
North Dakota Game and Fish outreach biologist Doug Leier gives the latest news from the great outdoors. Fishing, hunting, gun safety, photography and whatever you want outdoors.

34 Annual Race the Red Canoe & Kayak Races
Kayakers and Canoers wanted for the 34th Annual Race the Red! This event is open to all skill levels. Learn more below: Three Flag Races: Choose your distance from 1.5, 3.5 or 6 miles. Participants paddle up river to a designated turnaround point, grab a prize, and return down river to the finish. The Course: All races...
18h ago

Increased patrols for impaired boaters
During this upcoming long Fourth of July weekend, lakes and rivers across Minnesota likely will be at their busiest. Among those planning to join those on the water: Minnesota DNR conservation officers and public safety partners, whose aim is to ensure everyone makes it home safely at the end of the day. Officers will ...
Jul 03, 2026

Fourth of July weekend fishing!
Fourth of July weekend is almost here and fishing is a great way to celebrate! Before you head out, make sure to check the Minnesota DNR fishing webpage for regulations, LakeFinder, trout fishing information and more. If you still need to purchase your license, heads up that it looks different now that we have a new el...
Jul 03, 2026

Minnesota DNR urges boaters to own their wake and keep in mind how activities affect others, the environment
As the summer boating season enters its peak with the upcoming Fourth of July holiday weekend, the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources reminds boat operators who create a wake to be mindful of the potential risks to other water users and the environment. Improper watercraft operation can put other others at risk,...
Jul 02, 2026

Minnesota DNR invites people to share pheasant, turkey observations
Minnesotans are encouraged to report sightings of ring-necked pheasants and wild turkeys to the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources as part of a community science effort. People are asked to report pheasants and turkeys they see in the wild from now through Aug. 31. Information from the reports will help the Minn...
Jul 02, 2026

Operation Dry Water: Heightened Boating Enforcement July 3-5
As boating traffic increases over the Fourth of July weekend, North Dakota Game and Fish Department, along with other law enforcement agencies, will increase on-the-water patrols and enforcement as part of Operation Dry Water, a national campaign focused on preventing boating under the influence. From July 3-5, officer...
Jun 30, 2026

Staying Safe On The Water This Summer
By Doug Leier Never wait on a safety reminder. It could be too late. You shouldn't wait until after the opening weekend of pheasant season to brush up on firearm safety. You take hunter safety before you hunt. The same mindset belongs on the water. Because here's the truth: if your day on the lake or river isn't safe, ...
Jun 30, 2026

Minnesota #DNR Conservation Officer Reports-June 29, 2026
Weekly CO report District 1 - Baudette area Last updated: 2026-06-29 CO Ben Huener (Roseau) checked anglers on Lake of the Woods and Hayes Lake. Area ATV activity was monitored. Violations for the week included possessing illegal-length walleyes, overlimit of walleyes/sauger, and operating an ATV in state park and hunt...
Jun 29, 2026

During Operation Dry Water, Minnesota DNR, law enforcement partners increase patrols for impaired boaters over holiday weekend
With warm weather in the forecast and a long Fourth of July weekend ahead, Minnesota's waterways likely will be extremely busy in the coming days. Among those who will be on the water: Minnesota Department of Natural Resources conservation officers and their public safety partners, who will work to ensure everyone who ...
Jun 29, 2026

Inspect All Boats, Docks and Lifts Before Buying or Selling
The North Dakota Game and Fish Department urges people to check boats, trailers, docks, lifts, and all other water-related equipment for aquatic nuisance species before buying or selling. During summer, there is an elevated risk of having ANS, like zebra mussels, attached to submerged equipment. North Dakota requires a...
Jun 29, 2026

2026 North Dakota Grouse Surveys
Each spring, North Dakota Game and Fish Department staff count the number of male sharp-tailed grouse, greater prairie chickens and greater sage grouse dancing on leks, while also tallying the number of male ruffed grouse drumming in suitable aspen habitats. These surveys serve as relative indices of spring breeding po...
Jun 25, 2026

Minnesota DNR encourages boaters to be courteous, remember waterways are shared resources
Waterways likely will be extremely busy in the days around and including the Fourth of July, as people across Minnesota enjoy getting out in their motorized and non-motorized watercraft. The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources reminds all recreationists to remember the state's waters belong to all people, and eve...
Jun 25, 2026

2026 Deer Lottery Held, Licenses Remain
North Dakota's deer gun lottery has been held. More than 72,000 individuals applied for a deer gun lottery license, in addition to over 12,000 gratis applicants. The 2026 deer gun proclamation allowed for 39,100 deer gun season licenses. More than 1,200 licenses remain. Only resident applicants who were unsuccessful in...
Jun 24, 2026

Check for invasive species before buying or selling docks, lifts, boats or other water equipment
Check for invasive species before buying or selling docks, lifts, boats or other water equipment The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources reminds people to check boats and trailers, docks and boat lifts, and all other water-related equipment for aquatic invasive species, especially when buying or selling used equi...
Jun 23, 2026

The Biology Of Fishing Regulations
By Doug Leier If you spend enough time backing a trailer down a ramp or leaning against a bait shop counter, you're bound to overhear some chatter about fishing rules and regulations. Anglers love to swap stories from trips to neighboring states, especially Minnesota, and it usually leads to a familiar question: "...
Jun 23, 2026

Minnesota DNR adds five counties to deer feeding and attractant ban
The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources has added five counties to a deer feeding and attractant ban to reduce the risk of chronic wasting disease spread, following detections of CWD in wild deer in new areas of the state last year. "Where people place food or attractants out for deer, higher numbers of deer...
Jun 22, 2026

Find Fourth of July weekend fun at Minnesota state parks and recreation areas
Minnesota state parks and recreation areas are great places to celebrate the Fourth of July holiday. Whether you're looking for a day trip or a full weekend enjoying nature, there is something everyone can enjoy. "Most Minnesotans live within 30 miles of one of our 73 state parks and recreation areas, and we encou...
Jun 22, 2026

Minnesota #DNR Conservation Officer Reports- June 22, 2026
Weekly CO report District 1 - Baudette area Last updated: 2026-06-22 CO Ben Huener (Roseau) investigated a calf depredation near Warroad. Officer patrolled the south shore and NW Angle of Lake of the Woods. Violations encountered include anglers using an extra line and possessing illegal length walleyes. A citation was...
Jun 22, 2026

Fireworks Prohibited on WMAs, Camping Restrictions Lifted for Holiday
With Independence Day approaching, the North Dakota Game and Fish Department reminds outdoor recreationists fireworks on state wildlife management areas are prohibited. The primary objective of a wildlife management area is to enhance wildlife production, provide hunting and fishing opportunities, and offer other outdo...
Jun 22, 2026

North Dakota Pronghorn Survey Begins
The North Dakota Game and Fish Department's annual aerial pronghorn survey will begin June 28 and is scheduled to be completed within two weeks. During the survey period, small airplanes will sometimes fly low over parts of western North Dakota. The survey determines pronghorn abundance, herd demographics and fawn prod...
Jun 22, 2026

