Minnesota Mixed Bag: DNR investigating ‘malicious killing’ of wild turkeys

Thief River Falls, Minn. — In this week’s state conservation officer weekly report, CO Bobby Stringer (Thief River Falls West) reported that several wild turkeys were maliciously killed by a motor vehicle.

On Tuesday, the DNR said the incident is still under investigation by COs Stringer and Tom Hutchins. It occurred in the roadway near 110th Avenue NW in Thief River Falls sometime on Feb. 20. Stringer described it as a “gruesome scene” and asks anyone who witnessed it or has more information to call the Turn in Poachers hotline at (800) 652-9093.

George’s Muskie Expo runs Feb. 27 to March 1

Shakopee, Minn. — George’s Minnesota Muskie Expo, held this year again in conjunction with the Minnesota Anglers Boat Show, comes to a new location, the Canterbury Park Expo Center, 1100 Canterbury Road, in Shakopee and runs Feb. 27 to March 1.

For muskie and other fishing aficionados, the expo offers a chance to see the latest in gear; take in a seminar offered by a slate of muskie experts including Mike Kramer, Luke Ronnestrand, Chase Gibbons, and several others; let the youngsters visit George’s Tackle Shop or take part in minnow races; and much more.

Show hours are 1-7:30 p.m. on Friday, Feb. 27; 10 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 28; and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Sunday, March 1. Daily admission for adults is $12 (a three-day pass is $20), free for youth age 12 and under.

Visit www.mn-muskieexpo.com for more information.

MORE COVERAGE FROM MINNESOTA OUTDOOR NEWS:

Minnesota Pheasants Forever honors volunteers, supporters during national event in Minneapolis

Minnesota’s ice season still cruising despite recent warm-up taking some toll

What to do when cold, clear, high-pressure days shut down fishing

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!) ball cap.

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. 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.

PHEASANT FEST HEADED TO OMAHA IN 2027

Minneapolis, Minn. — Before wrapping up its 2026 National Pheasant Fest and Quail Classic at the Minneapolis Convention Center last Sunday, Pheasants Forever announced that Omaha, Nebraska will host the 2027 event. It marks the organization’s fifth trip to Omaha, and the first since 2022.

“Please join us next year, as chapters, members, exhibitors, speakers and attendees celebrate the accomplishments and mission of The Habitat Organization on March 5-7, 2027, at the CHI Health Center,” the group said in a statement early this week.

DRAWDOWN PLANNED FOR MARSH LAKE AT LQP WMA THIS SPRING AND SUMMER

St. Paul — Visitors to Marsh Lake in the Lac qui Parle Wildlife Management Area will see lowered water levels as the result of a drawdown planned for spring and summer 2026. The drawdown aims to improve habitat for fish and wildlife by increasing aquatic vegetation and improving water quality.

“A previous drawdown in 2019 and 2020 produced an abundance of emergent vegetation in the lake,” said Walt Gessler, Lac qui Parle area wildlife manager. “Native vegetation reestablished where we had hoped, and submergent vegetation showed steady improvement over the previous five years, which provided a tremendous benefit for clean water, fish and wildlife.”

During the drawdown, boaters can access the lake only at the main river channel above and below the Louisburg Grade Bridge. Boating on the main part of Marsh Lake will be difficult during the summer, when water levels will be at their lowest. Boating conditions below the dam on Lac qui Parle Lake should not be affected and that area will remain open to boat traffic.

The last drawdown spanned two growing seasons. A shorter, one-growing-season drawdown should not result in as much emergent vegetation as the last one, leaving more open water for hunter access. Find more information at the LqP area wildlife page.

Send comments and questions to Walt Gessler at walt.gessler@state.mn.us.

FISH HOUSE REMOVAL DEADLINES APPROACHING

St. Paul — Recent warm weather has deteriorated many public water accesses in the central and southern parts of Minnesota and prompted thin-ice warnings for some bodies of water. As a result, many fish house owners already have removed their shelters from the ice. For those who haven’t, the DNR reminds anglers to start planning for bringing them off the ice in advance of approaching removal deadlines. The upcoming statutory removal deadlines are: 11:59 p.m. on March 2 for inland waters in the southern two-thirds of the state; 11:59 p.m. on March 16 for inland waters in the northern one-third of the state; 11:59 p.m. on March 31 for Minnesota-Canada border waters, including Lake of the Woods.

Other removal deadlines include Minnesota-South and North Dakota border waters (March 5); Minnesota-Wisconsin border waters (March 1); and Minnesota-Iowa border waters (Feb. 20). Anglers may still fish after removal deadlines, but shelters on the ice between midnight and one hour before sunrise must be attended or occupied. Also, shelters may not be left at public access sites.