Minnesota Mixed Bag: Canada pauses issuance of border-waters crossing

International Falls, Minn. — As of late September, the Canada Border Services Agency stopped issuing new and renewing applications for individuals seeking Remote Area Border Crossing permits to cross borders via waterways.

With this pause, anyone who currently holds a permit will still be able to cross between the U.S. and Canada border through Pigeon River, Lake of the Woods, and Lake Superior to Canada shores. If you find yourself with an expired permit, or in need of one this winter, none will be issued, and visitors will have to enter the country via a port of entry.

This pause can affect individuals who venture onto solid ice along the Boundary Waters this winter if permits are set to expire.

The border services agency said it took the step to “review and update” its procedures.

“The CBSA regularly assesses its programs to respond to current service needs and evolving trends, while ensuring the safety, security, and prosperity of Canada,” a statement from the agency read.

The agency has no timeline yet for when processing permits will resume.

— Natalie Ryder

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INVASIVE AQUATIC PLANT MANAGEMENT GRANT APPS NOW OPEN

St. Paul — The Minnesota DNR is offering grants to lake associations and other groups for projects to manage invasive aquatic plants. Applications will be accepted until Wednesday, Dec. 18.

Entities receiving grants will apply for an invasive aquatic plant management permit after receiving their award as a step in their grant work plan. This is a change from prior years, when grant applicants were required to have their management permit at the time of their grant application.

Application materials and details about the grant program are available on the DNR website.

Questions may be directed to DNR Aquatic Invasive Species Research and Grants Coordinator Angelique Dahlberg at angelique.dahlberg@state.mn.us or to DNR regional invasive species specialists.

STATE PARK, REC AREAS ARE FEE-FREE, NOV. 29

St. Paul — The Minnesota DNR is waiving entrance fees to all 73 state parks and recreation areas the day after Thanksgiving, Friday, Nov. 29. This “Free Park Day” is one of four days each year when the DNR waives the requirement for a vehicle permit for state parks and recreation areas. The goal is to encourage Minnesotans to get outdoors and enjoy the health and wellness benefits of spending time in nature.

For more information, visit the free park day webpage of the DNR website.

HEATED 5-STAND CLAY SHOOT IS THIS WEEKEND IN PRIOR LAKE

Prior Lake, Minn. — Get your guns out and sharpen your shooting eye Nov. 23-24 during a heated 5-stand clay tournament at the Minnesota Horse and Hunt Club in Prior Lake. It’s a NSCA-registered shoot.

Experience 75 clays from three different stands, with lunch provided at Trigger’s restaurant. Limited spots are available, so register now and enjoy a fun, competitive day of shooting out of heated stands. Cost to shoot is $110 per person.

For more information, visit www.horseandhunt.com

WISCONSIN’S GUN DEER SEASON BEGINS SATURDAY

Madison, Wis. — Wisconsin’s 2024 nine-day gun deer season begins this Saturday, Nov. 23, and continues through Sunday, Dec. 1. With this year’s season starting further removed from the peak of breeding activity, fewer deer may be on the move relative to recent years with earlier openers.

All harvested deer must be registered electronically by 5 p.m. the day after the deer is recovered. Hunters will need the unique harvest authorization number associated with each permit. Proper registration provides accurate harvest data for Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources wildlife managers and county deer advisory councils for the management of Wisconsin’s deer herd.

Hunters must ensure at least 50% of outer clothing above the waist is blaze orange or fluorescent pink. Hats or head coverings, if worn, must also be at least 50% blaze orange or fluorescent pink.

Visit https://dnr.wisconsin.gov/topic/Hunt for more information.

N.D. HABITAT AND HUNTING ACCESS SUMMIT SCHEDULED

Bismarck, N.D. — The loss of habitat across North Dakota is impacting game and nongame populations and, consequently, hunting license allocations. Coupled with increased challenges to finding hunting access, the state’s longstanding hunting heritage is suffering.

To raise awareness about the need for more wildlife habitat on the landscape and to find pathways forward, the North Dakota Game and Fish Department is hosting the Habitat and Hunting Access Summit on Dec. 17 at 4:30 p.m. at the Bismarck State College National Energy Center of Excellence.

Hunters, landowners, legislators, local business owners, and others are encouraged to attend. Registration is required, and space is limited to 250 attendees. For more information or to register, visit gf.nd.gov/habitat-hunting-access-summit