The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) knocked down more barriers to hunting participation this year. The agency, which in recent years has expanded youth hunts, reduced the price of youth deer licenses, and propelled the state into a national leader in the archery in the schools program, has launched an apprentice hunter program that promises to nudge would-be hunters off the fence and into fields and forests. It is also developing a new mentoring program. The mentoring effort aims to work with existing hunting, fishing and mentoring organizations to link avid outdoors enthusiasts with youth who have an interest in the outdoors but not the opportunity to experience it...

The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) will close the southern two-thirds of Moose Pool in the Moose Willow Wildlife Management Area (WMA) to waterfowl hunting and trespassing during the upcoming waterfowl season. The remainder of the WMA will be open to waterfowl hunting. The closed area will be signed and visible from the water. A map of the closed area will be posted at the landing...

The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) will post online maps to more than 6,400 acres of forestland open to public hunting under conservation easements. Located in Cass, Crow Wing and Itasca counties, these lands are protected from development but open to public hunting, a variety of outdoor activities and timber production...

The annual auction of bison from the resident herd at Blue Mounds State Park will be held at 1 p.m., Friday, Sept. 28 at the park...

The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) will offer 27 parcels of state land for sale to the public. Six of the parcels will be sold at public oral auction at 1:30 p.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 24, at the Lake County Courthouse at 601 Third Ave., in Two Harbors...

Fall colors, fun and food are just three components of Leaf Days at Maplewood State Park that make this an event worth celebrating for the whole family. Leaf Days will be from 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. on Sept. 29, 30 and Oct. 6, 7...

The combination of an increased amount of precipitation, and a return to more normal late summer weather patterns and conditions, with shorter days, cooler temperatures and higher humidity, has reduced the potential for fires to start and spread...

The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) will be hosting public meetings this fall to gather input on the future of northern pike and bass (smallmouth and largemouth) regulations on Pelican Lake near Orr, Minnesota...

The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources' (DNR) pheasant index remained near its highest level in 20 years, thanks to favorable weather and habitat conditions in portions of the state's pheasant range...

The Ross' goose will be featured on the 2008 Minnesota Migratory Waterfowl Stamp (Duck Stamp). The painting by Sara Stack of Orr was chosen as the winning design from among 21 entries in the stamp contest sponsored by the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR)...