Fish and Wildlife Almanac, Aug. 1 : Aug 1, 2023

Hunters and trappers can find the 2023 Minnesota hunting and trapping regulations on the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources website starting Aug. 1, and this year the printed version of the regulations will be available later than expected, near the end August.

To ensure hunters have the information they need to plan their hunt while awaiting printed regulations, the Minnesota DNR sent materials to hunting license agents across the state to distribute to customers. These materials highlight upcoming deadlines that some hunters may need to meet before the printed regulations books will be delivered.

The deadline to apply for the special archery hunts, the Camp Ripley archery hunt, special youth hunts, and the prairie chicken season is Friday, Aug. 18. Hunters have through Thursday, Sept. 7, to apply for permits to harvest antlerless deer in antlerless lottery areas, and for special firearm or muzzleloader special hunts.

During the month of August, anyone with a Minnesota hunting or fishing license can get a special offer when they visit the Science Museum of Minnesota to view the Wings Over Water film. Current license holders can receive discounted museum admission and a special edition Minnesota DNR-branded waterproof pouch when they purchase tickets to see Wings Over Water.

“We’re partnering with the Science Museum for this offer as a way to say thank you to hunting and fishing license holders for their license purchases,” said Cara Hanson, Minnesota DNR marketing coordinator. “The film includes some amazing footage of waterfowl and wildlife in wetland habitat, and that waterproof pouch can stay with folks when they’re in the outdoors.”

To use this offer, license holders can purchase tickets online in advance, or in-person when they visit the museum and show their license. If purchasing online, add tickets to Wings Over Water and general museum admission to the cart, then enter promo code MNDNR23 at checkout. Visitors should have their licenses to show at the museum admission desk to use this offer.

For any questions while purchasing tickets, call the Science Museum of Minnesota at 651-221-9444.

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. 2, David Stein, Conservation Partners Legacy grant program coordinator, will provide an overview of the CPL grant program, share some habitat success stories from recent grant recipients and discuss how to get involved. Through the program, millions of dollars go to nonprofit organizations and government entities to help restore, enhance, and protect Minnesota’s habitats and natural resources. Funding comes from the Outdoor Heritage Fund, which was created after voters approved the Clean Water, Land and Legacy Amendment in 2008.

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.

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.