The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) has released a series of announcements highlighting opportunities and updates for Minnesota residents.
Apply for Turkey Hunting Permits by February 21
Hunters aiming to bag a tom turkey during the A spring hunting season in the Carlos Avery or Whitewater Wildlife Management Areas (WMAs) must apply for permits by Friday, February 21.
• 30 permits are available for Carlos Avery WMA and 150 for Whitewater WMA.
• Turkey licenses will go on sale March 1 for seasons running from mid-April to the end of May.
• Full details are available at mndnr.gov/hunting/turkey.
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Upcoming DNR Webinars
The Minnesota Outdoor Skills and Stewardship Series continues with two engaging winter webinars:
📅 February 12 – David Stein, DNR conservation coordinator, will discuss the history and conservation of American chestnut trees in Minnesota.
📅 February 19 – Amy Simso Dean, a Minnesota birding expert, will shed light on misunderstood bird species such as cowbirds, vultures, and grackles.
The webinars are free but require registration. Visit mndnr.gov/discover for more details.
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Tax Season Donations for At-Risk Wildlife
Minnesota tax filers can support the DNR’s Nongame Wildlife Program by checking the box on their state tax forms.
• Donations help fund wildlife research, habitat enhancement, and educational initiatives, including the popular EagleCam and FalconCam.
• All donations are tripled through matching funds from the Reinvest in Minnesota (RIM) critical habitat license plates.
More information is available at mndnr.gov/nongame.
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Public Comments Sought for Fisheries Rule Changes
The DNR is seeking public input on proposed fisheries rule updates that could go into effect in March 2026.
• Proposed changes include increasing the maximum distance between hooks from 9 to 18 inches and allowing certain automatic hook-setting devices for ice fishing.
• The new rules aim to reduce hook-related injuries to fish and allow anglers to use more commercially available tackle.
• Comments can be submitted through March 20 via email to bethany.bethke@state.mn.us.
For full details on the proposed rules and how to submit comments, visit mndnr.gov/input/rules/fisheries/index.html.
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