March 19, 2004

All five individuals charged in this case are residents, or former residents, of Ely, including Barney J. Lakner, 34; David R. Marttila, 40; Thomas N. Edman, 40; Mark E. Merhar, 38; and Thomas M. Gardiepy, 35. Violation of Forest Service wilderness regulations is a federal offense. Maximum penalties or an individual offense may involve a …

Ely, Minn. While on patrol on March 6, U.S. Forest Service law enforcement officers apprehended five men who were illegally snowmobiling on Crooked Lake, north of Ely, inside the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness. Read More »

One of the proposals the DNR is taking input on involves the rifle-shotgun zone boundary for deer hunting in northwestern Minnesota. Public comments will be taken on three options: 1) extend the rifle zone in the Red River Valley of northwestern Minnesota from I-94 northward, 2) extend the rifle zone in the Red River Valley

Field Editor Washington, D.C. Minnesota could be eligible for an additional $4.2 million in federal funds for fisheries and boating under the reauthorization of the Wallop-Breaux Program passed by the Senate last week. Part of a much larger transportation bill known as Safe, Accountable, Flexible, and Efficient Transportation Equity Act (SAFETEA) of 2004, the new

Among things to be considered at this year’s hearings are DNR proposals to extend the fall turkey hunting season by seven to 13 days and change the early Canada goose season. Also, the NRB has placed a question on the agenda seeking the public’s level of support for extending the gun deer season from nine

This is the fifth year the DNR has issued spring burning restrictions. As a result, the number of wildfires in April and May has decreased significantly. Once in place, the restrictions will continue for four to six weeks, or until vegetation greens up enough to decrease fire danger. Meadows said yard debris is a major

Associated Press Bismarck, N.D. Although they regard a Minnesota legal challenge to state hunting policy as foolish and insulting, it is not likely to influence the North Dakota Legislature’s hunting policy decisions, lawmakers predict. “I really don’t think it’s going to have a lot of effect,” said Rep. Jon Nelson, R-Wolford, chairman of the House

Nelson’s volunteer activities have primarily focused on the Wildlife Festival and Winterfest special event days. In addition, she’s recruited over 20 new volunteers to assist with refuge events. At the recognition dinner, Sherburne refuge officials recognized a total of 600 volunteers for 8,600 hours of service during the past year.

Associate Editor St. Paul Legislation that would allow state hunters to pursue bears with the aid of their canines is hanging on in the state House. While an amendment killed hunting bears via hounds in one House bill, Rep. Larry Howes, R-Walker, has introduced a stand-alone bill to allow the hunting method, a spokesperson from