DNR

Every year there are new laws added to the book.  This year there is no exception.  Make sure to pick up a booklet so you have it handy for this weekend.  Also a big thing this year is the invasive species prevention push, so make sure to follow those rules as well.  The DNR will be out, so be legal!

Earlier this month, boaters were scrambling to get the new Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS) Sticker on their boat.  Now the law has changed and you are no longer required to display the sticker on your boat.  You will by the year 2015 have to complete an online course by law.  Fines will increase this year starting July 1st for not properly following AIS precautions.

There's a new law that was passed last year in Minnesota that requires boaters this season to have a "invasive species tips" sticker on the boat.  The DNR hopes this will help boaters be more aware of invasive species and how to prevent the spread from lake to lake. Where can you get them?  Here's 3 places besides the DMV you can go.

The MN Senate passed the bill approving license fees for fishing and hunting to increase for the first time in 11 years.  The bill, if signed, will increase the price for residents and non residents for fishing, small game, and big game licenses.  The bill has wide support from many outdoor organizations looking to help fund the preservation and regulating of Minnesota's great fishing and hunting.

Do you hunt in any of these areas?  If so, the DNR would like you to take an online survey so they can reach their Deer Goals.  It is important for you to take part so the DNR can get as much information as possible to help set limits for the deer harvest.

You don't have to be out in the middle of the woods to have a bear encounter, as we all know.  Bears have hibernating and now that they are awake and it's time to eat!  As you can see, the DNR is starting to see more complaints about bears in the Northland.  While the bears aren't looking for trouble, it can still be intimidating to have them in your yard. Your best best bet is to make sure your p

The DNR announced that the confiscated hunting and fishing equipment will be going up for sale during an auction on Saturday, April 28th in Zimmerman, MN.  All of the items were confiscated for serious game violations.  It includes over 309 working firearms.

Just west of Shell Lake, Wisconsin Chronic Wasting Disease (or CWD) was found in a wild doe.  The DNR will now do more extensive testing in the area and try to identify more cases. But what are you supposed to do if you see a deer with CWD in the Shell Lake area?  Here's an answer straight from the DNR.

Yep, we were dumb.  Not by choice, but the way things worked out, no one could go get our ice house off the lake last week or this weekend.  That, coupled with the fact that we had a ton of snow, then temperatures in the 50's made it a pretty bad mess...

The weather has certainly been giving us Spring fever.  Some of us may have already tucked the snow blower away and had our sights set on the "fun" summer toys.  The MN DNR reminds us, before we make that BIG purchase, you should review rules and regulations, so you aren't spending thousands needlessly.  Here's the skinny.

It doesn't matter if you plan to hunt or not. firearm safety is always important.   Gain knowledge of how a gun works and the safest way to handle it by taking these DNR Hunter Education Classes.  You know you'll need it come Fall, take care of it now.