BANQUETS
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Feb 4 - 3rd Annual Minnesota Waterfowl Hall of Fame Induction and MN Waterfowl Association Awards Banquet. Ramada Mall of America, 2300 E. Am. Blvd, Bloomington, MN. Brad Nylin, 952-767-0320. www.mnwaterfowl.com
Feb 4 - 15th Annual MN Waterfowl Symposium. Ramada Mall of America, 8:30-4. Sponsored by the MN Waterfowl Assoc., MN DNR and USFWS. Programs and clinics on state of waterfowl population and waterfowl hunting in MN. Brad Nylin, 952-767-0320. www.mnwaterfowl.com
Feb 16 - Rum River Chapter - Minnesota Waterfowl Association, 4th Annual Conservation Banquet. 5:30pm, The Links At Northfork in Ramsey. For ticket info call 763-427-6524 or email rumrivermwa@yahoo.com. Ross Hedin, 763-427-6524
Feb 18 - Southeast South Dakota Quality Deer Management Association 3rd Annual Antler Scoring Event & Seminars. Hunter’s Pointe Sporting Clays, Humboldt, SD I-90 Exit 379, South 1.5 Miles and then East 1.5 Miles. 10:00am – 3:00pm. Admission: $5.00. Contest Fee: $10.00 per set of antlers. A PORTION OF THE NET PROCEEDS WILL BE USED TO FUND DEER RESEARCH AT SOUTH DAKOTA STATE UNIVERSITY AND QDMA YOUTH PROGRAMS. Jim, 605-553-3755.
Feb 25 - 25th Annual MDHA Habitat Banquet. All proceeds benefit Minnesota’s habitat! Join MDHA to celebrate our 25th Annual Habitat Banquet. An evening of raffles, auctions, dinner & fun! Numerous hunting/fishing trips, outdoor adventures, guns & much more! Funds raised at this event will help the MDHA Habitat Committee match dollars for chapter habitat projects throughout Minnesota. This years event will be held at the Timberlake Lodge in Grand Rapids, MN. Social Hour begins at 4:30 p.m. Followed by dinner & program at 6:00 p.m. Seating is limited to 350! Tickets will not be available at the door! Order your tickets by Friday, February 17th by filing out the attached order form or logging onto the www.mndeerhunters.com store. MDHA has rooms blocked for Friday & Saturday night at: Timberlake Lodge - 866.800.2200, Sawmill Inn - 800.667.7508, Super 8 - 218.327.1108.
Mar 10 - 2012 SCPF Banquet. The Stearns County Pheasants Forever Chapter knows how important their annual banquet is to accomplishing their goal for increased pheasant habitat. The 2012 banquet will be on Saturday, March 10 at the Freeport Community Center in Freeport, MN. Since 1983, the Stearns County Chapter has raised over $2.9 Million for conservation and wildlife habitat projects. Chris Denn, Stearns County Pheasants Forever Banquet Chair, is excited about having the banquet at the Freeport Community Center. Chris states, “The Freeport Communtiy Center provides a great meal with plenty of space, and has easy access right off of Interstate 94”. The doors will open at 5:30 p.m. for the traditional “Crowing Hour”, with dinner and prizes starting at 7:30 p.m. www.stearnspf.org
March 17 - Rum River Chapter of Minnesota Deer Hunters Association 29th Annual Banquet. The Courtyards of Andover. Social Hour 5:00 p.m., Dinner 6:45 p.m., Program 7:30 p.m. Ron Schlief at 763-753-3254.
