Spring listings available
More outdoor skills
Check out our help and how-to guides for to hone your hunting and fishing skills.
Learn about or sharpen your outdoor skills with these upcoming online webinars in our Minnesota outdoor skills and stewardship series.
Each webinar begins at noon on Wednesdays and last less than an hour. These offerings are shorter than in-person opportunities, require no travel and fit into busy schedules.
Contact Benji Kohn for additional information at [email protected] or 651-259-5178.
- Upcoming webinars
Spring series
March 1
Turkey reintroduction and NWTF mentored hunts
March 82023 is the 50th anniversary of the reintroduction of wild turkeys to Minnesota. We'll be talking about this amazing conservation success story and sharing some details of how DNR staff, National Wild Turkey Federation members and passionate volunteers came together to bring back this amazing bird. From a founding population of only 29 birds, Minnesota now has turkeys in almost every county of the state! We'll also be talking about how folks can get involved in the mentored turkey hunts that happen across the state.Prairie chickens in Minnesota
March 15Join us as we talk with Greg Hoch, prairie habitat team supervisor, about the history of this species in our state, and how these fascinating birds are doing in Minnesota today . We will learn about what their habitat requirements include, where we can go to see their wonderful spring courtship dances and what opportunities you might have to be able to hunt for one of these birds.Bison (tatanka) conservation in Minnesota
March 22Join us as we discuss the history and future of bison (tatanka) in Minnesota with Richard Milda, Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community's bison herd coordinator, and Molly Tranel Nelson, DNR Parks and Trails bison expert. You will learn about these fascinating animals, the Bison Conservation Herd Program, where you can view them and how you can help support bison management and stewardship.Unraveling mysteries of the common loon
March 29Loons are a pretty special bird to Minnesotan’s, we even named a pro soccer team after them! But what do you really know about the common loon? Where do they breed, where do they spend the winter, what do they eat, what threats do they face, and how is our population in Minnesota doing? Kevin Kenow, loon researcher with the U.S. Geological Survey, will join us to talk about loon basics, migration, and loon conservation.Backyard bird feeding
April 5Bird feeding is one of the most popular wildlife-focused activities in the U.S., with more than 59 million Americans participating. Over 20 bird species in Minnesota can be attracted to backyard feeders, depending on what you have to offer and where you are located. But despite a long-standing tradition of bird feeding, there is a lot of misinformation about what is best for birds. Lori Naumann, nongame wildlife outreach specialist, is here to help set the record straight with bird feeding best practices, tips for attracting different birds to your feeders, and ways you can help our favorite feathered friends.Turkey calling techniques
April 12With turkey season right around the corner, we'll be discussing calling techniques and the tools of the trade! Come with questions, your favorite call, and see if you can get some tips from our presenters to get that shy gobbler to approach while you're hunting!DNR Trout stream easements and improved angling opportunities
April 19The Minnesota DNR has established well over 500 miles of public fishing easements along trout streams. Dusty Hoffman, DNR stream habitat specialist, will tell us the best way to find angling easements and how to properly use easements on some of Minnesota’s best trout streams. Learn about some habitat improvement projects completed on easements and how those projects enhance your angling opportunities.The peregrine falcon story
April 26Join us to hear about the peregrine falcon story and see a live falcon up close! Learn what is being done right here in Minnesota to help the species and what we have discovered about them after 40 years of research. Our presenter will be Jackie Fallon, wildlife biologist, master falconer, and educator for over 30 years.Minnesota’s coldwater hatcheries
May 3We are fortunate to have a large system of coldwater hatcheries that provide 1.7 million trout each year for stocking into 200 lakes and 100 streams throughout Minnesota. Meredith Warmuth, DNR fish hatchery specialist, will share information on the components of the system, how it benefits trout fishing in Minnesota (and where to find them), and how you can tour these fine facilities.Fishing for freshwater drum aka sheepshead
May 10DNR Ortonville area fisheries supervisor, Chris Domeier, will share all kinds of information on when, where, and how to fish for freshwater drum (sheepshead) in Minnesota. He'll also cover their life history and how to clean and cook this often overlooked, native and surprisingly tasty species.Catching walleye on opening weekend
May 17DNR Fisheries staff and walleye fishing experts will join us for a discussion on what to expect for the upcoming fishing opener and provide some tips on how to catch early season walleyes. We will especially focus on southern Minnesota, the location of the 2023 Minnesota Governor's Fishing Opener, which is in Mankato this year.How to help baby wildlife
May 24Spring is baby season for Minnesota’s wildlife! Unfortunately, the surge of babies means a higher likelihood young wildlife will find themselves in trouble – or so we think. Parenting looks a little different for wild animals than people or even their domestic counterparts. Join Heidi Cyr, nongame wildlife permit coordinator for wildlife rehabilitators, to learn more about “orphaned” wildlife, signs an animal needs help, and the best ways to keep wildlife wild.Monarch butterfly conservation
May 31simple steps to make a difference: The monarch butterfly is one of North America's most charismatic and well-known insects. They have captured the attention of many in recent years as the news of their population decline has hit headlines all over the country. Learn from experts from Monarch Joint Venture about what is being done for monarchs in North America and how you can take part here in Minnesota (or wherever you are)!Muskie diet secrets revealed
There have been a lot of tall tales and misconceptions around what muskies eat, but we’ve got the facts! DNR fisheries experts Brian Herwig, Jim Wolters and Kamden Glade will share the results of their recent research projects providing new insights on the diets and ecology of Minnesota muskellunge and related fishing tips that can help you hook Minnesota’s top predator this year.- Past webinars
Use the search box and sorting tools below to find past online skills presentations. To watch, click the red play button.