Minnesota Mixed Bag: Tutt’s Outdoors celebrates grand opening in Baxter on Friday, May 1

Baxter, Minn. — Tutt’s Bait and Tackle has been serving anglers at its Garrison location for over 100 years; they’re a staple to the Mille Lacs area and the surrounding fishing community.

Now Tutt’s has opened a second store in Baxter, Tutt’s Outdoors, and they will hold a huge grand opening event for it this Friday, May 1 from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. The new store is located at 15840 Audubon Way in Baxter.

Stop in and check out everything the new store will be carrying and take advantage of some special deals before the opener arrives. Tutt’s Outdoors will feature the finest fishing and hunting gear, including tackle, rods, reels, clothing, electronics, accessories, live bait, licenses, and more.

During the one-day grand opening event, factory reps and some of the biggest names in the fishing industry will be on hand to talk fishing and answer any questions.

There will be free hot dogs and a bouncy house for the kids, so bring the family. For more information visit www.tuttsbaitandtackle.com or visit the Tutt’s Outdoors Facebook page.

MORE COVERAGE FROM MINNESOTA OUTDOOR NEWS:

Southeast Minnesota’s Dorer Forest gains 155 acres of public land

Center for Biological Diversity lawsuit wants sturgeon on Endangered Species List

Outdoor Insights: Notes on upcoming Lake Mille Lacs meeting, walleye and perch limits, and walk-in access dollars

BWSR Accepting Applications for Managing Invasives for a Resilient Landscape Program

St. Paul, Minn. — The Minnesota Board of Water and Soil Resources is now accepting applications for the Managing Invasives for a Resilient Landscape Program, which will support restoration of native plant communities in areas affected by invasive or noxious weeds.

Grants under the program can be used for a wide range of activities that help manage invasive species such as technical and engineering expenses, design services, site investigations and assessments, construction, inspections and public engagement and outreach. The program replaces BWSR’s former Cooperative Weed Management Program, which shared similar goals.

Eligible applicants include soil and water conservation districts, watershed districts, watershed management organizations, cities, counties, townships, joint powers organizations, nonprofits, and tribal governments. Applications will be accepted through June 30, 2026.

Apply at https://bwsr.state.mn.us/apply

Wildlife Forever and Major League Fishing Launch New Partnership Effort

White Bear Lake, Minn. — Wildlife Forever has announced a new partnership with Major League Fishing to expand the reach and impact of the Getting Families Fishing and Boating Initiative, a national effort focused on connecting youth and families to fishing, boating and conservation. A memorandum of understanding formalizing the partnership was signed at Bass Pro Shops headquarters during the Redcrest 2026 championship event in Springfield, Mo.

Through this collaboration, MLF anglers will be eligible to receive product grants that include free fishing equipment and conservation education materials. These resources will be distributed through volunteer-led youth fishing clinics and family-oriented outdoor community events nationwide, helping remove barriers to participation while reinforcing stewardship of natural resources.

Organizations interested in supporting Getting Families Fishing and Boating should contact info@WildlifeForever.org.

For more information: wildlifeforever.org

DU Elevates Waldrop to COO

Memphis, Tenn. — Ducks Unlimited announced on Monday that Dr. Karen Waldrop has been elevated to chief operating officer. Waldrop joined DU in 2019 as chief conservation officer and has overseen an expansion of DU’s conservation footprint across the nation.

Prior to joining Ducks Unlimited, Waldrop spent 20 years at the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources, starting as a graduate student and lead researcher for the state’s elk restoration program.

She progressed to leadership roles, including wildlife division director and then deputy commissioner.

Wisconsin DNR Seeks Public Input on 2026-2036 Fisheries Management Strategic Plan

Madison, Wis. — The Wisconsin DNR is drafting a new Fisheries Management Strategic Plan and is seeking public input. The plan will provide direction on how Wisconsin’s fisheries resources are managed and sustained over the next 10 years.

Learn more at https://dnr.wisconsin.gov/topic/fishing/outreach/FisheriesStrategicPlan. Members of the public can share their preferences on the strategic plan until May 10, 2026.