Outdoors

Ever wonder how the DNR sets deer hunting regulations? Or how you can provide input on deer management in your area?
Local wildlife managers across the state are inviting the public to come to open-house meetings to ask their deer questions and learn about the state’s most popular mammal.
In the Tower work area, the open house will be held Tuesday, March 26 from 5-7 p.m. at the DNR’s Tower area office located at 650 Highway 169, Tower.
These local, open-house-style meetings are a way to encourage discussions about deer and deer management, enhance local relationships and foster two-way communication between the DNR and the public.
The DNR began the meetings last year with the release of its statewide deer management plan.

Results of the 2019 moose survey indicate northeastern Minnesota’s moose population remains stable but relatively low for the eighth year in a row, according to the Department of Natural Resources.

“We’re encouraged that the moose population is not in the steep decline it was,” said Glenn DelGiudice, DNR moose and deer project leader. “In the short to medium term, we’re likely to keep seeing moose in the forests, lakes and swamps of northeastern Minnesota. But their long-term survival here in Minnesota remains uncertain.”

Survey results estimate northeastern Minnesota’s moose population at 4,180, statistically unchanged from 2018’s estimate of 3,030. The results reflect a 90 percent certainty that the moose population is between 3,250 and 5,580 animals.

The last significant population decline occurred between 2009 and 2012. Since then, the number of moose in northeastern Minnesota has been statistically stable.

It’s an old bridge, on a not too worn path. On the bridge itself it says, use at your own risk. Many don’t.
The sign, just the small metal placard, if it’s any indicator, has plenty of bullet holes through it. One bent corner and splotchy blotches where paint over the years has been chipped off by Lord only knows what.
Today along its extremely thin length it’s frosted in snow, one gorgeous dump of a hump in the middle of the bridge all plumped up and its oozing out of the rusted rails almost, but not quite leaking, and I think with one warm day or a stout wind, those unsupported snowy outcroppings are bound to go down.
Down below, in a narrow ravine, the serpentine stream’s course is totally snow covered with rounded bends as it wends its way out of my eyesight.

WHAT:
Minnesota Department of Natural Resources Conservation Officer Alexander Birdsall will be out on Lake Waconia reminding anglers about the upcoming deadline to remove their ice fishing shelters. In addition, he will remind them to do their part in keeping lakes clean by picking up trash, even if it doesn’t belong to them, and provide tips for removing shelters in light of the record-setting snow during February.

In the southern two-thirds of the state, structures must be off lakes by the end of the day Monday, March 4. For structures on lakes in the northern third of the state, the deadline is by the end of the day Monday, March 18.

WHEN:
Thursday, Feb. 28, 11:30 a.m.

WHERE:
In Towne Marina on Lake Waconia – 8 East Lake Street, Waconia, MN 55387.

WINNER of the Ely-Winton Rod & Gun Club fishing contest was Sam Kaderlik who took home $300 last Saturday with 5.3 lb. northern. Photo by Hailey Worth.

District 5 - Eveleth area

by M. McKinnon
Reprinted with permission from Atikokan Progress, Atikokan, Canada

DNR Commissioner Sarah Strommen named current Assistant Commissioner Barb Naramore as deputy DNR commissioner.

Since 2013, Naramore has overseen three divisions (Ecological and Water Resources, Forestry, and Lands and Minerals) and worked frequently with other divisions on interdisciplinary efforts. Prior to joining the DNR, Naramore was executive director of the Upper Mississippi River Basin Association, where she worked with five states, federal agencies, and stakeholder groups on river-related programs and policies, including a groundbreaking aquatic ecosystem restoration and monitoring program.

“Barb has a passion for the full breadth of DNR’s work and understands its importance in the lives of all Minnesotans,” said Strommen. “As deputy, Barb will work closely with me on DNR’s strategic direction, building partnerships with external stakeholders, and fostering our efforts to connect all Minnesotans to the outdoors.”

by Tom Coombe -

Zach Norlander, Winton, MN caught this beautiful northern pike using a sucker minnow for bait, and jigged up some dandy sunnies while he was at it.