Last fall’s decreased deer harvest in Northeastern Minnesota and a harsher than normal winter have prompted wildlife officials to lower the number of over-the-counter either-sex deer permits in Northeastern Minnesota this fall.

Those permits have been issued liberally in recent years to bring the deer population [...]]]> By Sam Cook
Published in the Duluth News Tribune, August 2, 2009

Last fall’s decreased deer harvest in Northeastern Minnesota and a harsher than normal winter have prompted wildlife officials to lower the number of over-the-counter either-sex deer permits in Northeastern Minnesota this fall.

Those permits have been issued liberally in recent years to bring the deer population down to goals set after broad public input meetings, said Jeff Lightfoot, Department of Natural Resources regional wildlife manager at Grand Rapids.

This fall, 10 deer permit areas across Northeastern Minnesota have been designated “lottery” units, up from just one last fall. In those units, hunters will have to apply by Sept. 10 in a lottery for permits to harvest antlerless deer.

Last year, 10 permit areas in Northeastern Minnesota were designated as “managed,” meaning hunters could take up to two deer. This year, 16 areas are designated “managed.”

Last fall, there were 17 permit areas in Northeastern Minnesota designated for “intensive” harvest, allowing hunters up to five deer. This year, there are three of those areas in Northeastern Minnesota.

That means hunters, when buying their deer licenses this fall, should carefully check the new deer-zones map. Most hunters will find that the permit area in which they hunt will have a different harvest designation than it did last year.

“Hunters can get used to seeing us walking that tightrope between too many deer to too few from a hunter’s perspective,” Lightfoot said.

In another change, muzzleloader hunters must apply for an either-sex permit by Sept. 10 if they want to have a chance to harvest an antlerless deer in a lottery permit area. In previous years, muzzleloader hunters who did not purchase a regular firearms license could take an antlerless deer in a lottery area without a permit. This year, even people who only hunt the muzzleloader season must apply for an either-sex permit.

But better late than never!

I receive quite a bit of email about Deer hunting on public land. Having just came back from a Controlled Hunt on Public Land myself, here are some tips for [...]]]> I guess this should have been written ealier in the year seeing how many States deer hunting season’s are already under way.

But better late than never!

I receive quite a bit of email about Deer hunting on public land. Having just came back from a Controlled Hunt on Public Land myself, here are some tips for you that are heading out to hunt Public Land Deer.

1. Get a map. Preferably a topo map and an aireal photo of the area where you’ll be hunting. You can find good topo maps on the Internet at several areas or contact the USGS for an index. A good map will show you many things. Some of the things you’ll be wanting to look for are: where are other hunters parking, areas that will funnel deer into a tight area such as saddles in ridges, potential feeding and beddeing areas, waterways, old roads, etc.
2. Do your scouting. This should go without saying, but you’d be surprised at how many just pick a place and go hunting without ever setting foot on the place. Prepare for success by using some boot leather to get the feel of the land and to try and pattern both the Deer and Deer Hunters!
3. Pattern the Hunters. Since you’ll likely have company from other Hunters when visiting Public Hunting area, get to know where they park and the areas that they’ll likely be hunting. Use this information to determine Where Not To Hunt! You can also use this information to determine likely areas where these Hunters will push the Deer as they’re coming and going to their stands.
4. Hunt the Midday. It doesn’t take long for Deer to pattern the Hunters. They know that most Hunters will be out of their stands by 9 a.m. (many much sooner) and walking around before heading back to their vehicles for coffee, lunch and a nap. Plan on hunting during the midday hours. I can’t tell you how many Bucks I’ve seen from 11 to 3 on Public Hunting land. If you’ve done your homework and are set up away from the other Hunters, you may be pleasantly surprised at a visit from a Buck during the midday when other Hunters are back at their trucks taking a Siesta.
5. Call the Manager. Part of your pre-hunt scouting should be a call to the Manager of the Public land where you’ll be hunting. They can provide valuable information on Hunter access and likely spots to find a Buck during the Hunting Season. They can also let you in on how the Deer herd is doing and clue you into what the Deer are feeding on.
6. Plan on getting your Deer out. Many Deer Hunters never plan on how to get their Deer out once they have it down. They never think about it until they are faced with the daunting task of dragging a Buck out of the woods. It would be smart to invest in one of the Big Game Carts
   advertised in the Outdoor catalogs.
7. Think outside the box. As I said earlier, Deer pattern Hunters much better than Hunters pattern Deer. If most hunters are Hunting fields or easy to reach areas, do something different. Find thickets or other areas where Hunters will not hunt. Swamps and overgrown clear cuts are two of my favorite areas to hunt on Public land. I love to hear Hunters say “That area is too nasty to hunt, you can’t see very far in there”. That’s the kind of place I want to be. The group of guys I grew up hunting with were the first to hunt the flooded timber for Deer. No one else would put on wader and go in after the Deer. Now, many people will but few are successful because the lack the patience and experience to still hunt the flooded timber properly. Do and go where other Hunters will not!

