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| MN DNR News - Outdoors - Tips, Toys, Tires, Ads, Misc - Can-Am Headquarters ...Aurora Wheelers ATV Forum | ||||||||||||||||
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outlandish Admin 
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DNR NEWS HEADLINES - April 15 Grand Rapids firearms safety instructor honored State archery tournament winners receive lifetime licenses DNR QUESTION OF THE WEEK - April 15 Q: As the snow melts in the spring, and during lengthy periods without rainfall, the DNR issues fire restrictions. Is there a difference between a restriction and burning ban? A: Burning restrictions involve the issuing of burning permits. Burning permits are required for running fires, such as a grassy ditch or field, or piled vegetative debris. When restrictions are in place, permits are only issued for management or prescribed burns, or special burns such as construction companies burning trees and brush cleared from roads. Burning bans, which are issued by the DNR commissioner, prohibit other types of fires. For example, bans may disallow campfires completely or restrict them certain hours of the day. They may also restrict any fire outdoors, including smoking and barbeque grills. Bans are only imposed when extreme fire conditions have existed for a long period of time. - Jean Bergerson, Minnesota Interagency Fire Center information officer
____________________ Previous BRPs: 03 Rally 200, 03 Outty 400, 05 Outty 400 XT, 06 Outty 800, 07 Renegade 800 Ridden in 6 states and 2 countries Next up? 2010 BRP Side by Side |
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outlandish Admin
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Fishing Opener update: Minnesota boaters will find a variety of conditions at public water accesses for the May 10 fishing opener, according to the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR). The DNR Division of Trails and Waterways is making a special effort to ensure all DNR boat launches are ready by the opener, said Nancy Steward, the Public Water Access Program coordinator. She noted, however, that repairs to access sites depend on the weather and ice-out, which has been running two weeks behind normal. “Most public accesses in the southern half of Minnesota will be in good condition and open for use,” Steward said. “Some lakes in the northern half of the state may still have ice, which poses a challenge in making repairs. It’s wise for boaters to check ahead for the latest report on the access they plan to use.” Winter weather is always a challenge to Minnesota’s public water access, Steward noted. As ice expands during the winter months, it can push and buckle the concrete plank structures like an accordion. This phenomenon, called “ice jacking,” is caused by the pushing action of a lake’s ice sheet against the shore, which often leaves the boat ramp unusable. Crews repair damaged boat ramps by removing damaged planks and replacing them with new ones. “Work crews are making good progress preparing public water accesses for the upcoming fishing season,” Stewart said. “However, many lakes still have ice that may hinder efforts to make repairs.” Stewart offers these suggestions for the opener:
For public water access maps, boating information and lake ice-out status, go to the DNR Web site at http://www.mndnr.gov. Boaters who encounter problems should contact the local DNR office or call the DNR Information Center at (651) 296-6157 or 1-888-MINNDNR (646-6367).
____________________ Previous BRPs: 03 Rally 200, 03 Outty 400, 05 Outty 400 XT, 06 Outty 800, 07 Renegade 800 Ridden in 6 states and 2 countries Next up? 2010 BRP Side by Side |
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GOTTOYS 
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Mille Lacs still had ice in Wig Wam Bay (west side of lake) on Sunday when we went by. Some of the best free entertainment ever is watching everybody trying to launch and retrieve their boats at a public landing on opening week-end.    ........GOTT
____________________ 2005 Sportsman 700 "full-dresser" "Strong like Bull, Smart like Tractor" |
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outlandish Admin
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Late arrival of spring affecting migrating birds Spring is an exciting time to see wildlife in Minnesota. Birds are returning from their winter homes, but this winter has been too long for many species, according to the Department of Natural Resources. Many bird species are back to Minnesota to nest, but they’re dying of starvation. Insect-eating birds are not finding enough food and the late snowfalls have had a harsh effect on many species. Over the last week, DNR managers and officers have received reports throughout the state of dead swallows, bluebirds, kinglets, sparrows, robins and warblers. All of these species are insect eaters, according to Carrol Henderson, DNR Nongame Wildlife Program supervisor. In Brainerd, 19 dead swallows were found in nine different nest boxes. At Crow Wing State Park, 27 swallows and two bluebirds were found dead in nest boxes. “Though birds are dying in other places, people with nest boxes should check them for dead or dying birds and report any banded birds found,” Henderson said. “Citizens can help by putting out meal worms for blue birds and other worm-eating birds. Unfortunately, there isn’t anything we can do for the swallows, who rely on flying insects for their main food source,” Henderson said. “Temperatures above 60 for a period of two to three days should produce enough insects to revive birds currently in peril.” “Migrating birds are always pushing the snowline” said Conrad Christiansen, retired DNR biologist. “Birds such as wood  return about mid March. If we experience a heavy, late snowfall, some birds will suffer.”A similar situation occurred in 1969, when there was a late April snowfall in Minnesota.
