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Tuesday, October 8th, 2024

Breaking News for

Sportsmen Since 1968

Tuesday, October 8th, 2024

Breaking News for

Sportsmen Since 1968

Brian Mozey

Minnesota DNR wildlife manager Randy Prachar calls it a career after 36 years

Randy Prachar, the Minnesota DNR’s Roseau River Wildlife Management Area wildlife supervisor, retired July 5.
Prachar spent 36 years with the DNR in various positions, always living his dream of working outdoors and with wildlife.
“I decided to go for wildlife management,” Prachar said. “That, I would say, was the dream from when I was a small boy. And jumping quite a bit ahead now, I’ve lived the dream.”

Minnesota DNR wildlife manager Randy Prachar calls it a career after 36 years Read More »

Seeing red-brown lake water? It might be planktothrix

Steve Hagen has lived on St. Olaf Lake in southeastern Minnesota for 17 years and has never had a problem with the lake. It’s always been a place where his children could swim and he could fish without hesitation.
This spring, Hagen noticed a red-brown color in the lake from his backyard. Concerned by the smell and appearance, he contacted the Minnesota DNR for assistance.

Seeing red-brown lake water? It might be planktothrix Read More »

Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness clarifies dog leash rules

The U.S. Forest Service added new language to Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness permitting last spring, indicating that dogs must be on a leash of 6 feet or less while in developed recreation sites.
The change raised questions about whether the rule applies during bird-hunting seasons, when most dogs are off-leash trying to flush birds. Cathleen Quinn, the U.S. Forest Service’s wilderness program manager, clarified the rule and eased the concerns of those bringing hunting dogs or pets to the BWCAW.

Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness clarifies dog leash rules Read More »

Minnesota’s public waters inventory list to be updated, per legislation

During the 2024 Minnesota legislative session, legislators approved language to update the state’s public waters inventory map and list. The language was part of the environment and natural resources supplemental budget and policy bill.
Randall Doneen, Minnesota DNR conservation assistance and regulation section manager for the Ecological and Water Resources Division, will lead the eight-year effort to update the map and list, county by county.

Minnesota’s public waters inventory list to be updated, per legislation Read More »

Minnesota’s Lessard-Sams Outdoor Heritage Council members tour sites of Lock and Dam deterrent, new Keystone WMA

Lessard-Sams Outdoor Heritage Council members recently toured two locations funded by the Outdoor Heritage Fund. The sites included Lock and Dam 5 in Minnesota City and Keystone Wildlife Management Area in Hugo and May Township.
The tour began at Lock and Dam 5, where $12 million was recommended by the LSOHC and approved by the Minnesota Legislature to construct a deterrent preventing Asian carp passage. The funding became available after the February 2024 state budget forecast revealed an additional $12 million available from the fund.

Minnesota’s Lessard-Sams Outdoor Heritage Council members tour sites of Lock and Dam deterrent, new Keystone WMA Read More »

LSOHC approves federal LWCF encumbrance for Keystone WMA

Members of the Lessard-Sams Outdoor Heritage Council met Wednesday, June 12, to kick off the new year of funding proposals. They also approved a request from the Minnesota DNR to place a federal Land and Water Conservation Fund encumbrance on a 450-acre parcel within the Keystone WMA.
There was debate among members about whether Keystone WMA was the best choice for the encumbrance, but a majority favored it via an 8-3 vote. Keystone WMA, a new property purchased through various Outdoor Heritage Fund proposals, includes 1,833 acres in the northeast Twin Cities metro near Hugo and Stillwater.

LSOHC approves federal LWCF encumbrance for Keystone WMA Read More »

Record or not, giant pike caught in Minnesota’s Boundary Waters creates incredible memory

Jacob Skorloken, 39, of Merrifield, Minn., recalls going to the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness with his father 21 years ago and catching his first fish in an area his family calls the “honey hole.”
Fast-forward to May 2024, when Skorloken, his father, and some friends visited the same honey hole during their 21st annual trip to the BWCAW. This time, Skorloken caught the biggest fish of his life.
And it might have been a state record for the longest catch-and-release northern pike. The only issue: Skorloken didn’t take complete measurements to confirm the length.

Record or not, giant pike caught in Minnesota’s Boundary Waters creates incredible memory Read More »

Minnesota DNR, Fond du Lac Band reflect on elk law that limits how big herd can grow

An issue that emerged from the 2024 legislative session focused on elk management in northwest Minnesota.
The Minnesota DNR sought more authority to grow the region’s elk population, while agricultural producers remained concerned that more elk could lead to potential crop damage in the Kittson area.

Minnesota DNR, Fond du Lac Band reflect on elk law that limits how big herd can grow Read More »

Minnesota anglers, boaters encounter high water, with more in forecast

They say, “April showers bring May flowers.” In 2024, it’s been: “May showers bring June high waters.”
State boaters and anglers have seen access closures, high water levels, and safety concerns on specific rivers, streams, and lakes after several weeks of rain across Minnesota. The Minnesota, Mississippi, and St. Croix rivers are experiencing dangerous water levels, prompting warnings for anglers to wait until conditions improve.

Minnesota anglers, boaters encounter high water, with more in forecast Read More »

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