Minnesota Wildlife

Comment on Minnesota?s draft wolf management plan
through Aug. 8 ? ?

The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources welcomes comments about the DNR?s draft wolf management plan through 4:30 p.m. Monday, Aug. 8.

People can review the plan on the DNR website.?Comments can be submitted a number of ways:

• By completing an online survey
• Emailing written comments to [email protected]
• Sending written comments to Wolf Plan, Box 20, Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, 500 Lafayette Rd., St. Paul, MN 55155.

The updated wolf management plan includes summary information about Minnesota?s wolf population and a history of wolves in the state. It details the diverse and changing public attitudes about wolves, the legal status of wolves, tribal perspectives on wolves, and ways to support a healthy and resilient wolf population while minimizing conflicts between humans and wolves. The draft plan also sets out a framework for future decisions about whether to hold a wolf hunting or trapping season, should the wolf be removed from the federal threatened species list in Minnesota.

More details: Review the draft wolf plan

Photo courtesy of the International Wolf Center

Ruffed, sharp-tailed grouse counts up unexpectedly

Minnesota?s ruffed grouse spring population counts are up from last year, which was not expected during the current declining phase of the 10-year cycle ? a pattern recorded for 72 years.

When it comes to sharp-tailed grouse, Minnesota?s population has increased significantly in the east-central portion of the state, according to spring population counts conducted by the DNR and cooperating organizations.

More details: Read more about the counts

Photo courtesy of Kalli Hawkins

DNR accepting applications for several wildlife, fisheries advisory committees

Minnesotans can apply online through Sept. 16 to serve on several committees that advise the DNR about fisheries and wildlife topics.

We?re seeking applicants to fill open seats on the these committees, and you can find more details about each committee using the links here:

• Deer Advisory Committee
• Mille Lacs Fisheries Advisory Committee
• Minnesota R3 Council (R3 stands for recruiting, retaining and reactivating hunters and anglers)
• Five fisheries work groups (bass, catfish, northern pike and muskellunge, panfish, and walleye).

Apply to serve here for any of these committees. Members will serve two- to three-year terms and must commit to attending at least three of the four videoconference meetings each committee has annually.?

The DNR will also be seeking applicants for other advisory groups in the future.

More details: Learn about?these and other advisory groups