, wildlife and habitat management."

Breeding waterfowl population counts include lower estimate for blue-winged teal, mallard; goose numbers increase

The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources’ spring 2025 waterfowl population count found that Minnesota’s blue-winged teal population is 60% below last year. Blue-winged teal prefer small, temporary wetlands for nesting and brood rearing. Over the last few years, dry conditions have led to fewer of these wetlands in Minnesota, likely spurring the teal to settle outside the state and reducing the estimated number of birds present in the state this past spring. At an estimated 64,000 in spring 2025, this is the lowest blue-winged teal population since the survey started in 1968.

We know habitat is the most important factor driving waterfowl populations. To that end, the DNR developed the 2025-2030 Duck Action Plan to guide agency efforts to manage waterfowl habitat. It can be found on the DNR website [ [link removed] ] (mndnr.gov/waterfowl).

Overall, spring waterfowl population counts found mixed results relative to 2024 numbers and long-term averages for several species that nest in Minnesota. Below are the current population estimates:


* Blue-winged teals: 64,000, which is 60% below the 2024 estimate and 69% below the long-term average
* Canada geese: 140,000, which is 32% above the 2024 estimate and 8% below the long-term average
* Mallards: 164,000, which is 16% above the 2024 estimate and 28% below the long-term average
* Other ducks (such as ring-necked ducks, wood ducks, gadwalls, northern shovelers, canvasbacks, redheads and buffleheads): 189,000, which is 119% above the 2024 estimate and 7% above the long-term average
* Total breeding duck abundance (excluding scaup): 417,000, which is 8% above the 2024 estimate and 32% below the long-term average

The full waterfowl survey report includes additional information about survey methods, as well as recent trumpeter swan population estimates and an estimated number of wetlands in the state. The report is available on the DNR waterfowl management page [ [link removed] ] (mndnr.gov/waterfowl).

Winners chosen for 2026 trout and salmon stamp, walleye stamp contests
Acrylic painting of a brown trout by Shoreview artist Scott Wenner

Shoreview artist Scott Wenner has won the Minnesota 2026 trout and salmon stamp contest with an acrylic painting of a brown trout, and Shakopee artist Mark Thone is the winner of the walleye stamp contest with an acrylic painting of two walleye. Judging for both contests was held on July 31.

Acrylic painting walleye by Shakopee artist Mark Thone

In the trout and salmon stamp contest — which had eight eligible submissions — there was a tie for second place with St. Paul artist Matt Linz creating an oil painting of a brown trout. The other second place winner was Bemidji artist Samuel Larsen with an acrylic painting of a lake trout.

In the walleye stamp contest — which had nine eligible submissions — the runner-up was Bemidji artist Samuel Larsen with an acrylic painting. Third place went to Lakeville artist Rochelle Blumberg with an oil painting of a walleye.

The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources uses revenue from voluntary purchases of walleye stamps to fund walleye stocking in Minnesota’s lakes. Revenue from trout and salmon stamps (which are required for anglers ages 18-64 who fish in designated trout waters or possess trout) is dedicated to trout and salmon management and habitat work.

Visit the DNR’s stamp webpage [ [link removed] ] (mndnr.gov/stamps) for more information about habitat stamps and contest guidelines.

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Minnesota DNR invites conversation about wildlife

"All wildlife topics welcome in discussions with local wildlife staff"

Anyone interested in wildlife is invited to chat with Minnesota Department of Natural Resources wildlife managers in local DNR offices across the state from 10 a.m. until 6 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 21, or by phone during these same hours.

“We’re asking people to please stop by or give us a call about anything related to Minnesota wildlife or habitat. We really want to talk,” said David Trauba, wildlife section manager. “These conversations give us important viewpoints that can make our work more effective.”

Conversation topics can include anything related to wildlife. Hunters might have local questions about public land and how to access it, or about how wildlife is faring in their area. Bird watchers might want to hear about wetland and prairie restoration projects taking place nearby. Others might benefit from discussing techniques to manage damage caused by wildlife to gardens or crops.

While the Aug. 21 office hours provide dedicated time for conversations about wildlife, DNR staff are always happy to talk with members of the public throughout the year.

These wildlife conversations began in 2018 with the release of the statewide deer management plan [ [link removed] ] (mndnr.gov/deerplan) and have continued and broadened to encourage discussions about all wildlife and habitat topics.

When it comes to deer, potential topics include deer generally, upcoming hunting season changes, topics for the DNR deer advisory committee’s consideration, and other thoughts and feedback regarding deer management.

To find an area wildlife office location and contact information, visit the Minnesota DNR website [ [link removed] ] (mndnr.gov/wildlife/talk-about-wildlife.html).

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