Outdoor skills & stewardship

Fall listings available

Upcoming webinars

Fall series

October 4

Fall turkey hunting

Hunting for turkeys in the fall is a great opportunity to spend more time in the field and to bag a tasty Thanksgiving bird. However, it is not the same as a spring hunt. We'll talk with Ryan Tebo, one of DNR's turkey research experts, about what you should know before you try to bag one of these wily birds.

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October 11

Fall fishing tips and techniques

One of the best times of the year to catch big fish is in the fall! DNR area fisheries supervisors and avid anglers, Scott Mackenthun and Eric Altena, will share several fishing secrets on where and how to catch a variety of fish in this exciting season. Learn a bit about fishing in autumn for walleye, muskellunge, northern pike, largemouth and smallmouth bass, and lake sturgeon.

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October 18

Ciscos: Minnesota lakes’ keystone fish species

DNR fisheries experts Cory Goldsworthy and EJ Isaac will join us to talk about cisco. Also called tullibee or herring, they are members of the whitefish family and are commonly found in cold and deep Minnesota lakes. They will cover why cisco are so important to Minnesota lake ecosystems, how they are being impacted by climate change, and how you can catch them.

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October 25

Selecting a knife and keeping it sharp

Join blade expert Derek Clark of Backcountry Hunter and Anglers as we cover the science of knife selection. We will discuss the factors to consider when selecting that next hunting knife and how to care for it.

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November 1

Elk in Minnesota

Did you know we have resident elk in Minnesota? Join Connie Cox, DNR naturalist, and Blane Klemek, DNR northwest regional wildlife manager, for a discussion on Minnesota's elk. They will share the history of Minnesota's elk herds and how they are managed, including some once-in-a-lifetime opportunities to hunt them.

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November 8

No Child Left Inside Grant Program

The Minnesota Legislature has provided significant funding the last few years to support the No Child Left Inside Grant program. Funds are available to non-profit organizations, schools, and other government entities to connect youth with nature and get them engaged in outdoor recreation. Join us to learn about the program, hear success stories from past grant projects, and how you can apply for upcoming funding.

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November 15

Planning a BWCAW trip

The Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness is one of the most beautiful areas in the country, and it’s right here in Minnesota! Have you ever wanted to plan a trip into the BWCAW, but not know where to start? Join Jess Edberg, executive director of the Dorothy Molter Museum, and Benji Kohn, DNR volunteer mentor program coordinator, as we talk about trip itineraries, campsites, maps, portages, permits and new tools to help you decide where to go. From a "I want to relax" trip to "I want to put on some miles and explore" trip, they will share some of their favorites and help you get started in planning your next adventure.

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November 22

Galls, burls and brooms! Oh my!

This webinar will explore the Lilliputian world of galls, burls, brooms and other non-metazoan plant diseases. Galls are little hidden insect homes inside plants. You've definitely seen some before, such as the ping-pong ball sized lumps on goldenrod. Learning what to look for will open an awe-inspiring world that's been overlooked your entire life. Plant expert, Sam Guida, will teach us more about these lumps on leaves and other curious plant diseases.

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November 29

Emerald Ash Borer and impacts to Minnesota forests

In some parts of Minnesota, you may already be experiencing the effects of emerald ash borer on ash trees. Rachael Dube, one of the DNR’s forest health specialists, will share information on emerald ash borer and its impacts on our communities and forests. She’ll also cover what you can do to prepare for and control emerald ash borer and how to manage a healthy forest in the face of this pest.

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Past webinars

Use the search box and sorting tools below to find past online skills presentations. To watch, click the red play button.

