Sunday, August 9th, 2026

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Sunday, August 9th, 2026

Breaking News for

Sportsmen Since 1968

Justin Runberg

Minnesota DNR evaluates new camera system for surveying wetlands, wildlife

A new camera is being tested by the Minnesota DNR this spring for waterfowl counts and population surveys.
As part of a pilot program, researchers are evaluating whether the MX-10 can improve aerial surveys by providing more accurate counts in wetland areas. Bruce Davis, wetland wildlife research group leader for the DNR, recently participated in a flight to test the camera.

Minnesota DNR evaluates new camera system for surveying wetlands, wildlife Read More »

Effort to reintroduce elk to northeast Minnesota stalls; 2026 hunt in northwest sees increase in tags

Efforts to reintroduce elk to northeastern Minnesota have stalled despite years of planning and millions of dollars in state funding, as discussions continue among the Minnesota DNR, the Red Lake Band, and the Fond du Lac Band.
A 2023 legislative appropriation provided $2.3 million for elk relocation efforts through the Environment and Natural Resources Trust Fund. Of that amount, the DNR received $300,000, while $2 million was allocated to the Fond du Lac Band to prepare for the arrival of elk in the region.

Effort to reintroduce elk to northeast Minnesota stalls; 2026 hunt in northwest sees increase in tags Read More »

DNR aviation unit aids in creel surveys from above Minnesota’s popular waters

Flying over Minnesota lakes, conservation officer pilots help ensure accurate data collection for creel surveys on some of the state’s most popular waterways.
Brianna Shaw, a Minnesota state conservation officer pilot, is a newer addition to the aviation unit but already has made a difference in creel surveys. Joining the unit in September, Shaw said the position is a dream come true after years of pursuing a career in aviation and conservation.

DNR aviation unit aids in creel surveys from above Minnesota’s popular waters Read More »

Major deer study seeks answers before potential elk return to northeast Minnesota

More than 40 fawns have been fitted with tracking collars as part of the second part of a management study examining factors that affect deer populations in northeastern Minnesota.
The study is taking place on and around the Fond du Lac Band of Lake Superior Chippewa reservation. Researchers hope the study will provide data on fawn survival while also examining what potential influence elk could have on the area’s deer population.

Major deer study seeks answers before potential elk return to northeast Minnesota Read More »

Minnesota DNR Fisheries’ leader Brad Parsons to retire after 40 years

The Minnesota DNR has begun searching for a new fisheries section manager as Brad Parsons prepares to retire this fall.
After 40 years with the DNR, including the past eight as fisheries section manager, Parsons will retire in early September. He said the variety of work and challenges throughout his career made it rewarding to come to work each day, but he’s looking forward to a busy retirement.
“The resources we have in the state of Minnesota are just the best in the country.”

Minnesota DNR Fisheries’ leader Brad Parsons to retire after 40 years Read More »

Despite brief Apple wait, Minnesota DNR kicks off new Electronic Licensing System; license sales lag behind 2025

The Minnesota DNR launched its new Electronic Licensing System on Tuesday with a small hiccup when the Apple App Store did not immediately have the MN DNR Licensing app available. Visitors trying to find the app via their iPhones eventually were able to download it by about 2 p.m. Tuesday.
DNR staff said the new system had launched seamlessly on other platforms, including Android-based smartphones and browser versions on laptops and tablets on Tuesday morning.

Despite brief Apple wait, Minnesota DNR kicks off new Electronic Licensing System; license sales lag behind 2025 Read More »

Minnesota council hears Asian carp barrier update, reviews impact of 2026 legislative session

Federal and state agencies provided an update on the Mississippi River carp barrier project to the Lessard-Sams Outdoor Heritage Council (LSOHC) on May 27, but some council members questioned continued spending on the effort after invasive carp were found upstream of the proposed barrier.
The Minnesota DNR, along with representatives from the U.S. Geological Survey, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, presented the update.

Minnesota council hears Asian carp barrier update, reviews impact of 2026 legislative session Read More »

Minnesota conservation officer shoots off trap to free young black bear

Conservation Officer Jayson Hansen freed a young black bear trapped outside a Bigfork-area chicken coop May 22 by disabling the trap with carefully placed rifle shots.
Hansen received a call that evening from a middle-aged woman in the Bigfork area after a bear became caught in a trap she had set near the coop. The homeowner said she had recently had skunks bothering her chickens.

Minnesota conservation officer shoots off trap to free young black bear Read More »

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