____________________ Previous BRPs: 03 Rally 200, 03 Outty 400, 05 Outty 400 XT, 06 Outty 800, 07 Renegade 800 Ridden in 6 states and 2 countries Next up? 2010 BRP Side by Side |
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outlandish Admin
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DNR seeks comments on access proposal for state forest lands in northern St. Louis County (May 7, 2008) Two public meetings about a draft forest classification and motor vehicle route designation plan for northern St. Louis County will be hosted in early July by the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR). The draft plan includes suggested forest classification and route designations for state and county forest lands located within the Bear Island, Burntside, Kabetogama and Lake Jeanette state forests. Scattered DNR forest lands located outside of state forest boundaries are also addressed. (Sturgeon River and Cloquet Valley State Forests are not included.) PUBLIC REVIEW MEETINGS PLANNED The first meeting will be on Tuesday, July 1, at the Mesabi Range Community and Technical College, 1001 Chestnut St. W., Virginia. The second meeting will be Wednesday July 2, Cook School, 306 East Vermilion Blvd., Cook. Both meetings will run from 6 p.m. to 8:30 pm. The first hour of each meeting will allow people to informally review the plan, associated maps and other summary materials. DNR, Forest Service and St. Louis County Land Department representatives will be on hand to answer questions regarding motorized access planning for public forest lands in the county. During the remainder of the meeting, the DNR will present its draft proposal and respond to questions and comments. Written comments will also be accepted. COLLABORATIVE ROUTE EVALUATIONS In all, more than 1,375 miles of roads, trails and other inventorie routes were evaluated on nearly 465,000 acres of stateforest lands in the area. This proposal, which does include some existing route closures, will ultimately determine where motorized vehicles, including cars, trucks and off-highway vehicles, will be allowed to operate on state lands within the planning area. The plan was developed in cooperation with U.S. Forest Service and St. Louis County Land Department representatives in an effort to foster consistency across public forest ownerships. PROPOSED FOREST CLASSIFICATION The three state forest classifications are managed, limited, and closed. Managed means that motor vehicle use is permitted on all forest roads and trails unless posted (signed) closed. Limited means motor vehicle use is permitted on forest roads and those trails specifically designated for certain types of motorized uses, for example trails can be designated for ATV use, off-road motorcycle use. Roads and trails are posted (signed) open for specific use. Closed means forest roads are open to highway-licensed vehicles. The DNR draft plan recommends that state lands located within the boundaries of the Superior National Forest be classified as limited, except for those lands located within the Kabetogama State Forest, which will remain managed in its entirety. State lands located outside the National Forest will also be classified as managed, except for eight parcels totaling 16,283 gross acres (8,338 acres of state land) that will be reclassified as either limited or closed to motor vehicle use. These parcels are all very remote,. All share a history of non-motorized recreational use. State lands located within the federal Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness will remain closed to motor vehicle use. PLANNED ROAD AND TRAIL DESIGNATIONS The draft plan also recommends the designation of nearly 400 miles of state and county forest roads, over 40 miles of hunter-walking trails, and 12 miles of off-highway vehicle trail. It also recommends that portions of both the Arrowhead and Taconite State (Snowmobile) Trails totaling about 35 miles be opened to motor vehicle use. PLAN AND MAPS NOW AVAILABLE The North St. Louis County Forest Classification and Route Designation Proposal, supporting maps and other materials are available at <!--[if supportFields]> PRIVATE href="http://www.mndnr.gov/" MACROBUTTON HtmlResAnchor http://www.mndnr.gov<![endif]--><!--[if supportFields]><![endif]--> ” http://www.mndnr.gov”.<!--[if supportFields]><![endif]--> Copies of the documents may also be viewed at the DNR Tower Area Office, 650 Hwy 169, Tower; the DNR Orr Area Office, 4656 Hwy 53, Orr; or at the St. Louis County Land Department Office, 7820 Hwy 135, Virginia. Written comments, questions or requests for copies of the planning documents should be directed to Brian McCann, DNR Trails & Waterways, 500 Lafayette Road, St. Paul, MN 55155-4052; by e-mail at “brian.mccann@dnr.state.mn.us” or by calling (651) 259-5627 or toll free 1-888-MINNDNR (646-6367). Comments on the draft proposal will be accepted until 4:30 p.m. on Friday, July 11.
