By statute, the opening date for Minnesota’s snowmobile trails is Dec. 1 but most of the state’s trails need more snow before they can be groomed for use, according to the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. Several conditions must be met before trails are groomed and safe: “It’s a big job for local volunteers and…
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Going out on the ice for fishing or snowmobiling can be a fun winter activity. But not if the ice isn’t thick enough to support your vehicle’s weight or your weight. Polk County Sheriff Jim Tadman talks about factors that can make ice thickness vary from one place to another. Tadman points out that the…
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The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) has 11 parcels for sale including rural and lakeshore properties. Properties in Itasca, St. Louis, and Wadena counties are available for online bidding from Thursday, Dec. 1, through Wednesday, Dec. 14. Anyone interested in bidding on a property needs to register for an account on MinnBid. Visit the DNR land sale webpage to obtain…
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CO Victoria Griffith (Isle) spent time doing equipment maintenance and following up on big-game cases. Litter complaints were followed up on. Griffith would like to give a reminder to keep safety in mind now that ice is beginning to form on waters across the state. CO Nate Benkofske (McGregor) investigated post-deer-season reports from the public.…
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District 9 – Brainerd area Last updated: 2022-11-28 CO Chelsey Best (Pequot Lakes) spent time on outstanding deer-season complaints. Anglers were testing the ice and found some panfish-fishing success. CO Tony Flerlage (Crosby) saw a low number of hunters for the weekend muzzleloader opener. Grouse hunters were more common, as were squirrel hunters. The weather has…
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Ice anglers can harvest walleye on both Mille Lacs and Upper Red lakes this winter season. On Upper Red Lake, a three-walleye bag limit, with one walleye longer than 17 inches allowed in possession, went into effect Nov. 1. On Mille Lacs Lake, a one-walleye bag limit, with one walleye between 21-23 inches or one…
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CO Gregory Verkuilen (Garrison) continued checking deer hunters. There were complaints of baiting, trespassing, and hunting after the season closed. Some waterfowl hunters were still out despite shallow waters freezing over. CO Victoria Griffith (Isle) continued monitoring firearms deer season activities. Fewer hunters were observed throughout the week with the cooler weather. Griffith followed up…
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CO Chelsey Best (Pequot Lakes) wrapped up investigations from the deer and bear seasons. Enforcement action was taken for deer- and waterfowl-related violations. CO Eric Sullivan (Brainerd) reports deer hunters and waterfowl hunters were in the area enjoying time outdoors as the firearms and waterfowl seasons come to a close. Hunters reported that deer movement…
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If you plan to burn this month, first check the fire danger and burning restrictions webpage and monitor conditions closely. Burning permits are required across much of the state right now.Drought conditions over the past year mean fires can burn into the dry organic layer below the surface. These deep fires hold heat for days or sometimes months that…
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Public entities and nonprofit organizations serving people younger than 18 can apply for No Child Left Inside grants through 2 p.m. on Wednesday, Dec. 7. The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources is offering the grants to help more children cast a line, study animal tracks, hike, bike, or simply learn more about nature. The DNR…
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