MN DNR

I have a lot of memories of fishing as a little boy, and most involve my dad and sisters.  On the opener, we would all go up to Island Lake, buy minnows and candy at Verns, and try our luck off the shore.  We didn't catch a lot of fish, but whenever we caught our first one of the year, my dad would bite the head off it.

This weekend is the date for anyone south of "the line" to remove their permanent ice houses from the lakes in Minnesota. However, this brutal winter is making house removal very difficult in some parts of the state.

We are definitely going to have another solid few weeks of ice fishing.   I'd even venture to guess with current ice conditions we could be fishing into April.  ( As always, be careful... ice can break up fast once it warms up.)  However, if you're planning on fishing past this Friday in Minnesota, you're going to need to renew your license.

With many lakes in Minnesota still ice covered, along with some streams and rivers, the DNR has announced that there will be seasonal closures on some waters to protect certain fish spawns.

It's been warming up the last few days and the snow has been melting.  Also, the ice has been starting to get a little thinner.  This is normal for this time of year and the deadlines to remove ice shelters reflect that.  In Minnesota, if you're south of the Highway 2 line you'll need to have your ice house off the lake by Monday March 4th.

Every year, the Minnesota DNR has a free weekend for parents to ice fish with their children.  On Feb. 16th -18th, anyone 16 or older does not need a fishing license if they are accompanied by a child.  The DNR website also has some tips for beginners who would like to take out their children.

Every year we hear about people falling through the ice on the lakes.  Especially now with the warmer early winter weeks, it's important for people to understand when and how to venture out on the ice.   According to the MN DNR, ice is never 100% safe!

Are you an artist?  I'm not, so I thought I would pass this super cool opportunity to design a waterfowl stamp on to those of you who are creative and artistic. Here's the details, if you win, let me know!!!  Good Luck!

This is a pretty cool thing.  The MN DNR is having a special youth hunt in October, but you need to register by August 17th.

Ah, memories of the Dirty Chicks ATV ride at Docs in Sturgeon Lake. .  But, this ride is different, a little more mellow and with a history lesson.

I know quite a few turkey hunters, some travel to the Dakotas, but some hunt locally and they will be happy to hear you won't need to fill out an application for this year's fall turkey hunt.  Instead, you can purchase it over the counter.  Here's the DNR details.

FUN!  The last time I was on an ATV it was in the Salt Flats of Wendover, UT.  It was such a beautiful ride......when I wasn't doing 75MPH!!!!! If excessive moisture has your favorite trails closed, the MN DNR has some alternate suggestions.  Especially if you plan on taking some time to ride during the Easter holiday week-end. Oh, and LADIES....keep listening to B105 and watching the website for