Topic	Subject	Title	Description
Hunting	Upland birds	Plan an upland bird hunt	Plan your own upland bird hunting trip. Be it pheasant, grouse or another species, here's what you need to know.
Hunting	Woodcock	Hunting woodcock	Learn where to find woodcock, how to hunt them, using dogs, appropriate guns and ammo.
Wildlife	Birds	Sandhill cranes	Learn the life history, quirks and migration of sandhill cranes.
Hunting	Methods	Crossbow hunting	Learn about how to use a crossbow for hunting this fall.
Nature	Activities	State fair highlights	Join us for a live broadcast of cool places from the DNR grounds at the Minnesota State Fair.
Hunting	Deer	2023 deer season information	Learn about the new rules, regulations and changes for the 2023 deer season.
Outdoors	Nature	Cattails: Friend or foe	Learn why cattails are so abundant on Minnesota shorelines and how they positively impact our lakes.
Outdoors	Activities	Kayak fishing	Learn about the advantages of fishing from a kayak versus a traditional boats and why it has become so popular.
Outdoors	Habitat	Grants to help	Learn about the Conservation Partners Legacy grant program and how the DNR provides millions of dollars each year to nonprofit organizations and government entities to help restore, enhance and protect Minnesota’s habitats and natural resources.
Outdoors	Nature	Frogs and toads	Learn about these unlikely ambassadors for environmental conservation and tips to identify different frog and toad species.
Outdoors	Activities	Falconry	Learn the art of falconry and how to hunt with these amazing birds.
Wildlife	Deer	Fawn research	Learn how researchers are using thermal infrared drones to locate and GPS-collar white-tailed deer fawns to monitor and determine different causes of mortality.
Fishing	Methods	Proper catch-and-release	Learn how to properly prepare to safely handle, photo and release fish.
Outdoors	Habitat	Reconnecting fish populations	Learn how the DNR's work to remove barriers that block fish movements help restore Minnesota’s native fish populations.
Outdoors	Activities	Exploring OHV trails	What you need to know, where to go and how to stay safe while exploring Minnesota’s OHV trails.
Fishing	Trout	Lakers in Lake Superior	Learn how lake trout were nearly lost from Lake Superior and the efforts that lead to successful rehabilitation as well as tactics and tips on how to pursue lake trout in the greatest of the great lakes.
Outdoors	Activities	Launching a boat	Get important safety preparation steps and proper etiquette to practice at the ramp and on the water.
Outdoors	Nature	Monarch butterfly conservation	Learn what's being done and what you can do to help the iconic monarch butterfly.
Outdoors	Wildlife	Help baby wildlife	Parenting looks a little different for wild animals. Learn what not to do so our well-meaning attempts to help don't get in the way of survival.
Fishing	Walleye	Early season walleyes	Join us for a discussion on what to expect for the upcoming walleye fishing opener and provide some tips on how to catch early season walleyes.
Fishing	Sheepshead	Angling for freshwater drum	Learn when, where and how to fish for freshwater drum (sheepshead) in Minnesota.
Fishing	Hatcheries	Minnesota's trout hatcheries	Learn about the DNR's coldwater hatcheries, which provide 1.7 million trout each year for stocking into 200 lakes and 100 streams throughout Minnesota.
Wildlife	Birds	Peregrine falcon story	Learn what's being done in Minnesota to help the species and what we have discovered about them after 40 years of research.
Fishing	Opportunities	Take a mom fishing	Learn tips for going fishing when moms fish free during Take a Mom Fishing Weekend.
Hunting	Deer	CWD: 2021 information	What hunters need to know about this disease and what the DNR is doing to manage it.
Hunting	Waterfowl	Early goose season	Tips on where and how to bag a Canada goose during Minnesota's early season.
Hunting	Gear	Selecting your ammo	Learn about bullets, options for different game, development of products and other tips to consider when purchasing ammo.
Hunting	Gear	Dress for the outdoors	Learn fundamental principles about fabrics and layering so time spent outdoors is comfortable and enjoyable. Clothing designed specifically for women are a focus.
Hunting	Grouse	Ruffed grouse basics	Explore the basics of ruffed grouse hunting.
Hunting	Methods	Successful archery season	Get tips on important topics that will help you have a more successful hunt.
Wildlife	Birds	North Shore fall migration	Learn about the 250,000-plus birds that migrate each fall through the natural funnel created by Lake Superior and its North Shore.
