In This Issue
A weekly list of news briefs about fish, wildlife, and habitat management.
Explore the outdoors this winter by hunting Minnesota small game
Hunting pheasants, ruffed grouse, squirrels or rabbits offers opportunities to enjoy the Minnesota outdoors as temperatures fall and snow blankets the landscape.
- Pheasants: Hunting season is open through Jan. 1, 2023. On Dec. 1, the daily bag limit increased to three roosters, with a possession limit of nine roosters. The best places to find pheasants at this time of year are in tall grass or cattail marshes. Hunters should remember to exercise caution around thin ice.
- Grouse: Hunting season is open through Jan. 1, 2023. Wintertime grouse hunters may find success during the ?golden hour,? which is the last hour before sunset, when ruffed grouse move out of their snow roosts to feed.
- Squirrels: Hunting season is open through Feb. 28, 2023. Winter is breeding season for squirrels, which means they are active and easier to find.
- Rabbits: Hunting season is open through Feb. 28, 2023. Hunters will find the most success around thick cover, such as brush piles, thorn tangles and briars.
More information about how or where to hunt can be found on the DNR?s learn to hunt pages (mndnr.gov/GoHunting). Hunters also can find regulations and complete bag limit information on the DNR website (mndnr.gov/Hunting).
Additionally, the DNR invites people interested in rabbit hunting to join an upcoming webinar at noon Wednesday, Dec. 7, when DNR staff will share tips and ideas on how to hunt rabbits, return with delicious table fare, and gain lifelong memories in the process. More information is available on the outdoor skills and stewardship page of the DNR website (mndnr.gov/Discover).
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Following confirmation of CWD-positive deer in Bemidji area,
DPA 184 added to late-season hunt
Deer permit area 184 near Bemidji is being added to other DPAs in southeastern Minnesota and the south metropolitan area where hunters can harvest deer during a late-season chronic wasting disease management hunt, according to the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. DPA 184 is being added to the hunt after a deer harvested there this fall tested positive for CWD.
Dates for this late-season hunt are Friday, Dec. 16, through Sunday, Dec. 18. Deer permit areas open to this CWD management hunt are 184, 605, 643, 645, 646, 647, 648, 649 and 655.
The DNR establishes CWD management hunts to assess potential disease spread and to help mitigate the risk of CWD transmission by reducing the number of deer. To encourage participation in the management hunt, there is flexibility in the licenses and permits that are valid and there are no restrictions on the number of deer that a hunter may take.
Although the bag limit for this hunt is unlimited, 98% of successful hunters during the late CWD hunts in 2021 took only one or two deer.
Flexibility in licenses and permits
A hunter may use any unfilled archery, firearms, muzzleloader or landowner deer hunting license. Unfilled bonus permits and early antlerless permits also may be used. The hunting method used must match the license.
Hunters also may use any unfilled disease management permits or they may purchase a disease management permit for $2.50. During this hunt, individuals using disease management permits may hunt by archery, firearms or muzzleloader, and do not need any additional deer hunting license or permit.
Unlike other hunts, disease management permits may be used to tag both antlered and antlerless deer. Bonus permits and early antlerless tags can only be used to tag antlerless deer.
Special access permits available for a few state properties normally not hunted
Some public lands in southern Minnesota where deer hunting is otherwise not allowed will be open to hunting by a limited number of people during the late-season CWD management hunt. Special, no-cost permits to access these areas will be available from any DNR license vendor on a first-come, first-served basis starting at noon Friday, Dec. 2, and ending Sunday, Dec. 13.
The public lands in southern Minnesota for which there are a limited number of no-cost access permits are:
- Beaver Creek Valley State Park
- Cannon River Wilderness Area
- Forestville Mystery Cave State Park
- Great River Bluffs State Park and King's and Queen's Bluff Scientific Natural Area
- Nerstrand Woods State Park and Prairie Creek Woods SNA
- Pin Oak Prairie SNA
Hunters are reminded to avoid using ATVs on designated snowmobile trails and cross-country ski trails. Vermillion Highlands WMA is closed to public hunting during the CWD management hunt.
CWD sampling mandatory
CWD sampling is mandatory for deer harvested in this hunt. Harvested deer must be taken to a sampling station. Stations will be open 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Friday, Dec. 16 through Monday, Dec. 19. A complete list of station locations is available on the DNR website (mndnr.gov/CWD/CWD-Hunts.html).
