Conference to celebrate waterfowl and habitat

Waterfowl hunting, habitat management and biology – and the majesty of the Roseau River Wildlife Management Area – are among topics planned for the Minnesota Waterfowl Symposium, a one-day conference open to outdoor enthusiasts, hunters and natural resource experts.

At the Saturday, Feb. 4 event, waterfowl experts from a variety of agencies and organizations will discuss waterfowl and waterfowl habitat with the public. It takes place 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Minneapolis Airport Marriot, 2020 American Blvd. E., in Bloomington.

“Each year this conference is a great chance to talk face-to-face with the public about a wide range of issues relating to wetlands and waterfowl,” said Ricky Lien, wetland habitat team supervisor with the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. “This discussion is important and we always enjoy people’s enthusiasm for these issues.”

The conference, now in its 20th year, is presented through a partnership between the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Minnesota Waterfowl Association and the DNR.

Attendees can get gun fitting and repair questions answered by a gunsmith, see the junior duck stamp display, learn about cooking and other uses for wild game, and more. They also can check out the Minnesota Decoy Collectors Association annual decoy show hosted across the hall at the same location.

Presenters include:  

•  Kevin Lines, Minnesota DNR, engaging in local conservation issues.
• Orrin Jones, Iowa Department of Natural Resources, an experimental teal season in production states.
• Randy Pracher, Minnesota DNR, the Roseau River WMA.
• Marshall Johnson, Dakota Audubon, and Nina Hill, University of Minnesota, the marsh bird response to habitat management using fire and grazing.
• David Wolfson, University of Minnesota, a crane delineation project.
• Steve Cordts, Minnesota DNR; goldeneye biology and hunting.
• Jeff Lawrence, Minnesota DNR, a history of hunting regulations.
• DNR Commissioner Tom Landwehr will participate in a question and answer session.

Following the symposium, the Minnesota Waterfowl Association will convene its eighth annual Hall of Fame Banquet to recognize significant contributors to the state’s waterfowl legacy. For more information about the symposium or to register for the banquet, call the Minnesota Waterfowl Association at 763-767-0320 or visit www.mnwaterfowl.com.

North Dakota Boats Need 2017-19 Registration

North Dakota boat owners are reminded that 2017 is the first year of a new three-year registration period.

Boat registrations can be renewed online by clicking on “buy and apply” at the North Dakota Game and Fish Department’s website, gf.nd.gov. In addition, boat owners should receive their registration mailing in early January.

The price to register motorboats under 16 feet in length, and all canoes, is $18, motorboats from 16 feet to less than 20 feet in length is $36, and motorboats at least 20 feet in length is $45.

The new boat registration cycle begins Jan. 1 and runs through Dec. 31, 2019.

Also, anyone buying a new or used watercraft can generate a 10-day temporary permit online that is valid until the registration is processed.

Boat owners purchasing watercraft from private individuals this winter are reminded to register it in their name. Registering a used watercraft purchased from an individual must include proof of transfer of ownership, such as a photocopy of the previous owner’s registration card, a canceled check or a signed note from the previous owner stating transfer of ownership.

Regulations require the boat number to be in contrasting color to the hull in plain vertical block letters at least 3 inches in height, excluding any border, trim, outlining or shading, and must be maintained in a legible condition so the number is clearly visible in daylight hours. The number must read from left to right, and groups of numbers and letters must be separated by a space or hyphen equivalent in width to the letter “M.”

In addition, a validation sticker issued by the Game and Fish Department must be displayed on the boat within 6 inches of the number toward the rear of the boat. No other numbers should be displayed in this area.

Boat owners who do not receive a renewal notice by the end of January should contact the Game and Fish Department at 701-328-6335, or email ndgf@nd.gov. Many renewals are likely to be returned because some owners who moved within the last three years did not notify the Department with their new address.

DNR announces northwestern Minnesota furbearer registration stations

The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources reminds northwestern Minnesota fur trappers to register their pelts in December and January at one of several furbearer registration stations.

At the following locations, furbearers (all species) may be registered from noon to 7 p.m., or 3 to 6 p.m. (depending on the office), on Dec 2. Bobcat and otter only registration will be held between 3 p.m. and 6 p.m. on Jan. 10.

• Backus DNR forestry office, 4391 State Highway 87, 218-732-8452.
• Baudette area wildlife office, 204 Main St. E., 218-634-1705.
• Bemidji area wildlife office, 2114 Bemidji Ave., 218-308-2339.
• Detroit Lakes area wildlife office, 14583 County Highway 19, 218-846-8470.
• Fergus Falls area wildlife office, 1509 1st Ave. N., 218-739-7576.
• Park Rapids area wildlife office, 603 First St. W., 218-732-8452.
• Roseau County courthouse, 606 5th Ave. SW, 218-463-1130.
• Thief Lake WMA office, Middle River, 42280 240th Ave. NE, 218-222-3747.
• Wadena County Highway Department, 221 Harry Rich Dr., Wadena, 218-732-8452.
• Warroad DNR forestry office, 804 Cherne Drive NW, 218-783-6861.

