Minnesota Mixed Bag: Minnesota BHA hosts 2026 Turkey and Trout Classic

Nisswa, Minn. — The Minnesota BHA Chapter is hosting its 2026 Turkey & Trout Classic on May 1-3 at Rock Lake Campground in Pillsbury State Forest (near Nisswa). It’s three days of turkey hunting, trout fishing, communal cookouts, and campfire storytelling with folks who love public lands. Hunt hard at first light, drift a fly in the afternoon, or just pull up a chair at camp – it’s your weekend.

Dates are Friday, May 1 (5 p.m.) to Sunday, May 3 at noon at the Rock Lake Campground, Pillsbury State Forest. The event is free; campsites are $17 per night, paid to Minnesota DNR. The format is fully do-it-yourself – bring your gear, your licenses, and something to share around camp. There will be communal cookouts Friday and Saturday night, and a group photo breaking camp on Sunday.

For more details, email Keng Yang at kengyang1@gmail.com with questions or visit www.backcountryhunters.org/minnesota

MORE COVERAGE FROM MINNESOTA OUTDOOR NEWS:

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Rainfall Monitoring Network Seeks Volunteers

St. Paul — The Minnesota State Climatology Office is seeking rainfall monitors for the Community Collaborative Rain, Hail and Snow Network, or CoCoRaHS. The network includes more than 20,000 volunteers nationwide who measure precipitation in their backyards using a standard 4-inch diameter rain gauge.

Participants submit their precipitation reports online. The data from backyard rain gauges are a critical source of information and it is beneficial to add more volunteer weather observers each year. Volunteers are particularly needed outside the Twin Cities metro area. Volunteers receive training on how to observe weather trends and how to submit their precipitation and weather reports.

To sign up or for more information, visit CoCoRaHS.org or contact Luigi Romolo at luigi.romolo@state.mn.us.

Minnesota Twins Offer Special Edition Hats with DNR Ticket Packages

Minneapolis — The Minnesota DNR and the Minnesota Twins are once again partnering on DNR Days at select games. Anyone with a 2026 state fishing or hunting license can access a ticket package that includes a special edition Twins fishing cap with a ticket purchase.

The 2026 DNR Days partnership includes these eight games: Friday, April 17 vs. Cincinnati Reds; Saturday, May 2 vs. Toronto Blue Jays; Friday, June 26 vs. Colorado Rockies; Saturday, July 11 vs. Los Angeles Angels; Tuesday, July 28 vs. Kansas City Royals; Sunday, Aug. 16 vs. Philadelphia Phillies; Saturday, Sept. 12 vs. Cleveland Guardians; Monday, Sept. 14 vs. New York Yankees.

Find instructions for buying tickets on the Minnesota DNR Days webpage: www.mndnr.gov/twins.

Enjoy Free Entrance to State Parks and Recreation Areas on Saturday, April 25

St. Paul — The Minnesota DNR will waive vehicle permit fees at all 73 state parks and recreation areas on Saturday, April 25. This Free Park Day is one of four days each year when the DNR waives the requirement for a vehicle permit at state parks and recreation areas. The four fee-free days are spread throughout the year, giving Minnesota residents and visitors an opportunity to explore a state park during each season.

See the full state park events calendar online. These events are free, though some programs may require registration. Or for more information, visit www.mndnr.gov/freeparkdays.

Minnesota Moms: Join the Mother’s Day Weekend Fishing Challenge

St. Paul — The Minnesota DNR encourages moms who live in Minnesota to join a free virtual fishing challenge during Take a Mom Fishing Weekend Saturday, May 9, through Sunday, May 10, when Minnesota moms can fish without purchasing a fishing license.

To participate in the challenge, moms simply need to join the Minnesota Moms Fishing Challenge 2026 Facebook group and submit one photo of each fish they catch on May 9-10.

To see challenge details and join in the fun, visit the Take a Mom Fishing webpage: www.mndnr.gov/take-mom-fishing.

Wisconsin DNR Recruiting for 2027 Class of Game Wardens

Madison, Wis. — The Wisconsin DNR will accept applications for the 2027 class of conservation wardens from April 30 through May 14. The agency will hire 14 full-time wardens who will begin training in January 2027 or April 2027, depending on experience level.

No prior law enforcement experience is required. Applicants will need to meet minimum requirements and possess skills and abilities involving communication, public service, and self-motivation.

A recorded webinar detailing the hiring process, training and more will be available later in April. Several current DNR conservation wardens will also schedule open office hours to meet with interested individuals. The webinar and office hours will be listed on the DNR website when available. Applicants can also sign up for email updates.

Learn more about the career via the DNR’s Warden Recruitment webpage at https://dnr.wisconsin.gov/topic/WardenRecruitment

Grants Available for Iowa Tree Planting

Des Moines, Iowa — Through the USDA Forest Service Inflation Reduction Act, the Iowa DNR has received funds for tree planting grants for communities. To apply, go to the Iowa DNR Urban Forestry Grant Programs website via www.iowadnr.gov.

2026 Iowa Tree Planting Grant applications are due by 4 p.m. on Monday, June 22, 2026.