Reminder: DNR to host meeting on future risks of feral pigs and farmed mink
Several Minnesota state agencies are reviewing how to prevent negative impacts on the environment and human health from feral pigs and farmed mink let loose in the wild.
The Minnesota DNR, in cooperation with the Board of Animal Health, Department of Agriculture, and Department of Health, is asking people to share their perspectives in an online questionnaire.
Additionally, the Minnesota DNR will host an online public meeting from 6:30-8 p.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 14 that will include a brief overview of agency roles and responsibilities, a discussion of potential changes in state management, and an opportunity for participants to offer input. Registration is not required. The questionnaire and meeting information can be found on the Minnesota DNR website. The state’s review will be presented to the Minnesota State Legislature in February 2024.
In addition to the online comment that is open through Tuesday, Nov. 28, and the Nov. 14 meeting opportunity, written comments may also be submitted through Nov. 28 by emailing [email protected] or sending mail to Feral Swine and Mink Report, Minnesota DNR Division of Fish and Wildlife, 500 Lafayette Road, St. Paul, MN 55082.
Archers do well at Camp Ripley hunt
Archery hunters who participated in the Camp Ripley Hunt near Little Falls had good success during the three-day hunt that took place Oct. 27-29.
This year, 1,846 participating hunters harvested 202 deer across the three-day hunt, including two bucks that tipped the scales at or above 240 pounds. Last year, 1,953 hunters harvested 221 deer during the hunt.
The archery hunt at Camp Ripley is an annual event. The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources coordinates the hunts in collaboration with Central Lakes College Natural Resources Program, and the Department of Military Affairs, which manages the 53,000-acre military reservation.
Deer harvest numbers available online
Hunters, media and anyone interested in deer harvest data can find current deer harvest figures and harvest reports for past years on the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources’ deer reports and statistics webpage. The page also features an interactive map and graph that visualize the data.
Minnesota DNR webinars focus on planning a BWCAW trip, odd plant diseases
The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources invites people interested in wildlife and outdoor skills to check out the fall program schedule for the Minnesota Outdoor Skills and Stewardship Series.
In a webinar on Wednesday, Nov. 15, Jess Edberg, executive director of the Dorothy Molter Museum, and Benji Kohn, Minnesota DNR volunteer mentor program coordinator, will discuss planning a trip to the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness, including trip itineraries, campsites, maps, portages, permits and new tools to help in deciding on routes, whether it’s a “I want to relax” trip or a “I want to put on some miles and explore” trip.
In a webinar on Wednesday, Nov. 22, plant expert Sam Guida will discuss galls, burls, brooms and other interesting plant diseases and how people can spot them. One example of these are galls, which are hidden insect homes inside plants, such as the ping-pong ball sized lumps commonly seen on goldenrod.
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.