____________________ Previous BRPs: 03 Rally 200, 03 Outty 400, 05 Outty 400 XT, 06 Outty 800, 07 Renegade 800 Ridden in 6 states and 2 countries Next up? 2010 BRP Side by Side |
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outlandish Admin
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Ice causing problems at public water accesses; Not all will be ready in time for fishing opener Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) Trails and Waterways crews are working feverishly to prepare nearly 2,000 DNR public water accesses for the May10 fishing opener. However, due to excessive winter ice damage and the late ice out in the northern half of the state, it is unlikely they will fully meet their goal. “Ice is causing some major problems in the north,” said Tim Browning, DNR Northwest Region trails and waterways manager. “Hundreds of concrete boat ramps have been buckled from ice movement over the winter and repairs are being hampered by the late ice out. Our crews are working overtime to get as much done as fast as we safely can.” The late ice-out is also delaying dock installation. According to Browning, installing the docks before the ice disappears is not an option on most lakes, as strong winds could blow the ice toward shore and damage the docks. DNR Northeast Region Trails and Waterways Manager Les Ollila concurs. "There just isn't enough time to get all the accesses ready before the opener, even if the ice melts tomorrow,” said Ollila. “Once the ice melts, crews will be busy fixing ramps and getting docks in the water as quickly as possible.” The DNR urges anglers to use caution at access sites this fishing opener. Boaters should be aware that the condition of access ramps could differ above and below the water line. Boaters should inspect the entire ramp before launching a boat. For more information about Minnesota’s water accesses or the Minnesota fishing opener, visit http://www.mndnr.gov
____________________ Previous BRPs: 03 Rally 200, 03 Outty 400, 05 Outty 400 XT, 06 Outty 800, 07 Renegade 800 Ridden in 6 states and 2 countries Next up? 2010 BRP Side by Side |
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outlandish Admin
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Minnesotan convicted of illegal hunting activity in Montana (May 14, 2008) Steven E. Range, 59, of Minneapolis, reached a plea agreement and pled guilty recently to two counts of killing mule deer bucks in Montana without a license. He paid $1,070 in fines. He was also assessed $1,000 in restitution, with his hunting, fishing and trapping privileges revoked for two years in that state and in Minnesota. The investigation, which occurred over several years, was initiated by officials from Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks, with assistance of the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. Range purchased a Montana resident license though he was a resident of Minnesota. In 2005, Range was citied for three counts of making false statements to obtain Montana resident hunting licenses. He forfeited $1,205 in bond, was found guilty, and lost his privileges to hunt, fish and trap for 18 months in Montana and 24 other wildlife violator compact states, including Minnesota. However, further investigation found that Range, other members of his family, and friends had been hunting on a ranch in Powder River County Montana since the 1960s. “It’s actually very hard to determine how many deer Range has killed over the years in Montana without valid hunting licenses,” said Montana Warden Lennie Buhmann. “Hunting without a valid license is about as bad as it gets when it comes to game violations in Montana.”
