Minnesota DNR Updates: Light Goose Harvest, Bear Permits, and Elk Research

The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) has announced new opportunities and updates for hunters, conservationists, and outdoor enthusiasts across the state.
Light Goose Harvest Begins Feb. 18
Hunters looking to participate in the annual light goose conservation harvest can do so from Feb. 18 through April 30. The conservation effort aims to reduce the growing population of snow geese, blue-phased snow geese, and Ross’s geese, which have been causing environmental damage in Arctic ecosystems.
Licenses are available for $2.50 and can be purchased through DNR license agents, online, or by phone. For full regulations and guidelines, visit mndnr.gov/hunting/waterfowl/lightgoose.
Webinar on “Reading the Landscape” Set for Feb. 26
For those interested in wildlife observation and land conservation, the DNR will host a free webinar on Feb. 26 at 12 p.m., led by Bryan Wood, Executive Director of Osprey Wilds Environmental Learning Center.
The session will focus on how to observe patterns in nature, recognize ecological changes, and interpret the impact of human and natural disturbances. Registration is required at mndnr.gov/discover.
Changes Proposed for Bear Permit Areas
The DNR is revising bear permit area boundaries for the first time since the 1990s. The goal is to align boundaries with natural landscapes, reduce conflicts between bear populations and agricultural landowners, and ensure sustainable hunting opportunities.
Counties affected include Mille Lacs, Morrison, Becker, Mahnomen, Clearwater, and Pennington. Public comments are open through March 17, and a virtual informational meeting is set for March 4 from 6-7 p.m.. More details and maps of the proposed changes are available at mndnr.gov/bear.
DNR Launching Elk Research Project in Northwest Minnesota
Starting in early March, the DNR, in partnership with the University of Minnesota, will capture and GPS-collar elk in northwest Minnesota as part of a long-term population and habitat study.
The research, funded through the Minnesota Environment and Natural Resources Trust Fund, will help determine elk movements, herd health, and population growth trends. Researchers plan to track 25 adult cows and up to 15 adult bulls per year and analyze their migration patterns, reproductive rates, and survival.
For more information, visit mndnr.gov/elk.