Wildlife	Fishers	Secretive forest mammal	Learn about the life history and managementy of fishers.
Hunting	Pheasant	How research helps hunting	Learn how reasearch projects inform management of pheasants in Minnesota.
Wildlife	Birds	Fall tundra swan migratgion	As many as 50,000 swans make their way between Wabasha and Brownsville each fall in the Upper Mississippi River National Wildlife and Fish Refuge.
Hunting	Wild turkey	Turkey calling techniques	Get tips on calling techniques and the tools of the trade! Come with questions and your favorite call.
Hunting	Methods	Preserving your harvest	Tried and true techniques to preserve your harvested fish and game for months of enjoyment.
Outdoors	Cycling	Biking in winter	From trail etiquette to snow grooming, learn how to share the joy of winter fat biking and get tips on getting started.
Hunting	Wild turkey	Turkey calling techniques	Get tips on calling techniques and the tools of the trade! Come with questions and your favorite call.
Nature	Activities	Wildlife photography	Learn what it takes to become a better nature photographer.
Outdoors	Activities	Enjoy state parks	Learn how you can get active in some of Minnesota’s amazing natural places.
Hunting	Rabbit	Get started	Rabbits offer up some great table fare, a challenging day in the field and some lasting memories.
Hunting		Turkey calling techniques	Get tips on calling techniques and the tools of the trade! Come with questions and your favorite call.
Hunting	Methods	Training your puppy	From picking out a puppy to basic obedience to retrieving that first bird, learn about the journey with a new hunting pup.
Outdoors	Activities	Snowmbiling in Minnesota	Learn how to get started in snowmobiling, where to go and what you need to know to try this fun wintertime activity.
Fishing	Sturgeon	Winter sturgeon fishing	Learn about sturgeon management and how to catch this prehistoric fish through the ice.
Outdoors	Activities	Camp planning and cooking	Even a beginner can create a food plan that will satisfy your hunger while on the trail.
Fishing	Trout	Ice fishing for trout	Get tips on rigging and the gear necessary for lake trout ice fishing.
Outdoors	Activities	Shed antler hunting	You, too, can find antlers dropped by bucks, bull moose or elk.
Wildlife	Birds	Bald eagles	Learn about bald eagles in Minnesota and the DNR EagleCam.
Fishing	Trout	Access to hidden opportunities	About 500 miles of easements along Minnesota trout streams provide access to some great trout fishing opportunites. Learn how where to find these easements and how to use them.
Wildlife	Birds	Backyard bird feeding	Get bird feeding best practices sand tips for attracting different birds to your feeders.
Wildlife	Birds	Minnesota's state bird	Learn all about the common loon, Minnesota's state bird.
Wildlife	Bison	Bison in Minnesota	Learn about the Bison Conservation Herd Program, where you can view them and how you can help support bison management and stewardship.
Hunting	Prairie chicken	Chickens on the prairie	Learn about preferred habitat, the spring courtship dance of these birds and where you can find limited hunting.
Wildlife	Wild turkey	Turkeys gone wild	Learn how this conservation success story sprouted from a population of 29 wild turkeys in southeastern Minnesota to viewing and hunting opportunities in almost every Minnesota county.
Outdoors	Skills	Foundational fire starting	Learn to start a fire without using a lighter and discover some important techniques that apply to building, starting, and maintaining all types of fires.
Fishing	Aquatic Invasive Species	Protecting Minnesota's waters	Learn about the challenges presented by invasive species, why it’s important to prevent their spread and ways you can help protect Minnesota waters.
Fishing	Bass	Fall fishing	Learn about tackle and techniques for fall bass fishing.
Fishing	Bass	Introduction	Hear the finer points of how to catch more bass consistently all year around.
Fishing	Bass	Smallmouth in rivers	Anglers often overlook rivers in their search for bass to catch. Learn more about where smallmouth bass hang out in rivers.
Fishing	Catfish	River catfishing	Designed for those new to catfishing, this seminar will covers channel and flathead catfish equipment and rigging, baits and places to try from shore and boat.
Fishing	Common fish	Catching rough fish	Have you ever wondered about all those fish that are termed “rough fish?" Find out why they're not so rough as well as why and how to catch them.
Fishing	Methods	Darkhouse spearing	Learn about spearing large fish through a big hole in the ice – the closest thing to hunting on hard water. Please check spearing regulations.
