DNR webinars cover aquatic invasive species, North Shore foraging

The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources invites Minnesotans interested in fishing, wildlife and outdoor skills to tune into upcoming webinars that will discuss aquatic invasive species and foraging wild edibles along the North Shore of Lake Superior.

The first webinar on aquatic invasive species will be at noon Wednesday, June 15. Join April Rust, aquatic invasive species training coordinator, to learn about the challenges presented by invasive species, why it’s important to prevent their spread and ways to help protect Minnesota waters.

The second webinar on foraging wild edibles along the North Shore will be at noon Wednesday, June 22. Join Kurt Mead, interpretive naturalist at Tettegouche State Park, to learn about some of the wild edibles that can be picked, how to identify edibles, where to look for wild berries and what is the best time to pick wild berries.

The webinars are part of the DNR’s Minnesota Outdoor Skills and Stewardship Series, which aims to give participants quick, relevant information on upcoming seasons and events, as well as skills to enjoy these opportunities. The webinars are free, but registration is required. More information, including registration information for webinars, is available on the outdoor skills and stewardship page of the DNR website.

Minnesota Twins offer free hats

Anyone with a 2022 Minnesota fishing or hunting license can receive a free camouflage Minnesota Twins logo cap thanks to a special Twins ticket offer.

The Minnesota DNR Days are back at Twins games this season, through a partnership between the Twins and the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. The upcoming Minnesota DNR Days partnership games at Target Field in Minneapolis are:

• Saturday, June 25, vs. the Colorado Rockies at 6:15 p.m.
• Sunday, July 3, vs. the Baltimore Orioles at 1:10 p.m.
• Tuesday, Aug. 16, vs. the Kansas City Royals at 6:40 p.m.
• Friday, Sept. 9 vs. the Cleveland Guardians at 7:10 p.m.

License holders can purchase a reserved game ticket online and receive a special Twins cap at the game. Ticket prices vary by game. All ticket holders under this partnership will pick up their cap at the game. Instructions for purchasing tickets are on the Minnesota DNR Days page.

People may buy fishing and hunting licenses at any DNR license agent, online with a mobile or desktop device, or by phone at 888-665-4236. Mobile license buyers receive a text or email that serves as proof of a valid fish or game license to state conservation officers.

DNR reminds anglers to follow northern pike zone regulations

The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources reminds anglers who might want to keep northern pike to familiarize themselves with the regulations and be prepared to measure the fish. Minnesota has three northern pike zones that apply to inland waters and reflect the differing characteristics of pike populations across the state:

• North-central: Limit of 10 northern pike; anglers must release all fish 22 to 26 inches, with only two fish longer than 26 inches allowed in possession. 
• Northeast: Limit of two northern pike; anglers must release all fish 30 to 40 inches, with only one fish over 40 inches allowed in possession.
• South: Limit of two northern pike; minimum size 24 inches.

Throughout the state, special regulations that cover individual lakes, rivers and streams remain in effect and take precedence over the zone regulations. The northern pike zone regulations do not apply to border waters. More information about northern pike zones, including a zone map, is available on the DNR’s northern pike page.