Most public hunting is not easy. But with a little planning and thinking outside the box, your hunt can be successful. Just remember, these Deer are hunted hard so plan on outsmarting them. You can reason, Deer can’t!

Go to Source

BISMARCK, N.D. — North Dakotans who ate wild game killed with lead bullets appeared to have higher lead levels than those who ate little or no wild game, according to a study released Wednesday by the North Dakota Department of Health.

The study examined the lead levels in the [...]]]> From the Duluth News Tribune
published Nov. 6, 2008

BISMARCK, N.D. — North Dakotans who ate wild game killed with lead bullets appeared to have higher lead levels than those who ate little or no wild game, according to a study released Wednesday by the North Dakota Department of Health.

The study examined the lead levels in the blood of more than 700 state residents. The elevated lead levels were not considered dangerous, but North Dakota officials say pregnant women and children younger than 6 should avoid eating venison killed using lead bullets. Those groups are considered most at risk from lead poisoning, which can cause learning problems and convulsions, and in severe cases can lead to brain damage and death.

The study, conducted by the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the state health department, is the first to connect lead traces in game with higher lead levels in the blood of people who ate it, said Dr. Stephen Pickard, a CDC epidemiologist who works with the state health department.

A separate study by Minnesota’s Department of Natural Resources earlier found that fragments from lead bullets spread as far as 18 inches away from the wound. Minnesota’s firearms deer season opens Saturday in Northeastern Minnesota.

“Nobody was in trouble from the lead levels,” Pickard said. However, he said, “The effect was small but large enough to be a concern.”

Pickard said the study found “the more recent the consumption of wild game harvested with lead bullets, the higher the level of lead in the blood.”

Officials in North Dakota and other states have warned about eating venison killed with lead ammunition since the spring, when they were alerted by Dr. William Cornatzer of Bismarck, a physician and hunter. He conducted his own tests using a CT scanner and found lead in samples of donated deer meat.

The findings led North Dakota’s health department to order food pantries to throw out donated venison. Some groups that organize venison donations called such actions premature and unsupported by science.

“There continues to be no evidence of human health risk from using traditional ammunition,” said Lawrence Keane, a vice president and lawyer for the Newtown, Conn.-based National Shooting Sports Foundation, a trade association for the firearms and ammunition industry. “The report from the CDC appears to confirm we were right.”

North Dakota’s deer season begins Friday. Cornatzer said he has two deer tags, and plans to shoot the animals with solid copper bullets.

Health officials say the best way to avoid ingesting lead-tainted venison is to use bullets that don’t contain lead.

“It’s a no-brainer,” Cornatzer said. “Hunters with wives of childbearing age and those with children should be concerned about this.

“No one is trying to take anyone’s bullets away, but hunters need to educated that there are safer alternatives out there and they should use them,” Cornatzer said.

Terry Steinwand, director of North Dakota’s Game and Fish Department, said 21 employees from his agency participated in the CDC study. Each had eaten game shot with lead bullets and the study found that each had low lead levels in their blood, he said.

Steinwand said he would likely continue to use lead bullets when hunting.

“Any information is good information,” Steinwand said. “(But) it’s not going to change my habits one bit, not at this stage in my life.”

Minnesota conservation officers are literally coming under fire this hunting season.

A recent DNR report says three game wardens have been nearly hit by accidental gun discharges.

One of those incidents happened near Grand Marais when a moose hunter accidentally fired his rifle just before an officer started checking licenses.

Russ Isola is [...]]]> From the NorthlandNewsCenter.com
published Oct. 14, 2008

Minnesota conservation officers are literally coming under fire this hunting season.

A recent DNR report says three game wardens have been nearly hit by accidental gun discharges.

One of those incidents happened near Grand Marais when a moose hunter accidentally fired his rifle just before an officer started checking licenses.

