
North Dakota Game and Fish outreach biologist Doug Leier gives the latest news from the great outdoors. Fishing, hunting, gun safety, photography and whatever you want outdoors.

Looking toward 2026 Minnesota hunting seasons
Grouse hunting with dad. A beautiful fall day on Minnesota's beautiful public land!" courtesy of Cara Hanson Hunters, you can now review a variety of significant updates made in the recently released 2026 Minnesota hunting and trapping regulations. Hunting and trapping licenses will be available to purchase starti...
12h ago

Is it safe to eat this fish?
Fish can get viruses and can become stricken with diseases in a similar way to humans and wildlife. Fish can have appearances on the outside and internally, which give pause when cleaning, making you wonder "is it safe to eat?" While I understand the desire to keep, clean and eat your catch, I'll always sugge...
Jul 28, 2026

South Dakota Sign Up for Prairie Dog Control
Pierre, S.D.- The South Dakota Departments of Game, Fish and Parks (GFP) and Agriculture and Natural Resources (DANR) want to remind South Dakota landowners to register for assistance with prairie dog encroachment. The deadline for enrollment is August 15. The state's prairie dog control program is cooperatively operat...
Jul 28, 2026

Minnesota DNR seeks public input on Leech Lake Fisheries Management Plan
The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources invites people interested in Leech Lake fisheries management to share their thoughts on a draft update of the fisheries management plan for the lake. The Minnesota DNR last updated the Leech Lake Fisheries Management Plan in 2021, and in the new plan, the agency is aiming t...
Jul 27, 2026

Minnesota hunting regulations available for 2026 seasons
Hunters will find major updates to electronic licensing, deer seasons and waterfowl regulations Hunters can now review a variety of significant updates made in the 2026 Minnesota hunting and trapping regulations. Hunting and trapping licenses will be available to purchase starting Saturday, Aug. 1. "We're excited ...
Jul 27, 2026

Minnesota #DNR Conservation Officer Reports-July 27, 2026
District 1 - Baudette area Last updated: 2026-07-27 CO Tony Hams (Warroad North) spent the week monitoring local ATV traffic, attending training at Camp Ripley, and working on a background investigation. CO Coby Fontes (Warroad South) spent the week patrolling the Beltrami Island State Forest. Fontes reports that a lot...
Jul 27, 2026

2026 North Dakota Fall Flight Forecast
Duck brood numbers are up 55% from 2025, and North Dakota Game and Fish Department migratory game bird biologists expect a fall flight of ducks about 9% higher than last year. The fall flight forecast is based on information collected during the department's annual May breeding duck survey and July duck brood survey, w...
Jul 27, 2026

Minnesota DNR reports heightened fish mortality during prolonged heat
With hot summer weather creating stressful conditions for fish in lakes, rivers and streams across the state, the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources is sharing what people can do if they see a fish mortality event - and how they can help prevent them. "We have been seeing chronically stressful conditions th...
Jul 25, 2026

2026 North Dakota Pronghorn Season Set
The 2026 pronghorn hunting season is set with 1,310 licenses available in 18 units, the same number as last year. Biologists flew 15,292 survey miles in June and July to estimate pronghorn populations and set tag allocations. The statewide population increased 12% from 2025 but conservative harvest strategies continue ...
Jul 23, 2026

Minnesota DNR's confiscated equipment auctions set
The DNR is holding two confiscated equipment auctions in 2026. Both will be held online at www.hillerauction.com. The auctions are scheduled for Monday, Aug. 31, and Monday, Sept. 28. A list of items being offered for sale will be available approximately one month before each individual auction date at www.hillerauctio...
Jul 23, 2026

First-Come, First-Served Deer Gun Licenses Available
Ninety-five deer licenses are available in unit 3F2 for North Dakota's 2026 deer gun season. These licenses will be issued on a first-come, first-served basis beginning Aug.12 at 10 a.m. Central time. Residents and nonresidents who have not already received a lottery or landowner license are eligible to apply online by...
Jul 21, 2026

The Challenge Of Compatible Use
By Doug Leier If you spend enough time in the North Dakota outdoors, you quickly realize our public lands are a shared, limited resource. They cannot be everything to everyone. They are places where deer hunters, birdwatchers, hikers, anglers, and trappers all seek access to their favorite outdoor pursuits. Managing th...
Jul 21, 2026

Minnesota DNR seeks input on three-duck limit option
Proposal aims to recruit new waterfowl hunters The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources invites anyone interested in waterfowl hunting to comment on a proposal to create an optional, alternative three-duck bag limit. "Waterfowl hunter numbers have declined significantly within the past 20 years due to many fa...
Jul 20, 2026

Apply for special youth deer hunts now through Aug. 14, check new ammunition requirements
Applications are open for special youth deer hunts that allow young people to hunt deer with adults in a number of state parks. In a change for this year, lead-free ammunition (mndnr.gov/hunting/ammo/nontoxic.html) will be required without exception for all special youth hunts in Minnesota state parks. The special yout...
Jul 20, 2026

Apply through Aug. 14 for prairie chicken hunt lottery
Hunters can apply through Friday, Aug. 14, to be chosen for one of the 117 licenses available for the 2026 Minnesota prairie chicken hunting season. The nine-day prairie chicken season begins Saturday, Sept. 26, and is open to Minnesota residents only. The hunt takes place in northwest Minnesota between St. Hilaire and...
Jul 20, 2026

Bear hunters: Remember to buy license, check regulations
Bear hunters who entered the lottery for bear hunting licenses should check their mail to see if they were selected for a license. The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources sent postcards to lottery winners during the first week of June. Hunters can also check the DNR's website (mndnr.gov/licenses/lotteries/results...
Jul 20, 2026

Minnesota #DNR Conservation Officer Reports-July 20, 2026
District 1 - Baudette area Last updated: 2026-07-20 CO Ben Huener (Roseau) attended investigations training throughout the week. CO Nick Bruesewitz (Karlstad) reports monitoring ATV traffic throughout the area. Time was spent investigating a wildlife management area violation. CO Tony Hams (Warroad North) spent the wee...
Jul 20, 2026

The stories of tagged fish
By Doug Leier If you've ever caught a tagged walleye, you might have wondered what story that fish could tell. Where has it been? Where was tagged? How long did it live? You're not alone. The interest and curiosity are shared by anglers and biologists alike. It's fascinating to think of the life cycle, biology and fish...
Jul 14, 2026

Race the Red Postponed to August 3
Race the Red Postponed to August 3 Update: Due to the Extreme Heat Warning, we are postponing Race the Red until August 3. Our goal is to provide an event that is not only fun and memorable, but also safe for participants, volunteers and staff. We know many of you are looking forward to the race, and we appreciate your...
Jul 13, 2026

Zebra mussels confirmed in Manuel Mine Lake, Perch Lake in Crow Wing County
The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources has confirmed the presence of zebra mussels in Manuel Mine Lake, near Crosby, and Perch Lake, near Baxter, both in Crow Wing County. A lake user contacted the DNR after finding suspected zebra mussels in Manuel Mine Lake. DNR invasive species specialists found abundant zebr...
Jul 13, 2026