Fishing	Methods	Fly fshing 101	Learn about the basic equipment needed and get some tips on where to find fish.
Fishing	Methods	Fly tying	Learn about the equipment needed, how to use it and the basics of tying simple flies.
Fishing	Education	High school fishing leagues	Learn how you can connect with Minnesota’s increasing number of high school fishing leagues and clubs.
Fishing	Methods	Ice fishing for panfish	Winter time is the right time for sunfish, crappie and perch. Get tips, techniques and pointers.
Fishing	Methods	Lead tackle alternatives	Lead fishing tackle poses dangers to loons and other wildlife. Learn about lead-free tackle alternatives on the market and fishing success stories with this gear.
Fishing	Methods	Lure help	A look at a few fishing lures and how to use them so you can catch more fish.
Fishing	Methods	Shore fishing 101	Successful and practical fishing techniques to help you catch more fish from shore.
Fishing	Methods	Shore fishing 102	More practical fishing techniques and places to help you catch more fish from shore.
Fishing	Muskellunge	Muskie info & management	Learn about Minnesota’s largest apex predator fish, the muskellunge, and how the DNR manages it.
Fishing	Muskellunge	Metro muskie fishing basics	Dive into the brain of one of the best muskie fishing anglers in the Twin Cities.
Fishing	Northern pike	Winter tips	Learn a few tips you can use to catch northern pike through the ice.
Fishing	Steelhead	Superior streams	Learn about fly fishing for spring steelhead surrounded by some of the state's most rugged beauty on Minnesota's North Shore.
Fishing	Sturgeon	Management and tips	Learn about the recovery of this anciet fish species and the basics of how to fish for sturgeon in Lake of the Woods and the Rainy River.
Fishing	Sunfish	Bigger fish initiative	Everyone loves to catch sunfish. This DNR initiative is a way to keep our fisheries producing quality fish.
Fishing	Trout	Finding trout	Learn about locating trout at all times of the year in Minnesota's lakes and streams.
Fishing	Muskellunge	Mukie diet secrets	Forget the tall tales and misconceptions about what muskies eat. Get new insights and fishing tips based on recent muskie diet and ecology research.
Fishing	Walleye	Open water basics	Learn walleye fishing basics and fundamentals.
Fishing	Walleye	Walleye basics	Pro angler and bait shop owner Nancy Koep covers the basics of walleye fishing.
Hunting	Bear	Biology & baiting	A discussion of why baiting is a necessary part of bear hunting and methods for attracting bears to a site.
Hunting	Deer	2022 regulations	New deer hunting regulations in 2022, population numbers and new CWD areas.
Hunting	Deer	Chronic wasting disease	Important information hunters need to know about chronic wasting disease and what the DNR is doing to manage this disease.
Hunting	Deer	2022: CWD regulations	Learn about testing requirements and options and other important information related to deer hunting in areas with confirmed or suspected cases of CWD.
Hunting	Deer	Expanded opportunities	A review of upcoming deer season dates, application deadlines and special hunts, information that could help you explore and expand your deer hunting opportunities.
Hunting	Deer	Last-minute prep	Last minute tips, reminders and strategies to be successful this deer season.
Hunting	Deer	Muzzleloader	The basics of using a muzzleloader and other timely tips and techniques for the muzzleloader deer season. Firesticks may not be legal in 2022. Check all regulations before using this technology.
Hunting	Education	Firearms safety	A discussion of Minnesota hunter safety requirements, including how to get certified in firearms safety.
Hunting	Opportunities	Hunters as scientists	Learn about two science-based surveys in which hunters are integral to contributing the data needed.
Hunting	Education	Adult learning	Resources for new adult hunters along with tips and tricks to get them out into field and forest.
Hunting	Mourning dove	Getting started	Basic strategies and techniques to harvest mourning doves in Minnesota.
Hunting	Pheasant	Getting started	Strategies, techniques and how to get started chasing longtails.
Hunting	Small game	Basics	A look at what equipment is needed, how to get started and where to hunt.
Hunting	Squirrel	Winter hunting	Cold-weather tactics, strategies, gear and ways to prepare harvested squirrels for the table.
Hunting	Trapping	Introduction	Learn how to get started trapping fur-bearing animals and where you can set traps.
Hunting	Methods	Hunting with a pointing dog	What owner and dog need to know to become a team in the field.