Russ Isola is a Minnesota DNR trained gun safety instructor.

He thinks all hunters should take a safety course that would reduce the dangers conservation officers and other hunters face in the field from improper gun handling.

“The hunter education program definitely corrects that!” says Isola.
He states it’s not young kids that are unsafe.

“The older hunters are the ones you actually have problems with because they haven’t had a hunter education class.” according to Isola.
That’s because Minnesotans born after 1979 have to graduate from the class to get a hunting license.

In the class, students get the scoop on proper gun handling. Russ demonstrates on an old Higgins 12 guage.

“If you take a look, you can see the firearm is empty and it’s pointed in a safe direction.”

Most hunter education classes in Minnesota have already wrapped up for 2008 but there is a self study option.

“If you are 18 or over you can go online and do a course if you are 18 or older.”

Isola, who’s been a safe hunter all his life, says firearms safety is a life or death matter.

“That’s why you definitely want to be safe because hurting somebody will definitely put a crimp in your day.”

Dave Anderson, the Northland’s News Center.

Procedures for Independent Study On-Line Course:
Step 1: Complete the activity “Using your Minnesota Hunting and Trapping Regulations handbook” . Print out and show to the volunteer instructor at the field/exam session.
Step 2: Complete the Hunting dilemmas worksheet. Print out the questions, write your answers on a separate sheet of paper, and show to the volunteer instructor at the field/exam session.
Step 3: Complete the on-line course located at IHEA online . Print out your results to show the volunteer instructor.
Step 4: Assemble and bring to the field/exam session a basic survival kit as suggested in the IHEA on-line curriculum.
Step 5: Attend and successfully complete the field/exam session. Contact a DNR Certified Firearm Safety volunteer instructor to review your independent study coursework and to schedule an exam session and field day with the instructor, either in conjunction with a currently scheduled class or coordinated individually.

You will be provided with a temporary certificate upon successful completion of the above steps. A certificate will be sent to you from the Safety Training office. Certification endorsements will also appear on your Minnesota resident driver’s license or identification card when you obtain or renew it.
Cost: The fee is the same as the traditional Firearm Safety course of $7.50 – $15.00 collected by the instructor. Checks can be made payable to the Department of Natural Resources. The fee amount is subject to change at any time without prior notice.

CONSERVATION OFFICER WEEKLY REPORT

09-29-08

District 1 – Baudette area

CO Larry Milbridge (Warroad) investigated timber wolf depredation complaints this week and seasonal boat maintenance and storage were completed. Grouse hunters are seeing more birds. The St. Jude’s Hospital trail ride at Bemis Hill brought in over 150 people [...]]]> Minnesota Department of Natural Resources , Grand Forks Herald
Published: 09/30/2008

CONSERVATION OFFICER WEEKLY REPORT

09-29-08

District 1 – Baudette area

CO Larry Milbridge (Warroad) investigated timber wolf depredation complaints this week and seasonal boat maintenance and storage were completed. Grouse hunters are seeing more birds. The St. Jude’s Hospital trail ride at Bemis Hill brought in over 150 people riding horses and raised over $9,000 for sick children.

CO Jeff Birchem (Baudette) worked on an over limit investigation and conducted follow up on a deer out of season investigation. ATV activity was monitored and grouse hunters were found to be having fair luck.

CO Jeremy Woinarowicz (Thief River Falls) answered calls regarding nuisance beavers, a car struck bear, and the upcoming deer season. Woinarowicz patrolled area WMAs finding illegal ATV use, stands left in the WMA overnight, and numerous shooters target practicing. He also checked anglers in the Thief River Falls area. Enforcement action for the week included angle without license, operate motorized vehicle in WMA, and leave stands over-night in WMA.

CO Keith Backer (Blackduck) worked Red Lake Recovery and checked area lakes for angling activity. The walleye bite remains very good in the Blackduck area. A shining complaint was investigated and an area shooting preserve was checked. CO Backer gave a presentation to a local church group on new laws and the upcoming deer season. Small game hunting was monitored with hunters hoping for fewer leaves and cooler temperatures. Enforcement activity for the week included boat & water safety violations, ATV violations, and license violations.

CO Robert Gorecki (Baudette) checked grouse hunters and bear hunters. Bear hunters are reporting better success now than in the beginning of the season. Fishing continues to be fair on Lake of the Woods, and fishing is also picking up on the Rainy River. CO Gorecki investigated a report of a deer being shot south of Baudette.

