Not a track in sight in the fresh deep snow this morning. The critters seem intent upon enjoying their snug nests and letting the weather settle a bit before they venture out.

Here are highlights from Minnesota Department of Natural Resources Conservation Officer (CO) reports for the week ending Jan. 7, 2019. The complete report is available at www.dnr.state.mn.us/enforcement/co_report/index.html

The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources invites anyone with an interest in recreational trail systems and motorized use in the Huntersville and Lyons state forests in Wadena County to attend a public meeting from 6 to 8 p.m. Feb. 20, to review proposals that include changes to trail sy…

Minnesotans interested in being more actively involved in deer management can apply to serve on a Deer Advisory Committee that will help foster dialogue between the public and the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources.

Here are highlights from Minnesota Department of Natural Resources Conservation Officer (CO) reports for the week ending Dec. 31, 2018. The complete report is available at www.dnr.state.mn.us/enforcement/co_report/index.html

A metaphor for Christmas and Bethlehem:

The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources is offering additional late-season deer hunts in southeastern Minnesota following the discovery of chronic wasting disease in a wild deer taken in Houston County.

Hunters had expanded opportunities to harvest elk this past year after the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources offered more permits, a variety of permit types and a different season structure in one of the hunt zones.

The delight of a new snowfall! It give us the opportunity to note the travel of animals near us within hours of when they pass by, without actually seeing them. None of the other three seasons offers us this gift.

Here are highlights from Minnesota Department of Natural Resources Conservation Officer (CO) reports for the week ending Dec. 24, 2018. The complete report is available at www.dnr.state.mn.us/enforcement/co_report/index.html

In 2018, the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources constructed and opened a new state park campground, reached out to new diverse audiences, and signed an agreement that makes way for restoration of historic buildings at the Fort Snelling Upper Post into affordable housing for military v…

Spring turkey hunters hoping to bag a tom during the first two weeks of the season have through Friday, Jan. 25, to apply for a lottery permit, according to the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources.

Here are highlights from Minnesota Department of Natural Resources Conservation Officer (CO) reports for the week ending Dec. 17, 2018. The complete report is available at www.dnr.state.mn.us/enforcement/co_report/index.html

The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources has issued its annual ice safety warning for lakes with winter aeration systems.

Hunters must receive permission from landowners to hunt on private land for the upcoming special deer hunts in southeastern Minnesota Friday to Sunday, according to the Department of Natural Resources.

Two degrees above zero greets the day this morning. A bright sun just tops the horizon across the Red River,  offering a day flooded in sunshine under a cloudless sky.

Here are highlights from Minnesota Department of Natural Resources Conservation Officer (CO) reports for the week ending Dec. 10, 2018. The complete report is available at www.dnr.state.mn.us/enforcement/co_report/index.html

Patches of grass in the snow. These patches are visible here and there, everywhere.

Late-season hunts, landowner shooting permits and post-season deer culling planned; public meeting scheduled

Bear hunters who are successful in 2019 and after would be required to submit a bear tooth sample to be eligible for the upcoming year’s bear hunting license lottery under a new rule proposed by the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources.

There is a certain blind man’s bluff in the deep woods winter. We humans tend to walk as blindfolded visitors in surroundings that were very familiar to us in the summer months.

Here are highlights from Minnesota Department of Natural Resources Conservation Officer (CO) reports for the week ending Dec. 3, 2018. The complete report is available at www.dnr.state.mn.us/enforcement/co_report/index.html

Leech Lake anglers will be able to keep a wider size range of walleye starting on the 2019 fishing opener.

As cold temperatures begin to make ice on Minnesota lakes, ice anglers and spearers are gearing up for winter fishing action. For many, winter is a time to seek out the eager-to-bite northern pike.

A wild deer harvested in Houston County Nov. 17 has been identified as presumptive positive for chronic wasting disease, the Department of Natural Resources said.

They’ve saved a hunter’s life, helped remove a deer running wild through the basement of a home and taught firearms safety classes. They’ve busted poachers, had lunch with children and learned the ins and outs of natural resources law enforcement.

The annual Itasca State Park Winter Bird Count is Monday from 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

We’ve reached the end of the migration season, according to those who calculate such things. It is time for us woodsy types to settle in for the duration with the winter birds.

Here are highlights from Minnesota Department of Natural Resources Conservation Officer (CO) reports for the week ending Nov. 26, 2018. The complete report is available at www.dnr.state.mn.us/enforcement/co_report/index.html

Early cold temperatures and several inches of snow in parts of the state have many snowmobile enthusiasts excited to take their first ride of the season, but most trails will need more snow before grooming can begin.

Anglers in Minnesota have begun making their first forays onto hard water, but ice conditions statewide — and even on the same body of water — remain extremely variable.

The Hubbard County Coalition of Lake Associations (HC COLA) Charitable Fund is seeking proposals for up to $1,500.

The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources announced Nov. 29 that $100,000 in matching shooting range grants is available to improve existing five-stand, pistol, rifle, skeet or trap ranges.

Fourteen wild turkey saunter into view 30 feet to my left. They seem well aware of my presence but appear not to be disturbed by it as long as I remain still.

Here are highlights from Minnesota Department of Natural Resources Conservation Officer (CO) reports for the week ending Nov. 19, 2018. The complete report is available at www.dnr.state.mn.us/enforcement/co_report/index.html

Anglers fishing during the winter season on Upper Red Lake will continue to have a four walleye bag limit, with only one walleye allowed longer than 17 inches.

Pheasant hunters should have plenty of harvest opportunities during the late season hunt.