Registration is also available by appointment throughout the furbearer season at any of the following DNR area wildlife offices. Trappers and hunters must call ahead to make an appointment.

• Baudette area wildlife office, 204 Main St. E., 218-634-1705.
• Bemidji area wildlife office, 2114 Bemidji Ave., 218-308-2348.
• Park Rapids area wildlife office, 603 First St. W., 218-732-8452.
• Crookston area wildlife office, 204 Main St. S., 218-281-6063.
• Detroit Lakes area wildlife office, 14583 County Highway 19, 218-846-8374.
• Fergus Falls area wildlife office, 1509 1st Ave. N., 218-739-7576.
• Glenwood area wildlife office, 23070 N. Lakeshore Drive, 320-634-7337.
• Karlstad area wildlife office, 202 Main St. N., 218-436-2427.
• Red Lake WMA office, Norris Camp, 218-783-6861.
• Roseau River WMA office, Roseau, 27952 400th St., 218-463-1130.
• Thief River Falls area wildlife office, 246 125th Ave. NE, 218-681-0946.
• Thief Lake WMA office, Middle River, 42280 240th Ave. NE, 218-222-3747.

Pelts must be removed from the carcass and thawed for inspection purposes. The entire carcass of bobcats, and the heads of each pine marten and fisher, must be presented at the time of registration. Trappers must present completed site validation coupons for each fisher, pine marten and river otter when presenting these pelts for registration. The site validation tags must be notched to indicate the date and time of harvest. Trappers can obtain four otter tags and two fisher/marten tags, which are available upon request from license vendors. Trappers may have two combined (one fisher and one marten) or two fisher or two marten.
To expedite registration, trappers must produce their license (trappers should also bring their small game license) and should bring the following written information for each animal to be registered: species; sex; date and location taken (county, township and range); method of take, including type of trap used; and the DNR number as shown on the license.
Fur registration forms and additional information are available from the area wildlife offices or the DNR website at www.dnr.state.mn.us/recreation/hunting/trapping.

Moorhead Police Summer Youth Program Registration

Registration/sign-up for the Moorhead Police Department’s Summer Youth Program will be held on Wednesday, June 17 at the Moorhead Armory (1002 15 Ave. N.) starting at 4 pm and will continue until the program is full or 7 pm.  We are only able to accommodate a total of 200 youth ages 8-12 years old, so availability is on a first-come first-serve basis.  A parent or legal guardian must accompany their child at the time of registration.

This program is free to participants thanks to grant funding through the Minnesota Youth Intervention Program Association (YIPA) by the Minnesota Department of Public Safety.   Minnesota YIPA is an organization that advocates for community-based youth intervention programs.  This program provides an excellent opportunity for police officers to interact with youth and help develop strong relationships and support positive decision making. The Summer Youth Program started as an opportunity for children in the community to participate in fun activities they wouldn’t have otherwise been able to. 

The program is held every Wednesday from 12– 4 pm (or later on some weeks) for 7 weeks in the summer and targets all youth in the community who are available to attend each week.  Each afternoon consists of lunch, an educational component and a recreational activity including roller skating, bowling, Thunder Road Amusement Park, swimming and more!

Youth Services Coordinator Louis Ochoa and School Resource Officer Brian Dahl are the coordinators for this program and can be contacted at 218.790.4054 or 218.790.4259 if you have any questions.

See the 2015 Schedule of Events for all the details.  Media outlets are welcome and invited to come to registration or to stop by any Wednesday to see first-hand how exciting and successful this program has become!

Still time to register for Minnesota’s first pheasant summit

There’s still time to register for the first Minnesota Pheasant Summit and contribute to strategies that aim to enhance habitat for this important species.

Gov. Mark Dayton is inviting Minnesotans to register for the summit, which takes place from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 13, at Southwest Minnesota State University, 1501 State St., in Marshall. Click the “Join us for the event” button at www.mndnr.gov/pheasantsummit to register.
The summit is free and open to all Minnesotans interested in preserving the state’s pheasant population. It will focus on why the pheasant population has declined in the state, and possible collaborative efforts to improve pheasant habitat statewide.

The meeting will bring together hunters, farmers, conservationists, policymakers, key members of the governor's cabinet, and others. Participants will discuss strategies to increase the state’s pheasant population, improve pheasant habitat, and ensure that future generations of Minnesotans have opportunities to enjoy one of the state’s most popular and iconic game birds.

Can’t make it? A survey is available so anyone can share thoughts about what can be done to improve pheasant numbers and habitat, and what should be discussed at the summit. The survey is available by clicking the “Can’t make the event” button at www.mndnr.gov/pheasantsummit/survey.html.