Hunting	Waterfowl	Basics	Tips and resources to get started in waterfowl hunting and an introduction to regulations and how they're set.
Hunting	Wild turkey	Spring hunting	Information and tips to help you get into the field and find success.
Hunting	Methods	Archery hunting basics	Learn how to select a hunting compound bow and the bow accessories needed to hunt effectively in the field.
Outdoors	Archery	Getting started	Learn basic archery terms and skills necessary to select a bow to fit your needs.
Outdoors	Shooting	Transporting firearms	Learn about transporting your firearm or archery equipment across town or around the world.
Outdoors	Foraging	Maple syruping	Tips on collecting sap, boiling the sap and bottling the results.
Outdoors	Foraging	North Shore edibles	Learn about some of the wild edibles you might be passing by as you explore Minnesota's North Shore of Lake Superior.
Outdoors	Foraging	Springtime bounty	Learn about foraging for springtime wild foods.
Outdoors	Foraging	Wild rice	Minnesota has more natural wild rice than any other state and the DNR manages many lakes for wild rice? Find out why and how we do this and discover some success stories.
Outdoors	Foraging	Wild rice harvesting	What you need to know to get out and harvest your own wild rice.
Outdoors	Gifts	Holiday gifts	Gifts from the DNR to get people outdoors.
Outdoors	Habitat	Create your own	Resources and things you can do to attract more wildlife to your woodland property.
Outdoors	Habitat	Managing your shoreline	Manage your lakeshore so it protects water quality and fishing but still provides access for your family to enjoy the lake.
Outdoors	Wildlife	Sharp-tailed grouse	Learn about sharp-tailed grouse behavior, biology, where they range in Minnesota and their habitat needs.
Outdoors	Paddling	Kayak the backwaters	Learn how to kayak the backwaters of the Mississippi River.
Outdoors	Paddling	Basics	Discover the basics of canoeing, kayaking and paddleboarding. Learn where you can go and where you can rent craft.
Outdoors	Nature	Nature RX	ools and resources to explore parks and greenspaces near you and learn about outdoor recreation opportunities at Minnesota state parks.
Outdoors	Nature	Plants for pollinators	Native plants, pollinators and an award-winning podcast are all part of this discussion about bees and butterflies.
Outdoors	Education	Becoming an Outdoors Woman	Learn about upcoming in-person classes for women and families to learn about and participate in outdoor activities.
Outdoors	Opportunities	Cuyuna country	Learn about this central Minnesota place that offers premier mountain biking, SCUBA, boating and much more.
Fishing	Methods	Helping kids fish	Resources to help you and your kids enjoy Take a Kid Fishing weekends.
Outdoors	Opportunities	4-H adventures	Learn about 4-H's comprehensive outdoor education program that includes shooting sports and wildlife, 4-H ATV safety, wildlife biology, fishing, conservation, and outdoor skills.
Outdoors	Shooting	4-H shooting sports	Learn about a program designed to promote life skills through a safe learn-by-doing program.
Outdoors	Shooting	Basic firearms maintenance	Keep your firearms in tip-top shape.
Hunting	Gear	Choosing a caliber	Learn what caliber you should choose for the game animal you’re hunting.
Outdoors	Shooting	Choosing a rifle	Learn about rifle actions and their uses so you can decide which rifle will meet your recreational needs.
Outdoors	Shooting	Choosing a shotgun	How to select your first shotgun for hunting or target shooting.
Outdoors	Shooting	High school trap shooting	Learn about Minnesota's clay target high school league and how your school can participate.
Outdoors	Shooting	Trap shooting	Learn the basics, terminology, structure, and etiquette of trap shooting.
Outdoors	Nature	Going batty	Learn all about Minnesota bats and why they're great backyard visitors.
Outdoors	Winter activities	Camping	A discussion of the equipment needed, tips and tricks to help you enjoy your camping in the winter.
Outdoors	Winter activities	Ice safety	Learn how to be safe out on the ice for lots of Minnesota winter fun.
Outdoors	Winter activities	Winter fun	Snowshoeing and cross-country skiing basics.
Outdoors	Winter activities	Dog sledding	Learn how you get involved in This fascinating relationship between man and canine has stood the test of time.
Outdoors	Nature	Minnesota's native mussels	Learn about the importance of Minnesota’s native freshwater mussels and how the DNR is restoring populations across the state.
Fishing	Burbot	Catching eelpout	Burbot or eelpout are becoming an ever-increasing target by many anglers for good reason: they are great fighters and are also known to be very tasty as well.