Episode 607 – Bluegills in Japan, wild rice, black bear preview, Doug Hartke, Ambler Road debate

Did you know the humble bluegill has become an aquatic invasive species in Japan? Host Rob Drieslein and Tim Lesmeister kick that topic around, as well as grizzly bear debate in California, and Drieslein gives a first-hand, fresh wild rice report from last weekend. Other guests include bear biologist Andrew Tri from the Minnesota DNR who offers some insight into the 2026 black bear hunting season, which begins Tuesday, Sept. 1. Drieslein also spends a segment with Doug Hartke from the Fox Lake Conservation League and Ducks Unlimited who talks about the 20 wildlife management areas in southern Minnesota’s Martin County. Conservationists played a big role in creating most of them, and there’s a special open-to-all dedication for new public lands in the area on Sept. 19.