Haven't filled your deer tag? Didn't draw a deer tag? Maybe don't have time to hunt? We're here to help! The famous recipe on how to make beef taste like venison! No. 1: Start by purchasing a steer approximately one year before cutting date. No. 2: Feed the steer only wild berries, slough grass, weeds, sage and tree b...

This weekend, hundreds of thousands of deer hunters will head out to camps and stands across Minnesota for the opening weekend of firearms season. To celebrate this tradition, the DNR will join partners in Grand Rapids, Minn., for the annual Governor's Deer Hunting Opener on Thursday, Nov. 5 "Deer opener is one of...

By Doug Leier One of the truly unique aspects of hunting is that within the framework of rules and regulations each hunter can make choices to create their personalized hunt. Early morning weekend. Late afternoon weekdays. It's the choice of each hunter and the 16 ½-day deer season is the epitome of the hunting ...

District 1 - Baudette area Last updated: 2026-11-02 CO Ben Huener (Roseau) checked duck hunters and prepared for the deer season, patrolling area WMAs and speaking on a local radio station to discuss the new licensing system. Enforcement contacts for illegal stands on the WMA, license issues, and wanton waste of waterf...

As hunters prepare for the firearms deer season, which opens Saturday, Nov. 7, the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources is sharing some tips for hunters who will be using the new electronic licensing system to buy licenses and validate and register harvests. "A few things to remember: Buy your license early r...

People who are interested in deer harvest data can find preliminary data for 2026 and final past year harvest information on the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources' deer reports and statistics webpage (mndnr.gov/mammals/deer/management/statistics.html). The current numbers are updated twice each week on Monday a...

Ongoing low water conditions across Lake Sakakawea, Lake Oahe and the Missouri River are projected to cause significant boating access challenges throughout the 2027 season. With further water level reductions anticipated, state and federal agencies are proactively preparing for less-than-optimal conditions at many pop...

With the highly anticipated North Dakota deer opener set for Friday, the Game and Fish Department offers a few reminders for a safe, legal and fun season. Conditions remain unseasonably warm and dry. Check NDResponse.gov for county fire dangers and associated restrictions. Hunters must wear at least 400 square inches o...

A special deer hunt will be held November 7-10, 2026 at Maplewood State Park to control deer overpopulation and to protect natural resources. Maplewood State Park will remain open to visitors, but the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) advises wearing blaze orange or blaze pink if visiting the park while t...

One of 42 projects selected nationwide, the initiative would restore 7,500 acres while supporting wildlife habitat and South Dakota livestock producers. PIERRE, SD - The Second Century Habitat Fund (SCHF) has been selected to receive $7,979,420 through the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Regional Conservation Partners...

With the Nov. 7 firearms deer opener just days away, the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources reminds hunters that safe hunts are successful hunts. Hunting is a safe, lifelong activity, so long as hunters prepare and make safety their top priority. The DNR urges hunters to: Ensure their firearms are in good workin...

After detecting zebra mussel larvae in routine sampling, the North Dakota Game and Fish Department has confirmed the presence of invasive zebra mussels on the extreme eastern portion of Lake Sakakawea. Ben Holen, department aquatic nuisance species coordinator said, "Follow-up sampling found two adult mussels alon...

District 1 - Baudette area Last updated: 2026-10-27 CO Ben Huener (Roseau) checked grouse and duck hunters throughout the area and attended a district meeting in TRF. Violations encountered for the week include ATVs operating in the WMA, unregistered ATVs, stands and cameras left on WMA land, and various license and st...

By Doug Leier No matter how you appreciate North Dakota's outdoors, be it by hunting, fishing, or simply hiking, here's a simple way to invest in its future: buy a federal duck stamp. You don't even have to hunt to make a difference. Birdwatchers, photographers and anyone who enjoys watching wildlife can purchase a sta...

Changes to CWD sampling, shotgun zone and license purchasing Many deer hunters look forward to the firearms opener every year for the anticipation of being out at dawn to watch for a flick of the tail or listen for a slight crunch of leaves, but also the traditional and rich memories that come from spending time with f...

The North Dakota Game and Fish Department is asking deer hunters to help in collecting lower jaws from their harvested deer this season. Biologists can examine tooth replacement and wear to determine the deer's age. This information helps determine the age structure of deer populations in each hunting unit and guides f...

The North Dakota Game and Fish Department will continue its hunter-harvested surveillance program during the 2026 hunting season by sampling deer for chronic wasting disease from select units in the southwestern portion of the state. CWD is a slow-moving brain disease of deer, moose and elk that can cause population-le...

With six reported off-highway-vehicle-related fatalities in the state in October, the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources reminds all riders to prioritize safety as they enjoy the outdoors. Before October, there were 12 reported fatalities in 2026. "Our goal is that every rider returns home safely at the end...

By Doug Leier As fall seasons get into full gear, hunters naturally think about licenses, limits, tags, gear and maybe taking a youngster afield. All of those things matter, but if one item belongs at the top of every hunter's list, it is safety. Every hunt should start there and end there. The 10 firearm safety rules ...

The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources is inviting Minnesotans to participate in a public scoping period to help shape landscape-level plans for the state's wildlife management areas and aquatic management areas. These plans will guide habitat management, public use, conservation priorities and long-term steward...