The state’s pheasant population index is up 6 percent over 2013, according to the Department of Natural Resources. Despite this slight increase, the state’s pheasant population is still 58 percent below the 10-year average, and 71 percent below the long-term average.
More about pheasants, pheasant habitat in Minnesota, and the summit can be found at www.mndnr.gov/pheasantsummit. 

Hunters can register deer through phone, Internet or in person

Hunters can register deer they harvest by making a telephone call, using the Internet, or bringing deer to a big-game registration station, according to the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. Registration instructions for all methods are available at www.mndnr.gov/gameregistrationhelp.

“Our system gives hunters the ability to choose the registration option that works best for their situation. Electronic or phone registration is convenient for many hunters,” said Leslie McInenly, DNR big game program leader. A number of hunters still choose to go in person to registration stations.
However, hunters in the southeastern Minnesota deer permit areas of 348 and 349 must register deer in person during the opening weekend of firearms season because the DNR is conducting voluntary surveillance for chronic wasting disease in these areas. Phone and Internet registration will be available for these areas once enough samples have been collected.
In all areas, deer must be registered within 48 hours after the deer was taken, and before being processed and before antlers are removed. Deer can be transported out of the area where they were taken before being registered. Registration is important because it provides data on harvest that’s used for management of deer populations.
Phone registration
Register deer via phone by calling 888-706-6367. Directions are printed on the back of each deer hunting license. Have a pen ready. A confirmation number will be given; it must be written on the license and site tag.
Internet registration
Register deer via Internet at www.mndnr.gov/gameregistration. Directions will be similar to phone registration, and a confirmation number must be written on the license and site tag.   
Walk-in registration
When phone or Internet registration is not possible, hunters must take their deer to a big-game registration station. The person whose name appears on the license must be present at the registration station with their deer. They will receive a big-game possession tag that must be attached to the hind leg, ear or antler where the site tag was attached. A list of all stations organized by city and county is available at any DNR wildlife office or at www.mndnr.gov/hunting/deer.
Other species
In addition to registering a deer online, hunters can also go online to register a bear, wolf or turkey. If an animal can be registered via phone, instructions will be printed on the back of the license. More hunting information is available at www.mndnr.gov/hunting.

Moorhead Police Summer Youth Program

Registration/sign-up for the Moorhead Police Department’s Summer Youth Program will be held on Wednesday, June 11th at the Moorhead Armory (1002 15^th Ave. N.) starting at 4:00 p.m. and will continue until the program is full or 7:00 p.m.  We are only able to accommodate a total of 200 youth ages 8-12 years old, so availability is on a first-come first-serve basis.  A parent or legal guardian must accompany their child at the time of registration.

This program is free to participants thanks to grant funding through the Minnesota Youth Intervention Program Association (YIPA) by the Department of Public Safety.   Minnesota YIPA is an organization that advocates for community-based youth intervention programs.  This program provides an excellent opportunity for police officers to interact with youth and help develop strong relationships and support positive decision making. The Summer Youth Program started as an opportunity for children in the community to participate in fun activities they wouldn’t have otherwise been able to. 

The program is held every Wednesday from 12:00 – 4:00 p.m. (or later on some weeks) for 7 weeks in the summer and targets all youth in the community who are available to attend each week.  Each afternoon consists of lunch, an educational component and a recreational activity including roller skating, bowling, Courts Plus Fitness Center, Thunder Road and swimming!

Youth Services Coordinator Louis Ochoa and School Resource Officer Brian Dahl are the coordinators for this program and can be contacted at (218) 790-4054 or (218) 790-4259 if you have any questions.

Register now for DNR beginners fly-fishing weekend for youth-adult pairs, May 2-4

An opportunity to learn the basics of fly fishing from experienced mentors is being offered to adult and youth pairs during a special fly-fishing weekend at the Eagle Bluff Environmental Learning Center near Lanesboro, May 2-4, according to the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources.
Participants will also try their hand at tying flies and learn how anglers catch more fish when they understand fish habits and habitat. There will be time for fish tales and a campfire.

To qualify, the youth/adult pair must have little or no fly-fishing experience. Both should have a sincere interest in learning. Eligible youth include Minnesota boys and girls who will be between the ages of 11 and 17 on May 2.

The cost is $120 per youth/adult pair and includes meals, lodging, guiding services, equipment and additional materials. Each youth and adult will set up and fish with a new fly rod that is theirs to keep. Sponsorships to offset registration fees may be available from angling and conservation organizations.

The event is sponsored by MinnAqua, a statewide educational program through the DNR, designed to connect youth and families to Minnesota’s waters through fishing.

Activities begin after check-in Friday night and wrap up by 2 p.m. Sunday.

This event is limited to 20 youth/adult pairs. Application form and program information are available online at www.mndnr.gov/minnaqua (on events calendar, click on MinnAqua Fly-Fishing Weekend) or by contacting Deb Groebner, DNR regional MinnAqua specialist, 507-359-6049, deborah.groebner@state.mn.us.