Carcass movement restrictions in place, except for DPA 184
Carcass movement restrictions apply in all late-hunt DPAs except 184. Hunters in DPA 184 are not required, but are encouraged, to keep whole carcasses within the DPA until the carcasses are quartered or the meat is de-boned. Carcass movement restrictions apply in all 600-series DPAs and are supported with dumpsters for carcass disposal. The timing of the detection of the CWD-positive deer in DPA 184 did not allow for dumpsters to be coordinated in time for the management hunt. Complete details on carcass movement restrictions and how to follow them are available on the DNR website (mndnr.gov/DeerImports).
Complete information about the hunts is available on the DNR website (mndnr.gov/CWD/CWD-Hunts.html).
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Plan available online; in-person and online events planned
for discussion and input
The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources invites people interested in the Whitewater Wildlife Management Area to share their thoughts on a draft update of the WMA?s master plan, which will guide management of the popular hunting, fishing, and wildlife-watching destination in southeastern Minnesota.
?Public input is important as we update this plan,? said Jaime Edwards, Whitewater WMA supervisor. ?The last update to the plan was in 1977, and we want this update to reflect current public values and attitudes about how the land should be managed into the future.?
The following events have been scheduled:
- Whitewater WMA staff will present an overview of the plan and answer questions during a webinar from 6-7 p.m. on Thursday, Dec. 15. Registration is not required. A link to join the webinar is available on the Whitewater WMA page of the DNR website (mndnr.gov/areas/wildlife/whitewater_wma.html).
- Whitewater WMA staff will explain the plan and its purpose, answer questions and collect input during an in-person open house from 6-8 p.m. on Wednesday, Jan. 4, 2023 in the main auditorium at the Whitewater State Park office, 19041 Highway 74 near Altura. Registration is not required.
- Whitewater WMA staff will explain the plan and its purpose, answer questions and collect input during a webinar from 6-8 p.m. on Thursday, Jan. 5, 2023. Registration is not required. A link to join the webinar is available on the Whitewater WMA page of the DNR website (mndnr.gov/areas/wildlife/whitewater_wma.html).
The draft master plan update is available for review on the DNR website (mndnr.gov/areas/wildlife/whitewater_wma.html). Comments on the master plan update can be made through Monday, Jan. 9 by:
- Completing the online form on the Engage with DNR website (engage.dnr.state.mn.us). A link to the draft plan and form is available on the Whitewater WMA page of the DNR website (mndnr.gov/areas/wildlife/whitewater_wma.html).
- Giving comments at the Jan. 4 open house or Jan. 5 webinar.
- Sending comments via email to [email protected].
- Sending written comments via postal mail to: Whitewater WMA Master Plan, Fish and Wildlife Division, 500 Lafayette Road, St. Paul, MN, 55155.
- Delivering written comments in person to the Whitewater WMA office near Altura.
Whitewater WMA?s 28,000 acres provide habitat for a wide variety of wildlife species, but there have been many changes since the plan?s last update in 1977. Public use has changed, invasive species and climate change present new management challenges, and more native plant communities need to be restored and enhanced, among other changes.
The updated master plan will be used to guide management of the Whitewater WMA?s wetlands, forests, blufflands, prairies, grasslands and agricultural lands. It will include management goals, objectives and strategies for the WMA throughout the next 10 years.
Whitewater WMA hosts an estimated 500,000 visits annually. It is particularly popular with wild turkey hunters in spring, and deer and small game hunters in autumn. More information and maps of the area can be found on the Whitewater WMA page of the DNR website (mndnr.gov/areas/wildlife/whitewater_wma.html) and the WMA finder (mndnr.gov/wmas).
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By statute, the opening date for Minnesota?s snowmobile trails is Dec. 1 but most of the state?s trails need more snow before they can be groomed for use, according to the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources.
Several conditions must be met before trails are groomed and safe:
- The ground must be frozen. Where trails cross wetlands, 15 inches of ice is needed to support the weight of the trail groomers.
- Adequate snow cover of about 12 inches must be on the ground to allow for trail packing and grooming.
- Trails must be cleared of fallen trees, signs put in place and gates opened. Snowmobile club volunteers and DNR staff are currently working on these tasks.
?It?s a big job for local volunteers and DNR staff to get the trail system up and running each year, especially with varying weather conditions,? said Wade Miller, state trails and snowmobile program consultant. ?We work together to get trails ready to ride as soon as we can so Minnesotans can enjoy a long riding season.?
Ice on most lakes is not currently safe for snowmobile travel. The DNR recommends a minimum of 5 to 7 inches of new, clear ice for snowmobiles. More information about ice safety, including general ice thickness guidelines and how to check ice thickness, is available on the DNR website (mndnr.gov/IceSafety).
While snowmobilers await the arrival of groomed trails, now is a good time for riders to make sure their registrations are current and snowmobiles are in good operating order, review safety training, and check local trail maps for route changes or new trails.
