Friday, August 7th, 2026

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Friday, August 7th, 2026

Breaking News for

Sportsmen Since 1968

Justin Runberg

Decline in returning young loons to Upper Midwest? Banding project sheds light

For over 30 years, the Upper Midwest-based Loon Project has been banding and studying the birds. Walter Piper, a professor at Chapman University in California, started songbirds in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula in 1992, but had a lifelong interest in loons.

Decline in returning young loons to Upper Midwest? Banding project sheds light Read More »

Minnesota’s Conservation Partners Legacy Grant Program modified, aims for more metro participation

The Conservation Partners Legacy Grant Program will have several modifications in the new funding cycle to help with capacity building, grantee outreach, and reimbursement aimed at increasing metro participation in the program.
During the last legislative session, Minnesota House members forged an agreement on the Lessard-Sams Outdoor Heritage Council funding bill that allows CPL grant funds to be used only in the metro, St. Cloud and Rochester, for this year.

Minnesota’s Conservation Partners Legacy Grant Program modified, aims for more metro participation Read More »

Game Fair in Minnesota returns for 45th year with its focus on family and conservation

Thousands will make their way to the Ramsey area this weekend to participate in Minnesota’s 45th annual Game Fair.
The outdoor event will be held the weekends of Aug. 7-9 and Aug. 14-16 again at the 80-acre Armstrong Ranch. Launched by Chuck and Loral I Delaney back in 1982, the event draws tens of thousands of visitors across both weekends.

Game Fair in Minnesota returns for 45th year with its focus on family and conservation Read More »

Ample natural foods could make things tough on Minnesota bear hunters in 2026

Forage conditions for bears will be favorable ahead of the Minnesota season, creating some challenges for bear hunting this season.
The ample natural foods may influence hunting success for this year’s bear season, said Andy Tri, bear project leader for the DNR. Baiting begins Aug. 14, and the season runs from Sept. 1 through Oct. 18.

Ample natural foods could make things tough on Minnesota bear hunters in 2026 Read More »

Minnesota DNR drawing down Lake Henry to boost vegetation and ducks

Lake Henry near Cleveland in Minnesota’s Le Sueur County has an ongoing drawdown through next spring for habitat improvements after the DNR designated it as a wildlife lake earlier this year.
The lake is one of 61 in the state with the designation, which allows DNR staff to manage water levels through temporary drawdowns. The process helps address issues affecting water quality and wildlife habitat.

Minnesota DNR drawing down Lake Henry to boost vegetation and ducks Read More »

Minnesota’s deer harvest opportunities to expand for 2026; regulation changes hunters need to know

One-third of Minnesota’s deer permit areas will receive increased harvest opportunities for the upcoming season, along with other changes to this year’s deer hunting regulations.
David Trauba, wildlife section manager for the DNR, told Outdoor News he’s optimistic for the 2026 season. Aside from the northeast Arrowhead Region, he said last winter was relatively mild and the DNR is hearing positive reports about deer productivity. Looking ahead to the deer season structure, Trauba said hunters will have lots of opportunity to get their deer.

Minnesota’s deer harvest opportunities to expand for 2026; regulation changes hunters need to know Read More »

Massive heat wave causes more fish kills across Minnesota

Statewide, the running tally of fish-kill events jumped 30% in a week earlier this month as water temperatures climbed into the 80s, killing thousands of fish across Minnesota.
Isaiah Tolo, fish health supervisor with the DNR, said much of the reporting occurred between July 16 and 20.

Massive heat wave causes more fish kills across Minnesota Read More »

Where did cougars in Minnesota’s Voyageurs National Park come from? DNA sheds insight on their long journey

Video evidence of wild cougar breeding activity in northern Minnesota generated big headlines across the region in April. Now, researchers with the Voyageurs Wolf Project have collected DNA from those animals, thus providing an opportunity to determine their genetic origins.
When the story broke three months ago, the DNR said it marked the first time in a century that wild cougar, or mountain lion, breeding activity had been recorded in the state.

Where did cougars in Minnesota’s Voyageurs National Park come from? DNA sheds insight on their long journey Read More »

Boundary Waters closure remains in place at least through Friday as Ely, Minn. area feels the impact

Superior National Forest officials are monitoring and evaluating Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness permits daily, and clarified the status of the wilderness closure on Wednesday.
Tom Hall, deputy U.S. Forest Service supervisor, reiterated that permits for the BWCAW – as announced last weekend – remain canceled through Friday, July 24. Earlier Wednesday morning in a press release, the agency said the closure order was scheduled to remain in place through Oct. 1. Later in the day, the agency clarified in a second release that the Oct. 1 closure could be rescinded any time.

Boundary Waters closure remains in place at least through Friday as Ely, Minn. area feels the impact Read More »

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