Karlstad – vacant.

Blackduck #2 – vacant.

Warroad #2 – vacant.

District 2 – Bemidji area

CO Stuart Bensen (Erskine) received a number of calls on youth and disabled hunter hunts. Hunting related informational calls have increased dramatically. The officer spoke to a Firearm Safety Class regarding laws, safety, and ethics. Shining complaints have increased, and walleye angler success has increased.

CO Dan Malinowski (Fosston) responded to complaints of a moose near town, a deer shot out-of-season, an unknown animal digging holes in the yard, and ATV’s operating illegally. Successful hunters are reminder to dispose of animal carcasses properly. Some pets are starting to drag animal parts thru neighborhoods.

CO Tim Gray (Bagley) spoke to the Clearbrook Firearm Safety Class about laws, safety, and ethics. Bear baits, bear hunters, small game hunters, and ATVers were checked.

CO Mike Hruza (Bemidji) responded to a TIP Call of a person shooting ducks. The suspect was located, issued a citation, and the firearm seized. Aquatic plant removal, fishing, and deer hunting complaints were investigated. The officer assisted with setting up a venison donation program. There was a DNR surplus equipment auction at the Bemidji Fairgrounds on Saturday, much of the equipment was moved to the fairgrounds on Friday. Friday evening someone stole motors, gas tanks, batteries, and damaged a vehicle. The officer was able to gain information on a suspect and obtain a search warrant. The warrant execution resulted in most of the stolen property being recovered and the suspect arrested.

CO Stacey Sharp (Bemidji) checked anglers, bear hunters, archery deer hunters, and goose hunters. Complaints of altering a lake shoreline and wolf depredation were investigated. The Mississippi Headwaters State Forest was patrolled for ATV, OHM, and ORV activity.

CO Chris Vinton (Perham) responded to several ATV trespass, ATV’s operating in a Wild-life Management Area, and deer baiting complaints. Hunting stands were removed from WMAs. Walleye anglers are enjoying good success. The officer worked with the Attorney General’s Office regarding a 2002 timber trespass case.

CO Phil Seefeldt (Moorhead) reports an increase in archery deer hunting pressure. Many hunters report seeing deer. Complaints of bait placed near deer stands and trespass were investigated. The officer spoke to the Moorhead Firearm Safety Class regarding laws, safety, and ethics.

CO Joe Stattelman (Detroit Lakes) investigated deer baiting complaints. ATV and angling activity was monitored. Equipment maintenance and repairs were completed.

CO Al Peterson (Osage) checked small game and archery deer hunters. Archery deer hunt-ers were issued citations for hunting over bait. A fish over limit complaint and a camper/squatter in a state forest complaint were investigated.

Wisconsin’s waterfowl season opens Saturday and the state’s hunters will have the maximum 60-day season allowed by federal regulations.

“Wisconsin waterfowlers should have a good hunting season,” said Kent Van Horn, migratory game bird ecologist for the state Department of Natural Resources, in a prepared statement. “Overall, populations of [...]]]> From the Duluth News Tribune
published Sept. 21, 2008

Wisconsin’s waterfowl season opens Saturday and the state’s hunters will have the maximum 60-day season allowed by federal regulations.

“Wisconsin waterfowlers should have a good hunting season,” said Kent Van Horn, migratory game bird ecologist for the state Department of Natural Resources, in a prepared statement. “Overall, populations of waterfowl game species are healthy and abundant.”

The duck hunt in the northern zone opens at 9 a.m. Saturday and continues through Nov. 25.

The two main changes this year are a closed season for canvasback ducks and dual framework for scaup, also called bluebill, with a daily bag limit of one scaup for 40 days and two scaup for 20 days, according to a Wisconsin DNR news release. In the northern zone, the daily bag limit is two scaup from Oct. 18 through Nov. 6.

Other than on opening days, the hunt begins a half hour before sunrise.

The daily bag limit for the full 60 days is six ducks, not to include more than four mallards, of which only one may be a hen; three wood ducks; one black duck; two redheads; one scaup for 40 days and two for 20 days as noted above; and one pintail.

Many of the ducks harvested in Wisconsin come from birds that breed in the state’s wetlands, according to the news release. The four most abundant ducks in Wisconsin’s fall hunting harvest are mallards, wood ducks, green-winged teal and blue-winged teal.