____________________ Previous BRPs: 03 Rally 200, 03 Outty 400, 05 Outty 400 XT, 06 Outty 800, 07 Renegade 800 Ridden in 6 states and 2 countries Next up? 2010 BRP Side by Side |
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outlandish Admin
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INTERPRETIVE PROGRAMS Memorial Day Weekend, 2008 Saturday, May 24 11 a.m. at the visitor center. Butterflies in Native Prairies and In Your Back Yard. A lavishly-illustrated talk on the beauty, variety, and “secret tricks” of colorful and sometimes elusive butterflies in Wild River State Park. Learn how you can attract some of these butterflies to your own yard! Saturday, May 24 2:00 p.m. at the visitor center. A Brief Introduction to Bones, and How to Assemble a Bear Skeleton. Get a quick introduction to reading the clues that animal bones can provide, then help put the bones of a black bear in proper order. We’ll also have a partial cow skeleton to work on if the bear project gets too crowded. Got a bone you found which you’d like to have explained? Bring it to the program! Saturday, May 24 8:00 p.m. at the campground amphitheater. Owl Stories. Park Naturalist Dave Crawford tells true tales of memorable encounters with owls during the 31 years he’s worked in State Parks. Sunday, May 25 11:00 a.m. at the visitor center. Wild River Snakes! Which Minnesota snake is really good at playing dead? Which one smells the worst? Learn about the snakes found in this park, see live examples (Winnie the garter snake and Ripley the bull snake), and touch a representative of this fascinating group of animals. Sunday, May 25 2:00 p.m. at the Park Office: Wildflower Walk and Attracting Birds and Butterflies to Your Yard. Join Park Naturalist Dave Crawford for a look at wildflowers and interesting plants of prairie and woodland, and learn how you can obtain similar plants and use them in your yard for attractive, wildlifefriendly landscaping. Please arrive 10 minutes early to get directions on where to park to avoid crowding the office area with too many vehicles. Sunday, May 25 8:00 p.m. at the visitor center. Seasons of the White-tailed Deer. See one of Wild River’s most popular wild animals - and also one of our biggest concerns - in this short film that covers deer through the course of a typical year. Looking for something else to do this weekend? Check out the outdoor exhibits on history in the park! A guide to the locations of the exhibits is posted at the beginning of the visitor center walkway and inside the visitor center. Learn about logging in the 1800s at Nevers Dam Site near the picnic area, and at the Vanished Forest exhibit next to the trail center parking lot. Learn about early farmers at the Early Settlers exhibit behind the group camp. Find out about the 1800s equivalent of freeways built in Minnesota at the Military Road exhibit below the visitor center. If you’re ambitious, travel the Sunrise Loop to the exhibit on the Arrow Line Railway and see the “end of the line” where construction came to a halt in 1908. See Who Was Here First at the river access boat launch ramp. In case of bad weather, outdoor interpretive programs will be held inside the visitor center instead. Call the Park Naturalist at (651) 583-2925 for interpretive program information, or the park office at (651) 583-2125 for camping and other information.
____________________ Previous BRPs: 03 Rally 200, 03 Outty 400, 05 Outty 400 XT, 06 Outty 800, 07 Renegade 800 Ridden in 6 states and 2 countries Next up? 2010 BRP Side by Side |
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outlandish Admin
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Take-a-Kid Fishing Weekend June 6-8 Minnesotans who want to catch some quality family time are encouraged to take advantage of Take-A-Kid Fishing weekend, which is June 6-8. Minnesota residents 18 and older can fish for free during these days when they accompany an angler younger than 16. “Most kids would love to go fishing,” said C.B. Bylander, Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) outreach section chief. “By eliminating the need for a license on these three days, we’re providing an opportunity for family and friends to try the recreational sport of fishing with a youth and encouraging people to get outdoors, have fun, and discover joys of fishing.” Finding a place to fish is easy. Visit mndnr.gov/takemefishing on the DNR Web site. Just click on the link to Lake Finder to catch all sorts of inside information. Or, visit exploreminnesota.com to find great places to stay, play and fish. Finally, visit the Recreational Boating and Fishing Foundation Web site at mn.takemefishing.org to hook great tips to make the trip a success. The DNR’s MinnAqua program, which teaches kids and adults about lake and stream ecology through angling, is planning several events corresponding to Take-A-Kid Fishing Weekend. Events scheduled for Saturday, June 7, include: - children’s Fishing Clinic at Camden State Park near Lynd - fishing History Fun at William O’Brien State Park near Marine-on-St. Croix - fishing History Fun at Lake Bemidji near Bemidji - fishing History Fun at Bear Head Lake near Ely - Take A Kid Trout Fishing at Whitewater State Park near Altura. More information on these events is available online at mndnr.gov/takeakidfishing. “The idea is to give Minnesotans an opportunity to show kids just how much fun fishing can be,” said Jenifer Matthees, DNR MinnAqua program coordinator. “The only way to do that is to get these excitable young anglers-to-be out to the lake.” June 1-8 also is National Fishing and Boating Week. Boating information, fishing tactics, tips on equipment and safety, advice and stories from pro anglers is available online at http://www.rbff.org.
