By Doug Leier North Dakota's waters are a treasure worth protecting for all. From the mighty Missouri River to the Red River and the countless lakes and ponds in between, our fisheries and aquatic habitats support recreation, healthy fish populations, tourism, and local economies. But these waters face a persistent cha...

Every lake tells a story through its fish. The mix of species and their abundance can reveal the health of a lake and how the lake changes over time. A new report from the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, in partnership with the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency, documents that healthier lakes tend to have l...

Once again, young people will be able to hunt deer with an adult in a number of state parks during several application-only special youth deer hunts. These hunts offer more individualized experiences in unique places, and often on different dates than the statewide youth deer season. Hunters need to know this year that...

The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources' latest ruffed grouse counts found Minnesota's spring 2026 population declined from its peak in 2024. Ruffed grouse drums per stop were 1.7 statewide, which is down slightly from last year. Drumming is a low sound produced by males as they beat their wings rapidly and in in...

District 1 - Baudette area Last updated: 2026-07-06 CO Ben Huener (Roseau) checked anglers on Lake of the Woods, monitored ATV activity around the area, and worked a detail checking boats and trailers for AIS. Violations for the week include anglers in possession of illegal length walleyes, angling without license, and...

The next guide and outfitter written examination is Aug. 15 at 1 p.m. at the North Dakota Game and Fish Department office in Bismarck. Preregistration is required no later than Aug. 7 by calling the Department's enforcement office at 701-328-6604. In addition to passing a written exam, qualifications for becoming a gui...

Kayakers and Canoers wanted for the 34th Annual Race the Red! This event is open to all skill levels. Learn more below: Three Flag Races: Choose your distance from 1.5, 3.5 or 6 miles. Participants paddle up river to a designated turnaround point, grab a prize, and return down river to the finish. The Course: All races...

During this upcoming long Fourth of July weekend, lakes and rivers across Minnesota likely will be at their busiest. Among those planning to join those on the water: Minnesota DNR conservation officers and public safety partners, whose aim is to ensure everyone makes it home safely at the end of the day. Officers will ...

Fourth of July weekend is almost here and fishing is a great way to celebrate! Before you head out, make sure to check the Minnesota DNR fishing webpage for regulations, LakeFinder, trout fishing information and more. If you still need to purchase your license, heads up that it looks different now that we have a new el...

As the summer boating season enters its peak with the upcoming Fourth of July holiday weekend, the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources reminds boat operators who create a wake to be mindful of the potential risks to other water users and the environment. Improper watercraft operation can put other others at risk,...

Minnesotans are encouraged to report sightings of ring-necked pheasants and wild turkeys to the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources as part of a community science effort. People are asked to report pheasants and turkeys they see in the wild from now through Aug. 31. Information from the reports will help the Minn...

As boating traffic increases over the Fourth of July weekend, North Dakota Game and Fish Department, along with other law enforcement agencies, will increase on-the-water patrols and enforcement as part of Operation Dry Water, a national campaign focused on preventing boating under the influence. From July 3-5, officer...

By Doug Leier Never wait on a safety reminder. It could be too late. You shouldn't wait until after the opening weekend of pheasant season to brush up on firearm safety. You take hunter safety before you hunt. The same mindset belongs on the water. Because here's the truth: if your day on the lake or river isn't safe, ...

Weekly CO report District 1 - Baudette area Last updated: 2026-06-29 CO Ben Huener (Roseau) checked anglers on Lake of the Woods and Hayes Lake. Area ATV activity was monitored. Violations for the week included possessing illegal-length walleyes, overlimit of walleyes/sauger, and operating an ATV in state park and hunt...

With warm weather in the forecast and a long Fourth of July weekend ahead, Minnesota's waterways likely will be extremely busy in the coming days. Among those who will be on the water: Minnesota Department of Natural Resources conservation officers and their public safety partners, who will work to ensure everyone who ...

The North Dakota Game and Fish Department urges people to check boats, trailers, docks, lifts, and all other water-related equipment for aquatic nuisance species before buying or selling. During summer, there is an elevated risk of having ANS, like zebra mussels, attached to submerged equipment. North Dakota requires a...

Each spring, North Dakota Game and Fish Department staff count the number of male sharp-tailed grouse, greater prairie chickens and greater sage grouse dancing on leks, while also tallying the number of male ruffed grouse drumming in suitable aspen habitats. These surveys serve as relative indices of spring breeding po...

Waterways likely will be extremely busy in the days around and including the Fourth of July, as people across Minnesota enjoy getting out in their motorized and non-motorized watercraft. The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources reminds all recreationists to remember the state's waters belong to all people, and eve...

North Dakota's deer gun lottery has been held. More than 72,000 individuals applied for a deer gun lottery license, in addition to over 12,000 gratis applicants. The 2026 deer gun proclamation allowed for 39,100 deer gun season licenses. More than 1,200 licenses remain. Only resident applicants who were unsuccessful in...

Check for invasive species before buying or selling docks, lifts, boats or other water equipment The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources reminds people to check boats and trailers, docks and boat lifts, and all other water-related equipment for aquatic invasive species, especially when buying or selling used equi...