Licenses and stamps required include a Wisconsin small game license, a Wisconsin waterfowl stamp and a federal migratory bird stamp. The $15 federal stamp can be purchased at a post office.

Bass League winners announced

The Duluth Area Bass League held its 10th summer tournament event on Sept. 4 at Island Lake.

First place went to the Hawg Hunters, Al Ansell and Doug Pirila, with a five-fish limit weighing 17.8 pounds. Second went to the River Rats, Roger Olson and Steve Gutz, with five fish weighing 8.75 pounds. Third went to Hawghammer, Mike Lebsack and Jacob Lebsack, with three fish weighing 6.45 pounds.

Youth gundeer hunt set

The seventh annual Wisconsin Youth Gun Deer Hunt will be Oct. 11-12, according to a Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources news release.

Youth hunters ages 12 to 15 who have successfully completed a hunter education program and possess a gun deer hunting license may participate in the hunt. Youths must be accompanied by an adult 18 years of age or older. Adult mentors may not hunt with firearms and cannot accompany more than two youth hunters. Qualified hunters may harvest one buck deer using a Gun Buck Deer Carcass Tag and additional antlerless deer with the appropriate carcass tag.

Minnesota Department of Natural Resources conservation officer reports for Tuesday, Sept. 16

District 5 – Eveleth area

CO Darrin Kittelson (International Falls) spent time on wetland issues within the station. Checked grouse hunters and archery deer hunters, very little activity with the rainy weather. Bear hunting activity starting to slow [...]]]> From the Duluth News Tribune
published Sept. 16, 2008

Minnesota Department of Natural Resources conservation officer reports for Tuesday, Sept. 16

District 5 – Eveleth area

CO Darrin Kittelson (International Falls) spent time on wetland issues within the station. Checked grouse hunters and archery deer hunters, very little activity with the rainy weather. Bear hunting activity starting to slow a bit. Handled an injured eagle complaint, the eagle was captured and later sent on a plane to Raptor Center at the University of Minnesota.

CO Lloyd Steen (Ray/Kabetogama) reports checking grouse hunters on the opener. Very few hunters seen in the drizzling rain and fewer grouse. Violations for juvenile hunters under 14 years of age, unaccompanied by adults, juveniles illegally operating ATVs, juveniles on ATVs without helmets, juveniles without ATV safety certificates, and adults allowing illegal operation of ATVs by juveniles were addressed. Also checked experimental regulation lakes of Kabetogama and Namakan where citations for illegal length walleyes, transporting filleted walleyes on the water, and reducing fish to more than two fillets were handled. Also investigated camper trailers left on state land for more than several weeks unattended with litter.

C0 Troy Fondie (Orr) reports assisting Ely conservation officer with work project monitoring boating and angling activities and working on various equipment up keep issues.

CO Brad Schultz (Cook) reports following up on a fire from last week, dealing with a problem bear and mink, requests for bear meat, bear hunting questions, deer hunting questions, grouse hunting questions, internal DNR questions, and checking for hunting activity.

CO Don Bozovsky (Hibbing) finished field training with COC Vollbrecht. Officers worked early goose hunters, the opening of the small game seasons, ATV’s, and bear hunting activity. An illegal fire investigation was completed with a citation issued, along with enforcement action for littering for another individual in the case. Enforcement action was taken on no federal duck stamp, no state duck stamp, operate a motor vehicle on a state trail, fail to register bear bait station, careless or negligent fires, and fail to display ATV registration.

CO Matt Frericks (Virginia) spent time checking bear hunters and their baits. Some unmarked bait stations are being watched. Unfortunately, while looking for bear baits, CO Frericks found some active deer baiting. CO Frericks located a fisher set from last season. The trap had the remnants of a large fisher in it. The conibear trap still had the trap tag on it and an investigation is underway for a trap tending violation.

CO Mark Fredin (Aurora) checked fishing activities on area lakes and found fishing to be slow, the fall bite hasn’t started yet. Bear hunters are having some success and report bait stations are just starting to get hit. Officer Fredin also gave a law presentation for the Moose Orientation in Ely, many questions were answered, good luck to all of them.

District 6 – Two Harbors area

CO Brandon McGaw (Babbitt) spent time in the woods and on the water. The fish bite has picked up a little since temperatures are dropping. Bear hunters are having mixed results and most have called it a season. Time was also spent in Ely giving a moose orientation class to some of this falls moose hunters. Grouse hunters hit the woods on Saturday and had trouble seeing birds due to the thick foliage.