____________________ Previous BRPs: 03 Rally 200, 03 Outty 400, 05 Outty 400 XT, 06 Outty 800, 07 Renegade 800 Ridden in 6 states and 2 countries Next up? 2010 BRP Side by Side |
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outlandish Admin
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DNR advises folks to let fawns remain wild (June 9, 2008) The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is encouraging people who encounter fawns to leave them alone to give them the best chance for survival. “In the northeastern Minnesota, fawns are being born right about now,” said Jeff Lightfoot, DNR Northeast regional wildlife manager. “People often come across these newborn fawns curled up in the woods, or in a field, or on their doorstep and assume it has been abandoned, but it almost certainly has not.” A doe’s method of rearing offspring is very different from a human’s, especially for the first few weeks. Within hours of its birth, the fawn is led to a secluded spot and the doe lets it nurse. With a full stomach, the fawn is content to lie down and rest. If the doe has twins, it will hide the second fawn up to 200 feet away. Then the doe leaves to feed and rest herself, out of sight but within earshot. In four or five hours, she will return to feed her young and take them to a new hiding place. They follow this pattern for about two to three weeks, and only then, when the fawns are strong enough to outrun predators, do the young travel much with their mother. Deer have evolved a number of special adaptations that make this approach to fawn‑rearing successful. Fawns have almost no odor, so predators cannot smell them. Their white‑spotted coats provide excellent camouflage when they are lying on the forest floor. For the first week of life, frightened fawns instinctively freeze, making full use of their protective coloration. Older fawns remain motionless until they think they have been discovered, and then jump and bound away. A deer’s primary protection from predators is its great speed. Newborn fawns are not fast enough to outdistance predators, so they must depend on their ability to hide for protection. Although these adaptations work well against predators, they don’t work very well with people. For the first few weeks, a fawn’s curiosity may entice it to approach a person who comes upon the fawn. So what’s the right way to handle an encounter with a fawn? People should never try to catch a fawn. If a fawn is hiding, admire it for a moment and then quietly walk away. Enjoy the memory, but don’t describe the location to others. If the fawn tries to follow you, gently push on its shoulders until it lies down, and then walk away. That’s what its mother does when she doesn’t want the fawn to follow.
____________________ Previous BRPs: 03 Rally 200, 03 Outty 400, 05 Outty 400 XT, 06 Outty 800, 07 Renegade 800 Ridden in 6 states and 2 countries Next up? 2010 BRP Side by Side |
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outlandish Admin
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DNR reports increase in nuisance bear complaints (June 10, 2008) Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) wildlife managers have reported an increase in nuisance bear complaints in recent weeks. Most bear sightings are in rural northern Minnesota, but bears have also been spotted in the Brainerd area and Minneapolis-St. Paul suburbs. “This is a tough time of year for bears,” said Mark Spoden, DNR assistant area wildlife manager in Grand Rapids. “After hibernation, they are hungry. When berries and vegetation are scarce, bears are often tempted by dog food, livestock feed, birdseed, barbecues, compost or garbage.” In addition, female bears are chasing away last year’s offspring. These young bears are inexperienced at finding food and searching for territories of their own. They are the most likely to show up in places where they aren’t welcome. Now is a good time for residents who live close to bear habitat to check their property for food sources that could attract bears, Spoden added. When human-related food is easy to find, bears stop seeking their natural foods. Research and experience show that removing the food that attracts bears resolves bear problems much more effectively than attempting to trap and destroy the bear. “If a bear enters your yard, don’t panic and don’t approach the bear,” said Spoden. “Always leave the bear an escape route. Everyone should leave the area and go inside until the bear leaves. A treed bear should be left alone as well. It will leave once the area is quiet.” Bears are normally shy and usually flee when encountered, but they may defend an area if they are feeding or are with their young. They are unpredictable wild animals. Although they rarely injure people, they are potentially dangerous because of their size, strength and speed. The DNR offers these tips for avoiding bear conflicts around the yard:
The DNR brochure “Learning To Live with Bears” is available online at http://www.dnr.state.mn.us.
