Minnesota Mixed Bag: Game Fair under way Aug. 8

Ramsey, Minn. — The 2025 rendition of Game Fair kicks off with its first full weekend, Aug. 8-10, followed by the Aug. 15-17 installment at Armstrong Ranch Kennels in Ramsey in the north metro. The event first was held in 1982.

This year, Game Fair will feature attendees’ favorite activities from past years, as well as new exhibits and new dog events. Don’t miss this chance to prepare for the upcoming fall hunting seasons by checking out the latest in gear or by taking in one of many offered seminars. Grab a hay bale and watch hunting dogs doing water work, or bring your own (cased) shotgun or bow and showcase your skills.

Show hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. each day. Admission is $15 for adults, $10 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 gamefair.com

WATER-CONTROL STRUCTURE PROJECT SLATED FOR EAST PARK WMA IN MARSHALL COUNTY

East Park Township, Minn. — During the first week of August, the Minnesota DNR will begin a drawdown of the Nelson Slough Impoundment at East Park Wildlife Management Area in Marshall County. The drawdown is in preparation for construction of a new water-control structure and embankment improvements slated to begin in late fall.

The construction project will increase the capacity to manage water levels, improving habitat for waterfowl and other wetland-dependent wildlife species. Water levels in the impoundment will remain low throughout construction, and construction activities will limit hunter access to the WMA. The project is expected to continue into 2027.

The DNR has partnered with the Middle-Snake-Tamarac Rivers Watershed District on the project. Partial funding for the project is provided by the Outdoor Heritage Fund.

DUCKS UNLIMITED EXPO RETURNS TO MEMPHIS, AUG. 1-3

Memphis, Tenn. — Ducks Unlimited has announced the return of The Ducks Unlimited Expo, which will take place Aug. 1-3 at the newly renovated Renasant Convention Center in Memphis. This outdoor consumer event will bring together more than 250 of the top brands in the industry, offering an immersive and interactive experience for outdoor enthusiasts, conservation supporters, and families alike.

The expo is particularly significant as it returns to Memphis, home of Ducks Unlimited’s national headquarters. The expo is also taking place in conjunction with the 2025 Ducks Unlimited Leadership Conference.

For more information about the Ducks Unlimited Expo, please visit duckexpo.com

N.D. FALL FLIGHT FORECAST SIMILAR TO LAST YEAR

Bismarck, N.D. — Duck brood numbers were up 28% from 2024, but North Dakota Game and Fish Department migratory game bird biologists expect a fall flight of ducks similar to last year.

The fall flight forecast is based on data from the May breeding duck survey and the July duck brood survey, both conducted annually by NDG&F biologists.

According to John Palarski, migratory game bird management biologist, the department’s 78th annual breeding duck survey conducted in May indicated the 2025 duck index was the 33rd highest on record, down 8.7% from 2024, but still 7% above the 1948–2024 average.

“Spring started off dry, with winter bringing below-average snowfall and above-average temperatures in March. Mallards and pintails were seen moving through North Dakota as early as mid-March, but the lack of meltwater in temporary ponds, coupled with frozen semipermanent wetlands, meant that many early migrants simply passed through without stopping,” Palarski said. “This contributed to a lower May index this year, along with a declining midcontinent duck population. Fortunately, we received enough rain in parts of the state to boost production, resulting in a fall flight forecast similar to last year.”