From the Duluth News Tribune
published Sept. 7th, 2008
Minnesota Department of Natural Resources officials remind off-highway vehicle users of the following regulations:
Hunters placing baits for bears should know that several state forests have a new “limited” classification that restricts travel by OHVs to roads or trails that contain an OHV sign. If there is no sign, the route is closed to motorized vehicles. The Nemadji State Forest in Northeastern Minnesota falls under that classification.
In state forests, OHV travel is not allowed on designated nonmotorized trails or in areas posted and designated as closed to OHV use.
In state forests, OHV use that causes erosion or rutting, or that damages trees, growing crops, roads or natural resources is prohibited.
In state forests, crosscountry travel is allowed for trapping, minnow or furbearer purposes any time of the year there is an open season (mid-October through mid-May for fur, all year for minnows). In September, people can only travel cross-country to recover a legally taken bear or deer. In September, people cannot use an OHV cross-country to bait, construct stands or access hunting areas. These restrictions are lifted from October through December.
OHVs are generally prohibited on wildlife management areas (WMA).
OHV travel is not allowed on unfrozen public waters or in a manner that would carelessly damage the natural and ecological balance of a wetland.
It is unlawful to transport an uncased or loaded firearm on an OHV.
It is illegal to shoot at a wild animal from an OHV.
Hunting Heritage Week declared
Gov. Tim Pawlenty has proclaimed Sept. 15-21 as Hunting Heritage Week, the Minnesota DNR says.
These dates include Take A Kid Hunting Weekend and Youth Waterfowl Day, special opportunities for Minnesotans to pass along the state’s hunting heritage to the next generation.
Take a Kid Hunting Weekend is Sept. 20-21. During this weekend, adult residents accompanied by a youth younger than 16 may hunt small game without a license but must comply with open seasons, limits and other regulations.
Youth Waterfowl Day is Sept. 20. This is an opportunity for youths ages 15 or younger to hunt waterfowl before the regular waterfowl season opens. An adult mentor 18 or older who is authorized by the youth’s parent or guardian must accompany youth hunters at all times.
Open house on ATV use
The Minnesota DNR will hold an open house from 4-7 p.m. Sept. 24 at the Finland Rescue Squad headquarters on Minnesota Highway 1 to discuss opening the Finland State Forest Campground for ATV access. This would allow campers staying in the forest campground to access the area ATV trails from their campsites. Information on the proposal is available by contacting Philip Leversedge, park manager, Tettegouche State Park, 5702 Highway 61, Silver Bay, MN 55614; or by e-mail at or (218) 226-6365, ext. 224.
Bowhunters asked to submit deer samples
Bow deer seasons in both Minnesota and Wisconsin open Saturday. In Wisconsin, bowhunters in Ashland, Bayfield, Douglas, Iron, Sawyer, Washburn and several other counties are asked to participate in the chronic wasting disease surveillance program this year. The northern region needs to collect samples from 500 deer from each county as part of the program.
“We need hunter cooperation to help ensure a healthy deer herd in the north,” said Northern Region wildlife expert Mike Zeckmeister in a prepared statement, “and that is what these periodic disease checks do.”
The early archery deer season runs from Saturday through Nov. 20. The late season starts on Dec. 1 and runs to Jan. 4.
Ansell, Pirila top bass tourney
The Duluth Area Bass League held its ninth summer tournament Aug. 21 at Big Lake. Al Ansell and Doug Pirila took first place with a five-fish limit weighing 14.6 pounds. Second went to Mike Lebsack and his son Jacob with 11.8 pounds. Brian Stevenson and James Kunze took third with 10.25 pounds.
Follow fall color online
You can follow the changing fall colors on the Minnesota DNR Web page, www.mndnr.gov. Updates are made every Thursday on progress of fall color changes. The new site features a color-coded map that shows where the fall colors are at their peak. There is a “top picks” section, which highlights the Minnesota state parks with the best options for viewing fall colors and the best viewing areas within each of the 72 state parks and recreation areas.
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