____________________ Previous BRPs: 03 Rally 200, 03 Outty 400, 05 Outty 400 XT, 06 Outty 800, 07 Renegade 800 Ridden in 6 states and 2 countries Next up? 2010 BRP Side by Side |
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outlandish Admin
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Dates changed for 2008 Camp Ripley archery hunts (June 10, 2008) Hunters planning to apply for the 2008 Camp Ripley archery hunt should note the dates have been changed, according to the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR). The new dates will be Oct. 19-20 for the first season, and Oct. 26-27 for the second season, both Sunday-Monday hunts. DNR will begin accepting applications for this year’s events on July 1, with an Aug. 15 deadline. The DNR will issue another news release in late June outlining application procedures. Since the early 1990s, the standard opening dates for the annual hunts have been the two-day periods beginning the third Thursday and last Saturday in October, respectively. However, on May 22 the Minnesota Department of Military Affairs informed the DNR of the need to change the dates due to upcoming military training needs. The DNR coordinates the hunt with the Department of Military Affairs, which manages the 53,000-acre military reservation.
____________________ Previous BRPs: 03 Rally 200, 03 Outty 400, 05 Outty 400 XT, 06 Outty 800, 07 Renegade 800 Ridden in 6 states and 2 countries Next up? 2010 BRP Side by Side |
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outlandish Admin
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The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is making major changes to simplify deer seasons and licensing for this fall, according to Lou Cornicelli, DNR big game program coordinator. The changes include allowing a person to individually purchase licenses for regular firearms, muzzleloader and archery in any combination; consolidating deer zones so that licensed firearms hunters can hunt anywhere in the state; simplifying legal big game rifle calibers to allow any center-fire that is at least .220 caliber; and eliminating the need to validate the license when tagging an animal. The changes are the result of recommendations of a citizens’ work group convened by the DNR to recommend simplification of the deer seasons. During late 2007, DNR organized a group of stakeholders to provide recommendations to the DNR on how to streamline hunting while not compromising the ability to manage deer. The team ultimately settled on four primary recommendations, which were brought to the public and the Minnesota Legislature for consideration. The group’s recommendations were the subject of 12 public meetings held around the state last spring. Legislative and rule changes made since that time will allow for implementation of the recommendations this fall. “Minnesota previously had more license types and options for deer than any other Midwestern state, so the need for simplification was apparent,” Cornicelli said. DEER LICENSES Hunters can now buy an archery, firearm and muzzleloader license individually, or in any combination. Previously, a person who wanted to hunt deer in both the regular firearms and muzzleloader seasons had to buy the more expensive all-season license, valid for regular firearms, muzzleloader and archery. “We found that the vast majority of all-season license purchasers were paying three times the single season license fee ($78), but were only hunting in two seasons,” Cornicelli said. This year, the system will be “a la carte,” meaning that hunters can purchase licenses for only the seasons they want to hunt. Hunters are advised by the DNR to know the bag limits in the area they hunt. Even though hunters can buy three licenses, the general bag limit for deer is one in lottery areas, two in managed areas, and five in intensive areas (with some exceptions, such as early antlerless seasons). ZONE CONSOLIDATION The traditional firearm zone licenses (1A, 2A, 3A, 3B, 4A, 4B) have been consolidated into two licenses types: A statewide Season Option “A” and a Zone 3B (southeast Minnesota) season option “B”. With the new system, hunters are no longer limited to a particular zone boundary, but must adhere to the different open season dates in permit areas within the zone. Zone 4 has also been eliminated and merged with the Zone 2 nine-day season. A number of deer permit areas formerly in Zone 4 will be renumbered. Season “A” licenses are valid statewide in all “A” season areas (Zones 1A, 2A, 3A), which opens Nov. 8. For example, by purchasing a statewide “A” season license, a hunter could hunt an area in 3A (seven-day season) opening weekend, move to an area in 2A (nine-day season) the second weekend and finish up the season in 1A (16-day season) on the third weekend. In contrast, season “B” licenses are valid only during the Zone 3B season (Nov. 22-30) in southeastern Minnesota. A regular firearm deer hunter may purchase either an “A” or “B” season license, but not both. However, anyone (including 3B hunters) can now buy a muzzleloader license. Both license types will be valid in the Twin Cities metro area, bovine TB area, and all early antlerless permit areas. Lottery applications, muzzleloader hunters In some areas of Minnesota, the deer population is below