September 5, 2003

Staff Writer Ray, Minn – It’s tough to assess a bear season after just a couple days, but if early reports are any indication, this year looks to be much more productive than the previous few years. Registration stations and bear hunting guides throughout northern Minnesota report a solid start to the 2003 season, which […]

Counts indicate 65-percent increase in ringneck numbers By Tim Spielman Associate Editor Madelia, Minn. With the pheasant opener in Minnesota just a month away, wildlife officials in Minnesota are predicting an improved harvest, based on a recent roadside survey that showed a 65-percent increase in pheasant numbers. The ringneck opener is Oct. 11 this year.

Editor Plymouth, Minn. The Minnesota Waterfowl Association board of directors voted late Wednesday night, Aug. 27, to fire its long-time executive director, Mike McGinty. MWA President Jim Cox would not reveal details of the board’s vote, including whether or not it was unanimous or split. The eight-hour meeting went until 3 a.m., and the seven-member

Visitors will be admitted free to the park that day. Special interpretive programs will be held throughout thee park, with a focus on wetlands. For more information, call the park at (320) 354-2055, or visit the web site: www.dnr.state.mn.us.

Hunters must apply on a standard 31/2-inch by 51/2-inch postcard bearing the applicant’s full name and address, and listing first, second, and third choices of dates. Applicants should also indicate whether they will accept other dates if none of their choices are available. Applications should be sent to: Controlled Hunt, Lac qui Parle Wildlife Management

Clifford David Malikowski was fishing with friends near the quarry just west of the river when he fell into deeper water, according to the St. Cloud Police Department. He was crossing the water-filled quarry to get to a sand bar, witnesses told police. Police and firefighters were called to the area at about 6:30 p.m.

Contributing Writer Minnesota’s rabbit hunt begins Sept. 13, and according to surveys of hunters, snowshoe hares and cottontail rabbits are abundant. Combined harvests of hares and rabbits per hunter last year averaged between four and five. The jackrabbit population conversely remains low. The season is open throughout the state. Snowshoe hares Snowshoes live in the

The state’s duck season runs Sept. 27-Nov. 25. The proposed daily duck limit is six, and may not include more than four mallards (of which two may be hens), three scaup, two wood ducks, two redheads, and one black duck. One pintail daily may be taken during a 30-day season, Sept. 27-Oct. 26, and one

LAKE MILLE LACS Muskie reports from the north end of the lake are encouraging. The defined weed edges and points are worth working with bucktails, crankbaits, and topwater presentations. There’s been a better evening walleye bite on the shallow rocks. Slip bobbers and leeches will produce fish after dark, but crankbaits are a better way