Minnesota Wildlife

Watch for wild ricers during early waterfowl seasons

Minnesota waterfowl hunters taking part in early teal (Sept. 3-7) and goose hunting (Sept. 3-18) seasons in September need to be aware of and cautious of wild rice harvesters, because wild rice is ripening at the same time as these early waterfowl hunting seasons.

Additionally, the Leech Lake Band of Ojibwe and the White Earth Nation have closed all wild rice waters within the boundaries of their respective reservations to all over-water waterfowl hunting during the traditional wild rice harvest.

Are you are planning to participate in these hunts, or the youth waterfowl hunt on Saturday, Sept. 10, through Sunday, Sept. 11? Please be aware of tribal restrictions within the boundaries of the Leech Lake or White Earth reservations. And be aware of and cautious about wild ricers no matter where you hunt.?

More details: Please read more in this DNR news release

Talk with us about deer

You?re invited to talk with DNR staff about deer today from 10 a.m. until 6 p.m. Wildlife managers throughout the state will be available to discuss deer-related topics in local area offices or by phone.

In addition to discussing general concerns about deer, you?re free to talk with DNR staff about upcoming hunting season changes, identify topics that the DNR?s deer advisory committee should be aware of, and learn about other opportunities to provide thoughts and feedback regarding deer management throughout the year.

DNR staff are always available and happy to talk with members of the public throughout the year, but we set today?s office hours to specifically invite conversation about deer management.

More details: How to contact your area wildlife manager

Reminder: Deer lottery application deadline Sept. 8

Firearm and muzzleloader deer hunters, who want to harvest an antlerless deer in a deer permit area designated as antlerless permit lottery this hunting season must purchase a license by Thursday, Sept. 8. If you purchase your license on or before this date, you?re automatically entered into the lottery for the deer permit area or special hunt area you 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. Successful applicants must use the antlerless permit in the deer permit area they declare. No 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 who want to participate in special firearm or muzzleloader deer hunts also need to apply by Sept. 8 for permits that are issued through a lottery.

More details:?Get deer season information

Walk-In Access lands open starting Sept. 1

Beginning Thursday, Sept. 1, hunters can access nearly 29,000 acres of private land across 39 counties in western and south-central Minnesota through the Walk-In Access program, which pays landowners to allow public hunting on their property.

Hunters with a $3 Walk-In Access validation can access these lands from a half-hour before sunrise until a half-hour after sunset during open hunting seasons between Sept. 1 and May 31. No additional landowner contact is necessary.

The Walk-In Access program began in 2011 and funding sources include a grant from the Natural Resources Conservation Service of the U.S. Department of Agriculture, a surcharge on nonresident hunting licenses, a one-time appropriation from the Minnesota Legislature in 2012, and donations from hunters.

More details: Learn about Walk-In Access

DNR seeks applications for advisory committees

We?re recruiting new members to serve on key advisory groups related to Minnesota?s natural heritage, the Game and Fish fund, and hunting and fisheries management. Check out the wide variety of opportunities available and find details about how to apply on the DNR website.

More details: Learn more and apply

DNR webinars cover ammo tips, dressing for the outdoors

We?ve got webinars coming up about hunting ammunition and dressing for the outdoors, and a whole new lineup of webinars this fall.

The hunting ammo webinar is at noon Wednesday, Aug. 31. Kraig Kiger, DNR shooting sports coordinator, and James Burnham, DNR R3 coordinator, will lead a talk on hunting ammunition. The webinar will include two guests from Federal Ammunition: Jon Zinnel, senior manager of conservation and youth education programs, and Eric Miller, production manager of rifle ammunition and components. The group will discuss bullets, options for different game, development of products, and other tips to consider when purchasing ammo.

The week after, at noon Wednesday, Sept. 7, Becoming an Outdoors Woman program volunteers will discuss how to be successful in the outdoors by dressing for the elements. The webinar will cover fundamental principles about fabrics and layering that can help a person make their time outdoors comfortable and enjoyable.?A special focus will be on outdoor clothing designed specifically for women.

Our lineup of fall webinars is posted and registration is open! Fall topics include grouse and deer hunting, birding, wildlife research and photography, opportunities at Minnesota State Parks, fat-tire biking in the winter, and fishing for northern pike. All the webinars are free and registration is required.

More details: Register for the webinars