the goal so antlerless permits have been reduced to very low levels. With the past popularity of multiple zone licenses, the percentage of antlerless harvest taken in the muzzleloader season has gone up dramatically. With the new licensing system, lottery area hunters who purchase both a regular firearms and muzzleloader license will need to apply for a limited number of antlerless permits that will be valid for taking an antlerless deer in either the regular firearms or muzzleloader season. The number of muzzleloader-only hunters is low, so those who do not purchase a regular firearms license can take deer of either sex in lottery areas without an antlerless permit. People who buy licenses for both the firearm and muzzleloader seasons will need to apply in the lottery if they want to take an antlerless deer in a lottery area. If successful, the permit will be valid for either the firearm or muzzleloader season, provided the hunter has a license for that season. People who only muzzleloader hunt (no regular firearms license) may take deer of either sex without applying in the lottery. Final details will be released when the hunting regulations book comes out in early August. LEGAL CALIBERS For 2008, the definition of legal calibers has been simplified to .220 centerfire or larger. Previously, the regulation had a larger minimum, minimum case length, and numerous exceptions. The new regulation is consistent with most of the midwestern states that allow centerfire rifles. “We understand there is a concern that hunters could use a type that is not suitable for taking deer,” Cornicelli said. “But we are confident that hunters can make an informed choice in regard to caliber and bullet selection, and that they’ll use a bullet that is appropriate for the big game they are pursuing. There is no substitute for knowing the capabilities of a firearm and practicing,” Cornicelli said. LICENSE VALIDATION The regulation requiring hunters to validate their deer license has been eliminated. However, the tag must still be validated and site tagging regulations have not changed, so hunters should familiarize themselves with those regulations when the regulations handbook arrives in stores.
____________________ Previous BRPs: 03 Rally 200, 03 Outty 400, 05 Outty 400 XT, 06 Outty 800, 07 Renegade 800 Ridden in 6 states and 2 countries Next up? 2010 BRP Side by Side |
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outlandish Admin
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Minnesota’ s breeding mallard and blue-winged teal numbers are higher than last year and the total duck population estimate increased, according to the annual May breeding waterfowl survey results released by the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR). The mallard breeding population was estimated at 298,000, which is 23 percent above last year and identical to the most recent 10-year average. This year’s mallard population estimate is 34 percent above the long-term average of 222,000 breeding mallards. Blue-winged teal numbers increased 23 percent from last year to 152,000, but remained 32 percent below the long-term average. “Blue-winged teal counts are always more difficult to interpret than mallard counts because they tend to be more variable,” said Steve Cordts, DNR waterfowl specialist. “Because blue-winged teal nest later than mallards, their spring migration through the state is also later. In many years, we end up counting fair numbers of migrant teal that are going to nest north of Minnesota. With good wetland conditions in the state this year and such a late spring, I would have expected above or well above average blue-winged teal counts, but that wasn’t the case.” The combined populations of other ducks, such as wood ducks, gadwalls, redheads and ring-necked ducks, increased to 290,000, about 65 percent above the long-term average. This was the third-highest total recorded for their combined populations. Much of the rise was due to record high counts of ring-necked ducks, a common but very late-nesting species in northern Minnesota. Ring-necked duck numbers were up by more than 100,000 ducks from last year. “This large increase simply reflects the late spring weather conditions and large numbers of migrant ring-necked ducks still present in the state when we flew the survey,” Cordts said. “What was more encouraging was to see small to moderate increases in the numbers of breeding wood ducks and some other of the less common nesting species.” Minnesota’s estimated breeding duck population increased to 740,000 this year, 51 percent higher than last year and 19 percent above the long-term average. “While we always like to see increased numbers of breeding ducks, these estimates should still be viewed as an index and with a bit of caution,” Cordts said. Minnesota remains well below the goal of an average breeding population of 1 million ducks, which is outlined in the state duck recovery plan. Much of the actual increase was attributed to the late spring and migrant ring-necked ducks. “Even so, it’s always encouraging when we see improved wetland habitat conditions and increased numbers of breeding mallards and blue-winged teal from the previous year,” Cordts said. Wetland habitat conditions are improved from last year and above the long-term