Sunday, May 10th, 2026

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Sunday, May 10th, 2026

Breaking News for

Sportsmen Since 1968

Justin Runberg

Audit raises concerns for Minnesota DNR’s readiness to launch new electronic licensing system

The Minnesota DNR’s electronic licensing system (ELS) could face additional delays after a recent audit identified ongoing concerns.
The Office of the Legislative Auditor (OLA) released a report April 8 outlining issues the DNR must address before fully launching the system. The project already has experienced significant setbacks, and the audit found the DNR has not met six of the 11 critical success criteria.

Audit raises concerns for Minnesota DNR’s readiness to launch new electronic licensing system Read More »

Minnesota DNR’s K9 Fennec remembered for service, community impact

A Minnesota DNR K9 is being remembered for his service and community impact after dying of leukemia last month.
K9 Fennec served five years as part of a DNR K9 team. He spent his last three years with DNR Conservation Officer Michael Fairbanks as his handler. Fairbanks said the loss of K9 Fennec has been deeply felt, personally and across the Deer River community he serves.
“I spent more time with Fennec than I did with my own family,” Fairbanks said.

Minnesota DNR’s K9 Fennec remembered for service, community impact Read More »

Minnesota lawmakers address AI concern over fraudulent DNR licenses

Minnesota lawmakers are advancing legislation to address fraudulent hunting, fishing, and recreational licenses, a trend that DNR Enforcement says has increased via the use of artificial intelligence.
HF4192, authored by Rep. Dave Pinto, DFL-St. Paul, and its Senate companion SF4206, authored by Sen. Judy Seeberger, DFL-Lakeland, would strengthen enforcement tools and penalties. Lt. Col. Robert Gorecki, assistant DNR director of enforcement, said current law limits how officers can respond directly to fraudulent documents.

Minnesota lawmakers address AI concern over fraudulent DNR licenses Read More »

Minnesota lawmakers tackle fish eggs, off-highway vehicle trails and wild rice bills

Fish eggs exposed to viruses – and then disinfected – may be used for stocking in the future under SF4332, presented by Sen. Robert Kupec, DFL-Moorhead. The bill would modify provisions for importing, stocking and transferring eggs in aquaculture, allowing eggs to come from in-state and out-of-state sources.
Testimony was heard during the March 25, Senate Agriculture, Veterans, Broadband, and Rural Development committee.

Minnesota lawmakers tackle fish eggs, off-highway vehicle trails and wild rice bills Read More »

Prairie chicken kill drops during Minnesota’s latest limited hunting season

The 2025 Minnesota prairie chicken harvest fell to one of its lowest levels since Minnesota reopened the season in 2003.
Hunters harvested 46 birds, and total harvest after accounting for non-respondents was estimated at 56 in 2025, a 37% drop from the previous year. The statewide quota was 125 birds across 11 northwestern Minnesota permit areas, allocated through a lottery that drew more than 400 applicants.

Prairie chicken kill drops during Minnesota’s latest limited hunting season Read More »

New Minnesota ‘state park’ plan aims to honor Melissa and Mark Hortman

Rep. Peter Fischer, DFL-Maplewood, has introduced HF3643, a bill to establish the Melissa and Mark Hortman Memorial State Park around the State Capitol complex.
More than 30 House members have signed on as co-authors. The House Environment and Natural Resources Finance and Policy Committee heard the bill March 17.

New Minnesota ‘state park’ plan aims to honor Melissa and Mark Hortman Read More »

80-mile corn spill causes public concern, attracts deer along railroad in northwest Minnesota

An 80-mile stretch of railroad between Thief River Falls and the Canadian border has some residents worried after finding corn and dead deer along the tracks.
A train carrying grain through the area had a significant corn spill in January. Carlstad Area Wildlife Manager Jason Wollin said it isn’t uncommon to find loose grain that falls out of train cars, but news reports of 100-plus dead deer near the track were inaccurate.

80-mile corn spill causes public concern, attracts deer along railroad in northwest Minnesota Read More »

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