Registrations for new snowmobiles must be purchased in person at any deputy registrar office or at the DNR License Bureau in St. Paul. Registration renewals and out-of-state trail stickers may be handled in person, or online at mndnr.gov/licenses/snowmobile.
The DNR urges riders to use caution and follow rules throughout the winter season. Early season trails may have trees or debris across them, unfrozen swamps and flowages, rocks or ruts, or standing crops and closed gates. Also, road ditches can have obstacles such as culverts, signposts, and rocks. Snowmobile riders should stay on the trail and ride only where they have permission. Snowmobile trespass is a perennial issue that puts riders? safety at risk and makes private landowners less likely to allow trails across their properties. Civil penalties for trespass have doubled this year to $250 for a first offense up to $1,000 for third and subsequent offenses and riders may also have to pay restitution for any damage they cause to public or private property.
For more information, including snow depth and groomed trail conditions, visit mndnr.gov/snowmobiling or contact the DNR Information Center by emailing?[email protected]?or by calling 888-646-6367 from 8?a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday-Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Saturday.
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The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources reminds Minnesotans that the Great Minnesota Ski Pass, which allows cross-country skiers of all levels to enjoy the extensive state ski trail system, is available for purchase.
?Many Minnesotans love to embrace winter, and cross-country skiing is a wonderful opportunity to explore the state and get exercise at the same time,? Parks and Trails Director Ann Pierce said.
Skiers 16 or older must have a Great Minnesota Ski Pass to ski on groomed trails in Minnesota state parks, state forests, and on state or grant-in-aid trails. The pass costs $10 per day, $25 per year, or $70 for a three-year pass. Fees directly support maintenance of Minnesota?s state ski trail system.
The Great Minnesota Ski Pass can be purchased three ways: online at the Great Minnesota Ski Pass page of the DNR website (mndnr.gov/SkiPass); by phone at
888-665-4236; or in person at any one of the 1,750 locations around the state that sell DNR permits and licenses and at state park offices during open hours.
A ski pass trails map and list of state parks with groomed ski trails is available on the cross-country skiing page of the DNR website (mndnr.gov/skiing). Skiers should check snow and trail conditions (mndnr.gov/snow) before heading out.
Skis are available to rent at five state parks: Flandrau, Glendalough, Lake Bemidji, Mille Lacs Kathio and Wild River. Check the individual state park webpages at mndnr.gov for details on pricing and availability of rental equipment.
For more information about ski passes, visit the Great Minnesota Ski Pass page of the DNR website (mndnr.gov/SkiPass) or contact the DNR Information Center by emailing?[email protected]?or by calling 888-646-6367 from 8?a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday-Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Saturday.
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Spread the joy of the outdoors to friends, family
The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources has a variety of budget-friendly holiday gift options for outdoor enthusiasts of all ages, abilities and interests. These gifts include subscriptions to the Minnesota Conservation Volunteer, gift cards, Nature Store items, and lifetime hunting and fishing licenses.
Minnesota Conservation Volunteer
MCV magazine is packed with beautiful nature photography and compelling stories about Minnesota?s outdoors, making a subscription the ideal gift for nature lovers. Recipients receive a one-year subscription to the magazine and a card announcing the gift. Purchasers can contribute any amount to gift an annual subscription. The suggested donation for an annual subscription is $25. The gift can be purchased on the gift subscription page of the MCV website (cambeywest.com/subscribe2/?p=MCV&f=gift).
Minnesota state parks gift card
State park gift cards can be used for camping and lodging, state park vehicle permits, firewood, equipment rentals, tours, I Can! programs, and more. Gift cards are sent via USPS mail and usually take 10-14 days to arrive. Gift cards can be purchased on the state parks gift card page of the DNR website (mndnr.gov/state_parks/gift??_card.html).
Lifetime hunting and fishing licenses
Give a gift that truly lasts a lifetime: a lifetime hunting or fishing license! Licenses are available for both residents and non-residents. Licenses can be ordered by calling the DNR License Center at 877-348-0498 to receive an application in the mail, or by downloading an application form and mailing it to the DNR License Center with payment. Costs vary depending on recipient age and license type and processing takes about three weeks. For more information, including the application form, go to the lifetime hunting and fishing license page of the DNR website (mndnr.gov/licenses/lifetime).
Nature Store
State Park Nature Stores have an assortment of Minnesota state park apparel, jewelry, mugs, books, games and more. Merchandise is different at every park and some Nature Store locations are bigger than others. Head to the Nature Store page of the DNR website (mndnr.gov/state_parks/nature_stores.html) to find a nearby location.
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