Minnesota Mixed Bag: First weekend of Game Fair runs Aug. 7-9

Ramsey, Minn. — The first action-packed weekend of Game Fair kicks off this Friday, Aug. 7 and continues through Sunday, Aug. 9 at Armstrong Ranch Kennels in Ramsey. The second weekend is slated for the following weekend, Aug. 14-16.

Don’t miss your chance to watch or partake in Game Fair’s host of dog-related events, from the obstacle course to the ever-popular long jump; sit in on a seminar hosted by dog trainers, elk hunters, smallmouth fishers, and others; bring your (cased) shotgun or bow and test your skills; or just enjoy visiting with the many vendors at the show.

Show hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. each day. Admission is $20 for adults, $15 for seniors 62 and over as well as veterans, $5 for kids ages 6 to 14 and free for youth under age 6 and active military members.

For more information, visit www.gamefair.com

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PADDLING FOR THE BOUNDARY WATERS EVENT IN DULUTH ON AUG. 29

Duluth, Minn. — Sportsmen for the Boundary Waters invites state outdoors users to Bent Paddle Brewing Co. on Saturday, August 29, for a day enjoying live music, outdoor community, conservation conversations, local vendors, delicious food, and the opportunity to support the ongoing protection of the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness.

Presented by onX Fish and onX Hunt, the event runs from 2 to 9 p.m. with live music from Dave Simonett and friends running from 6 to 9 p.m. An exclusive raffle will offer incredible packages featuring premium outdoor gear and unique prizes from SFBW partners.

Winners will be announced during the event.

Participants are encourage to make a $20 donation to Sportsmen for the Boundary Waters. Learn more at sportsmenbwca.org

ENTER THE 2026 OUTDOOR NEWS-KINETIC HUNTIN’ BUDDY PHOTO CONTEST BY AUG. 28

Plymouth, Minn. — Outdoor News, together with Kinetic Performance Dog Food, invites bird dog enthusiasts to submit their best hunting dog photo for the annual Huntin’ Buddy Photo Contest. This online-only photo contest gives entrants a chance to win a year’s supply of Kinetic Performance Dog Food.

Outdoor News thanks Kinetic for its participation in the contest.

Kinetic Performance Dog Food was developed to meet the nutritional needs of military and police K9s, where performance isn’t optional. Visit www.kineticdogfood.com to learn more.

Contest photos will be judged on photo quality, and preference will be given to dogs pictured in an outdoor or hunting scene. Entries must be submitted by August 28, 2026. Visit www.outdoornews.com/huntinbuddy to submit your photo.

SHOUT OUT FOR SCOUTS SPORTING CLAYS FUNDRAISER HAPPENS SEPT. 10

Little Falls, Minn. — The Central Minnesota Council, Scouting America, will host its annual Shoot Out for Scouts sporting clays fundraising event on Thursday, Sept. 10, at Rice Creek in Little Falls, bringing together outdoor enthusiasts, community leaders, and supporters to help strengthen Scouting programs across Central Minnesota.

Presented by W. Gohman Construction, the event will raise funds to support local Scouting shooting sports programs, facilities, and equipment. Proceeds will help ensure Scouts continue to have access to safe, engaging outdoor experiences that build confidence, leadership, and responsibility.

Participants can register as a team of four for $1,000 or as an individual shooter for $250. Registration includes a 50-round sporting clays course, ammunition, dinner, prizes, and a participant gift.

“For registration information, visit www.scoutingcmc.org or contact: Gerry Granum – gerry.granum@scouting.org or Sarah Dean – sarah.dean@scouting.org

DNR TAKING COMMENTS ON PROPOSED CEDAR LAKE MANOOMIN RESTORATION PROJECT

St. Paul — The DNR is accepting comments until Aug. 27 on an environmental assessment worksheet related to the proposed Cedar Lake Manoomin Restoration Project in Carlton County.

The Minnesota Land Trust, in partnership with the Fond du Lac Band of Lake Superior Ojibwe and the DNR, proposes to reestablish water levels favorable for wild rice productivity at Cedar Lake, a designated wild rice lake on the Fond du Lac Reservation.

The project would restore historic lake levels by removing downstream beaver dams and associated materials. It would include installation of a boat ramp to enable lake management. Access to the boat ramp would be restricted to Fond du Lac Band members for vegetation management, outflow channel maintenance, and wild rice harvesting. It would not be open for general public use and would only be used for non-motored watercraft.

Learn more about the project and how to comment at mndnr.gov, then search: Cedar Lake Manoomin Restoration Project.