CO Dan Thomasen (Two Harbors) kept an eye on bear hunting activity throughout the week. Opening of deer archery and small game seasons were greeted with some soggy weather, which dampened the outing for many. Angling pressure has slowed some after Labor Day, however many are still catching fish both on Lake Superior and inland. Officer Thomasen would like to remind people to give extra consideration to wearing PFD’s as the weather and waters become colder. It could save your life.

CO Tom Wahlstrom (Tofte) worked anglers on Lake Superior. People need to review their salmon and trout identification before heading on the water. Stealhead are to be immediately released. Officer Wahlstrom checked bear hunters and their baits; overall compliance was good. A few grouse were bagged during the small game opener. The hunters enjoyed the changing leaves but found it frustrating to see the birds.

CO Darin Fagerman (Grand Marais) reports that a bear guide stopped him on the road and showed him some digital pictures of garbage and furniture dumped onto Forest Service land. The CO recognized a recliner that he had seen at another bear camp a few days before. The CO made some phone calls and fingers were pointed in the direction of a suspect and the case was turned over to the U.S. Forest Service Law Enforcement Officer. A citation was issued and the mess was cleaned up. The CO issued more citations this week for garbage in bear baits and for baiting with mammal bones. The majority of bear hunters do things right.

District 7 — Grand Rapids area

CO Thomas Sutherland (Grand Rapids) and COC Paurus spent the week on fishing and small game enforcement. They completed a dumping investigation where a large amount of garbage and vehicle parts were illegally left on public land. The officers also investigated wanton waste of some Canada geese.

CO Randy Patten (Northome) worked bear hunting activity, checked anglers, finished a required defensive driving training session, attended a trails meeting, and issued a cease and desist for a potential wetland violation.

CO Jeff Koehn (Grand Rapids – OHV Specialist) presented an enforcement report to the Itasca County Trails Task Force. CO Koehn helped train COC Vollbrecht in OHV enforcement efforts. They patrolled by ATV along trails and in known ATV use areas. Numerous deer stands were located and checked prior to the archery deer hunting opener. CO Koehn and COC Vollbrecht checked campgrounds common to ATV users. Enforcement activity for the week included, operate ATV with youth passenger no helmet, fail to display ATV registration, operate ATV without headlights, allow illegal juvenile operation of an ATV.

CO Gary Lefebvre (Pengilly) worked fishermen, watercraft, ATV’s, small game and archery deer hunters. He also checked bear hunters and handled several complaints during the week.

District 8 — Cloquet area

CO Randy Hanzal (Brookston) despite the rainy weather lots of sportsmen were contacted this weekend for the opener of small game and archery seasons. A district meeting was attended where current law updates and other issues were discussed. Bear hunters are reporting more activity at bait stations. A few ATV violations involving juveniles were encountered during the week. An informational visit was made to a local Game Farm and some of its neighbors.

CO Scott Staples (Carlton) attended a district meeting with other conservation officers and also spent time working on wetland cases in the area. One citation was issued to a person for failing to comply with a Wetland Conservation Act Restoration Order. Other time was spent checking small game and bear hunters in the area. Success rates are slow in the area. One hunter harassment case was worked and is still under investigation. CO Staples and CO Humphrey assisted with and taught the law portion of a trapper’s education class in Cromwell.

CO Jeff Humphrey (Kettle River) worked small game and archery deer opener and investigated complaints of trespass and deer shining. Officer Humphrey attended a district enforcement meeting and assisted at a Trapper Education class in Cromwell. Inclement weather put a damper on opening weekend activities in the area.

CO Kipp Duncan (Duluth) spent time working small game opener over the weekend. Several people were out chasing grouse, but the weather didn’t cooperate for most of opening weekend. Contact was also made with several archery deer hunters. All were excited about being in the woods again for another year. Some time was also spent checking goose hunting and fishing enforcement. Several calls have been taken during the week, with some requiring time and follow-up with possible enforcement action needed when completed.

CO Sarah Sindelir (Duluth) continued to investigate a dock complaint this past week. She also attended a district meeting in Cloquet. She spent time working early goose, bow, small game, and bear hunting activity. Enforcement action was taken for no license in possession.

