Minnesota Mixed Bag: Northwest Sportshow runs March 5-8

Minneapolis — The Northwest Sportshow returns to the Minneapolis Convention Center for a four-day run, March 5-8. Take the opportunity to see the latest in fishing gear, watercraft, RVs, apparel, and much more. Be sure to stop by and renew your Outdoor News subscription and get a (new designs!) hat.

Show features this year include seminars from angling pros such as Jason Mitchell, Bindee Vang, Dan McGuire, and others; a walleye fish fry on Friday, March 6; a 60,000-square-foot RV area; a fishing demonstration tank; a live trout pond; and much more.

Sportshow hours are noon-8 p.m. on Thursday, March 5; noon to 8 p.m. on Friday, March 6; 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Saturday, March 7; and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sunday, March 8. Admission is $15 for adults ($13 if purchased online in advance), and is free for kids age 12 and under. Senior admission is free on Thursday, March 5. $10 on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. Admission for anyone is $5 after 5 p.m. on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday at box office only.

For more information, visit www.northwestsportshow.com

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No federal dollars means shrinking acres for Minnesota’s Walk-In Access Program

Burbot through the ice are late winter’s overlooked opportunity

DNR WRAPS FOREST ROAD IMPROVEMENT, BRIDGE REPLACEMENT IN NEMADJI STATE FOREST

St. Paul — The Minnesota DNR has completed a bridge replacement and road improvement project on the Net River Forest Road in the Nemadji State Forest. The project, paid for with funding from the Get Out MORE (Modernize Outdoor Recreation Experiences) initiative, was the final phase of a multi-year project to reconstruct the road to make it safer and more accessible for both recreation and forest management.

The Net River Forest Road, located approximately 20 miles south of Cloquet, is the main access into the north side of the state forest and the primary access to the state forest’s recreational amenities. Improvements to the road will make it easier to access recreational opportunities such as hunter walking trails, a campground and day-use area, and the Pickerel Lake Public Water Access. The project area is also part of a large network of snowmobile and off-highway vehicle trails in the north side of the state forest.

In addition to improving access, the new bridge is designed to improve stream ecology and river hydrology. This project phase also included realignment of the Net River Forest Road to improve visibility for enhanced public safety.

HELP AT-RISK WILDLIFE AT TAX TIME

St. Paul — Minnesotans can support the conservation of the state’s rare and vulnerable wildlife with a contribution to the Nongame Wildlife Fund through their state tax returns. The DNR’s Nongame Wildlife Fund provides crucial support to more than 500 at-risk wildlife species, such as osprey, bald eagles, river otters, mussels and more.

The program relies on donations to support wildlife field research, habitat enhancement projects and educational programs, including the popular DNR EagleCam. All donations to the fund are double-matched by the Reinvest in Minnesota Critical Habitat license fund.

Tax filers can contribute any amount using the Nongame Wildlife Fund checkoff on Form M1, Individual Income Tax, or Form M1PR, Homestead Credit Refund. If filing on paper, look for the loon icon to invest in Minnesota’s at-risk wildlife. Citizens also can support the program anytime on the DNR’s donating for wildlife webpage or by mail to DNR Nongame Wildlife Fund, 500 Lafayette Road, PO Box 25, St. Paul, MN 55155.

PUBLIC INVITED TO SNF OPEN HOUSE ON MARCH 12

Duluth, Minn. — The Superior National Forest invites the public to the Tofte Ranger District Open House at the Isabella Community Center on March 12, 2026, from 5 to 7 p.m. The community center is located at 9521 Lankinen Road, Isabella, Minn. 55607.

Forest Supervisor Tom Hall, Tofte District Ranger Ellen Bogardus-Szymaniak and project staff will share information about critical work including upcoming road and trail construction, prescribed fire, active management and recreation projects. You can also learn about Forest Service careers, and partnership/volunteer opportunities.

STATE PARK NATURALISTS OFFER MAPLE SYRUPING EVENTS IN MARCH AND APRIL

St. Paul — March in Minnesota means the sun is higher in the sky, and plants are getting ready to come back from dormancy. With the cycle of daytime temperatures in the 30s and 40s and overnight temps below freezing, conditions are ripe for maple sap to start flowing.

The DNR will offer programs at five state parks to introduce people to the fun of making maple syrup, as well as the equipment needed. The DNR will offer its programs at: Fort Snelling State Park: March 14, 15, 29; Lake Bemidji State Park: March 14; Nerstrand Big Woods State Park: March 8, 14, 15, 21, 22, 28, 29; Whitewater State Park: March 7, 14, 21, 28; Wild River State Park: March 21, April 4, and April 11.

Due to space limitations, some programs require advanced registration. For the complete event schedule with program details, and more information about how to tap trees and make maple syrup, visit www.mndnr.gov/maplesyrup.

STATE TURKEY HUNTERS CAN BUY LICENSES NOW

St. Paul — Turkey hunters can now buy licenses for the spring 2026 season through the DNR. Licenses may be purchased online, by phone at 888-665-4236 or in person at approved vendors throughout the state.

Interested individuals can hunt statewide after buying an adult firearms license for any season (A-F), or buying an archery license. Crossbows are allowed for any person using a valid firearms or archery license. Hunters with an archery license may hunt April 15 to May 31. Hunters age 17 and under may purchase a reduced-cost license (free for hunters 12 and under), and may hunt April 15 to May 31.

Dates for adult firearms turkey seasons A-F are listed on the Minnesota DNR turkey hunting webpage.