average. The estimated number of wetlands (Types II-V) was 325,000 acres, up from 262,000 acres last year. Cordts noted a few spotty areas of drier conditions in the northwest portion of the survey area, but overall wetland conditions looked good. Increased rainfall in some areas will help ducks during re-nesting and brood rearing. The breeding duck survey is conducted by a DNR waterfowl biologist and pilot who count all waterfowl and wetlands along certain routes flying low-level aerial surveys. The survey has been flown each May since 1968, with only minor changes to the survey design. U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service ground crews also count waterfowl along some of the same survey routes to correct for birds not seen by the aerial crew. The survey was designed to provide an index of breeding duck abundance in about 40 percent of the state containing much of the best remaining duck breeding habitat. Data on breeding duck populations across other regions of North America is not yet available, but preliminary reports suggest generally fair to good wetland habitat conditions in parklands of Canada, but drier conditions in some prairie areas of Canada and North Dakota. CANADA GEESE Since 2001, the DNR has conducted a helicopter survey of nesting Canada geese in April. The survey, which includes most of the state except for the Twin Cities metropolitan area, counts Canada geese on randomly selected plots in prairie, transition and forested areas. This year’s estimate is 277,000 Canada geese, similar to last year’s estimate of 262,000. Canada goose numbers, have averaged slightly more than 300,000 since the survey began. “While our goose population is still in very good shape, it appears that the breeding population is no longer increasing rapidly and may be beginning to stabilize,” said DNR biologist Dave Rave. “Even with the late spring this year, production should be better than last year.” Most wildlife managers have reported fair to good numbers of goose broods so far this spring, which should translate into plenty of opportunity for hunters this fall, Rave said.
____________________ Previous BRPs: 03 Rally 200, 03 Outty 400, 05 Outty 400 XT, 06 Outty 800, 07 Renegade 800 Ridden in 6 states and 2 countries Next up? 2010 BRP Side by Side |
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outlandish Admin
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The largest member of the rodent family, the beaver is an active woodcutter and dam builder. But when beaver populations get too high, they cause problems by cutting down valuable trees and flooding roads and property with their dams. Although the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) sets trapping seasons and limits on beaver, the agency no longer controls problem beavers. However, DNR wildlife managers and hydrologists offer advice to landowners dealing with beavers. Beavers are protected animals under Minnesota game and fish laws. That means people need a license or permit to kill them. However, if a beaver is causing damage to property, a landowner, manager or occupant can kill the beaver on their land. They do not need a license or permit as long as they contact a DNR conservation officer within 24 hours of the taking. The taking cannot involve the use of poison, artificial lights or a motor vehicle. Most people use firearms or traps to take beaver. However, firearms are not legal everywhere, especially in more urban areas. In these areas, the taking may be restricted to trapping. Landowners have the option of hiring a beaver trapper to provide this service. Local wildlife managers and conservation officers can provide names of local trappers. The USDA Wildlife Services does complaint trapping for a fee. Beaver dams have no special protection under state law. Property owners can remove dams from their own land as long as the removal doesn’t involve excavating a lake or streambed using something like a dragline or backhoe. Such excavation requires a public waters work permit, which is available from the DNR. If the beaver dam is on another person’s land, landowner’s permission is required before entering those lands to remove the dam. If the beaver dam has been in place for many years and affects other property owners, DNR officials recommend contacting the landowners about removal. If lakeshore and water levels have been developed and maintained in a certain way because beavers have controlled an outlet for many years, a DNR hydrologist should be contacted before the dam is removed. People can discourage beaver damage by wrapping trees with protective hardware cloth. There is also a simple, low-cost device called the Clemson Beaver Pond that allows water to flow through a beaver dam. The DNR offers plans on how to make and install this device. For information, contact a DNR conservation officer, wildlife manager or area hydrologist. Staff phone numbers and more information about beavers are available from the DNR Information Center at (651) 296-6157 or toll free 1-888-MINNDNR (646-6367) or http://www.mndnr.gov.
____________________ Previous BRPs: 03 Rally 200, 03 Outty 400, 05 Outty 400 XT, 06 Outty 800, 07 Renegade 800 Ridden in 6 states and 2 countries Next up? 2010 BRP Side by Side |
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