Duluth Marine Unit

CO Troy Ter Meer (Marine Unit) attended a district meeting, worked on reports and paperwork from some past cases, and performed equipment maintenance. He checked boaters and anglers and assisted in area stations with early goose, small game, bear and archery deer hunters. Enforcement action was taken for a bear hunter who did not have his license in possession and investigation is ongoing into another possible violation.

CO Matt Miller (Marine Unit) checked anglers near Silver Bay and Tofte. The salmon and lake trout are cooperating with anglers much better now. Equipment maintenance issues were handled, and work areas were scouted for the beginning of hunting season. Enforcement action was taken for angling, boating, and controlled substance violations.

C.O. Keith Olson (Marine Unit) checked muskie anglers on the St. Louis River. One fish of +50″ was seen. Moved the Lake Superior boat for repairs. Attended a District 8 meeting. Calls of the upcoming deer season are on the increase. Small game hunters and ATV’s were checked over the wet and rainy weekend.

Minnesota bear harvest down

Minnesota black bear hunters have shot only about half as many bears as at the same time last year, said Dave Garshelis, bear project leader for the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. As of Sept. 11, hunters had killed 1,267 bears this fall, compared with [...]]]> From the Duluth News Tribune
published Sept. 14, 2008

Minnesota bear harvest down

Minnesota black bear hunters have shot only about half as many bears as at the same time last year, said Dave Garshelis, bear project leader for the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. As of Sept. 11, hunters had killed 1,267 bears this fall, compared with 2,452 at the same time last year, Garshelis said.

Minnesota’s bear season opened Sept. 1 and continues through Oct. 14. Garshelis suspects the abundance of natural foods in the woods has kept bears from visiting hunters’ baits as often as in some years.

“There’s a lot of natural food, and a lot of it was delayed all summer,” Garshelis said. “Stuff that shouldn’t be around is around now — berries like cherries.”

He also said the bear population may not be as large as it was a few years ago. The last population survey was done in 2002 and turned up an estimate of 20,000 to 30,000 bears. A new survey, using tetracycline baits that leave a trace in bears’ teeth, is under way this fall and next fall, Garshelis said.

Fishing pier ready at McQuade

With the addition of an accessible fishing pier, McQuade Small Craft Harbor now offers opportunities for everyone to fish Lake Superior, according to a Minnesota Department of Natural Resources news release.

The harbor facility, nine miles north of the Duluth Harbor entry, is fully accessible including parking, paved walkways, a pedestrian tunnel, docks, benches, drinking water and restrooms. The fishing pier has protective railings and is built out from the breakwater to provide for lake fishing.

Grouse brood count up in Wisconsin

The average number of grouse broods seen and the average size of the brood both increased 12 percent from 2007 levels in northern and central Wisconsin this summer, according to a Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources news release. The primary range for ruffed grouse, the central and northern forest portions of the state, were mostly spared from the heavy rain events of June, according to the news release.

DNR field personnel averaged 1.03 broods seen during the 2008 survey period, compared with 0.92 in 2007. Brood size was up as well with broods averaging 4.7 young per brood, 4.2 in 2007.

Firearms safety instructors wanted

If you’ve ever thought of becoming a firearms safety instructor, here’s your chance. The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources will hold a Certified Volunteer Firearms Safety Instructor Training Class from 5 to 9 p.m. Sept. 22 at the Hermantown Police Department, 5111 Maple Grove Road. Preregistration is required. The class is free. Participants must be at least 18 and pass a background check. To register, contact Lt. Shelly Patten at shelly.patten@dnr.state.mn.us or (218) 244-8051.

Demand for firearms safety instructors is high, said Patten, a DNR conservation officer and regional training officer.

“In Minnesota, we have more youth than the national average who are hunting,” Patten said. “Nationwide, it’s about 11 percent. In Minnesota, it’s around 20 percent, and gets up to 25 percent in the Northland.”

Surplus turkey permits available Monday

Minnesota turkey hunters who were unsuccessful in this year’s lottery for the fall hunting season may apply for 2,243 surplus permits starting at noon Monday, according to a Minnesota Department of Natural Resources news release.

The DNR makes surplus permits available at all Electronic Licensing System (ELS) outlets and online at www.dnr.state.mn.us.

The Web site also contains information on surplus licenses availability and the status of lottery applications. The fall turkey hunt consists of two five-day seasons: Oct. 15-19 and Oct. 22-26.

Hunters who did not enter the lottery will be able to purchase any remaining surplus licenses beginning noon Monday, Sept. 22.