Pheasants Forever, Minnesota DNR join forces to get new hunters into fields and forests
The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources and Pheasants Forever invite Minnesota hunters to join the Hunter Mentor Challenge and take someone hunting who has never hunted or hasn’t hunted for a few years.
Minnesota hunters who participate will qualify for a discount code for ALPS OutdoorZ brand gear; and after the hunt, they have the chance to win a custom, limited-edition Pheasants Forever hunting backpack from ALPS OutdoorZ.
The program is open to all types of hunting in Minnesota that are legal and in-season — including, but not limited to, pheasants, grouse, waterfowl, deer, squirrels, and wild turkey (applies to fall and spring turkey seasons). Experienced hunters can invite a new hunter of any age, if they have the proper license/tag necessary and either the mentee hunter’s safety or apprentice hunter validation.
Participation is simple: hunters visit the Minnesota DNR page on the Pheasants Forever website and take the pledge. After taking the pledge, hunters are asked to bring a novice or returning hunter on a hunt during the 2023-24 season and snap a picture or short video during the hunting trip. The last step is to submit contact information, a hunt recap and a photo or video on the submission page to be entered for prize giveaways. All online entries must be received by June 30, 2024.
The Minnesota DNR has helpful information for new hunters and experienced hunters who would like to share their skills with new hunters. To learn more, visit the Minnesota DNR take a friend hunting webpage.
Winners chosen for 2024 trout and salmon stamp, walleye stamp contests
Alborn artist Dean Kegler won the Minnesota trout and salmon stamp contest with an acrylic painting of a brook trout, and Bemidji artist Sam Larsen won the walleye stamp contest with an acrylic painting of a walleye. Judging for both contests happened virtually on Aug. 3.
In the trout and salmon stamp contest, which had 10 eligible submissions, the runner-up was Ronald Engebretson of Owatonna with a watercolor and color pencil painting of a brown trout. Third place went to Josh Evan of Mapleton with an acrylic painting of a brook trout.
In the walleye stamp contest, which had 11 eligible submissions, the runner-up was Stuart Nelson of Cloquet with an acrylic painting of a walleye. Third place went to Stephen Hamrick of Lakeville with an acrylic painting of a walleye.
The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources uses revenue from voluntary purchases of walleye stamps to purchase walleye for stocking in Minnesota’s lakes. Revenue from trout and salmon stamps, which are required for anglers ages 18-64 who fish in designated trout water or possess trout, is dedicated to trout and salmon management and habitat work. Visit the stamp webpage of the DNR website for more information about habitat stamps and contest guidelines.
Minnesota DNR webinars cover kayak fishing, cattails
The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources invites people interested in wildlife and outdoor skills to check out the summer program schedule for the Minnesota Outdoor Skills and Stewardship Series.
In a webinar on Wednesday, Aug. 9, Ron Strauss of the Minnesota Kayak Fishing Association will discuss kayak fishing and why so many anglers are drawn to the excitement, cost, storage, and transportation advantages of kayaks. Strauss will talk about equipment, bait, lures, fishing hot spots and species-specific tips to help anglers have success and more fun on the water this fall.
In a webinar on Wednesday, Aug. 16, Amy Schrank, Minnesota Sea Grant Extension Program Leader, will discuss why cattails are so abundant on Minnesota shorelines and how they impact our lakes. Schrank will also review recent research about whether small-scale removal of invasive cattails can increase water quality and plant diversity, and benefit lake fish communities.
The Minnesota Outdoor Skills and Stewardship Series webinars are free and offered year-round, though registration is required. Visit the Outdoor Skills and Stewardship webpage of the Minnesota DNR website for the registration portal, more information about upcoming webinars and recordings of past webinars.