March 24 - Cabin Fever Reliever. Bierstube Restaurant, White Bear Lake, MN. Noon - 3PM. Fun, raffle, auctions - all for a good cause. Funds earned will support educational and youth programs in the St. Croix Valley. Jim McArdle, 612 803 1549
Mar 30 - BIG SIOUX CHAPTER ROCKY MOUNTAIN ELK FOUNDATION 23rd ANNUAL BANQUET. Ramkota Exhibit Hall, Sioux Falls, Doors open at 5pm). Over 20 Guns to be won. Original Print by Mark Anderson. Trophy Whitetail/Mule Deer Hunt for two. Driftwood Lodge Resort Fishing trip for 4. Rosemary Millette “Autumn Song” signed Print. Meet David Allen President/CEO RMEF. Visit sdrockymountainelk.com or call Jeff @ 605-838-6784
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OUTDOOR EVENTS
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Through Feb 5 - Art Shanty Projects. Saturdays and Sundays, 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., through February 5 on Medicine Lake in Plymouth. This four-week exhibition is part sculpture park, part artist residency and part social experiment, inspired by traditional ice fishing houses that dot the state's lakes in the winter. It is an artist-driven temporary community exploring the ways in which a public space of a frozen lake can be used as an artistic environment to expand notions of what art can be. 612/567-6844; www.artshantyprojects.org
Jan 20 - Feb 5 - 126th Annual St. Paul Winter Carnival will be held throughout the city of St. Paul, Thursday, January 26 through Sunday, February 5. Also known as "The Coolest Celebration on Earth!” enjoy such events as the King Boreas Grande Day Parade, Saintly City Cat Show, Winter Carnival Beer Dabbler, Klondike Kate Cabaret, Rock the Palace II, Wells Fargo Winter Skate, music in Rice Park, children's and adult juried art shows, Winter Carnival Orchid Show, and so much more! And don't miss the King Boreas Grande Day Parade along 7th Street at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, February 28. Afterwards, check out the Winterfest Mit Euro Dance Party at the Germanic-American Institute on Summit Avenue in St. Paul on Saturday, January 28, and enjoy the revelry of Karneval with a mug of warm Glühwein in the Winterfest Tent--the party will move to the Ratskeller in the evening, with retro 70s & 80s music. Please note that some events are weather permitting. 651-223-4700, 651-222-7027; www.winter-carnival.com
Feb 2-12 - Ely Winter Festival. This 10-day celebration highlights the unique culture, art, history and traditions of the BWCAW. Highlights include the International Snow Sculpting Symposium, Ely ArtWalk, Historic Voyageur Encampment, a craft fair, sled dog rides, Boathouse Winter Classic Triathlon, Dorothy Molter museum tours, ArtWalk Artists’ Meet & Greet, Polar Bear dance, a fish fry, concerts, and spaghetti dinner. 1-800-777-7281; www.elywinterfestival.com
Feb 3-4 - MN Annual Decoy Collectors Show. Ramada Inn -Mall of America. 1-9 Fri. 2/3, 9 -4 Sat 2/4. 30+ tables of decoys and hunting collectibles. John Southworth, 651-455-7114. More info at www.mndecoycollectors.com
Feb 4 - Winterfest. Sherburne National Wildlife Refuge invites you to attend their annual Winterfest celebration on Saturday, February 4 from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. This FREE family event offers an exciting day of outdoor activities celebrating winter and focusing on how both wildlife and people manage to thrive in Minnesota’s months of snow and cold temperatures. Outdoor activities include a horse-drawn sleigh side, snowshoeing, scavenger hunt and bonfire. Visit exhibits on wildlife adaptations for cold, tracking, invasive earthworms, winter survival, bird feeding and the Minnesota Junior Duck Stamp Program. Live owls will be on display and educators from the Audubon Center of the Northwoods will answer your questions about these unique birds. Hot chocolate, cider, coffee and cookies will be available for purchase all day in the Main Tent and a brat and hot dog lunch will be served from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. The Friends of Sherburne gift shop will have clothing, hats, books, cards and jewelry, as well as new refuge lapel pins and patches. They will also hold a silent auction fund-raiser with many unique items, to help support refuge projects and programs.Winterfest celebrates the 109th Anniversary of the National Wildlife Refuge System. Sherburne is one of 555 national wildlife refuges that span 150 million acres across the United States and its territories. Participants can enjoy a free piece of anniversary cake to be served at 12:30 p.m. All activities will be held at the event site south of the old school house located on Sherburne County Road 9, five miles west of Highway 169. For additional information, see the Winterfest poster on the refuge website at www.fws.gov/midwest/sherburne or contact the refuge at 763-389-3323. TTY users may access the refuge through the Federal Information Relay Service at 1-800-877-8339.
Feb 4-5 - Laskiainen Finnish Sliding Festival. Loon Lake Community Center in Palo to celebrate the ethnic heritage, customs, crafts, music and sports of the area. The Loon Lake Community Center is located 10 miles south of Aurora on Hwy 100. 218-638-2551; www.ironrange.org
Feb 8 - Application Deadline. Apply now for grants to improve fish and wildlife habitat. Organizations and governments now can apply for fish and wildlife habitat improvement grants. The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is accepting Conservation Partners Legacy (CPL) grant applications for projects ranging from $5,000 to $400,000. Funds must be used to enhance, restore or protect the forests, wetlands, prairies and habitat for fish, game or wildlife in Minnesota. A total of $3.48 million is available. The application deadline is Wednesday, Feb. 8. The request for proposals is available on the CPL grants web page at www.mndnr.gov/habitat/cpl. Follow the FY2012 Grant Information link on the left-hand side. This document explains the program, including requirements and eligibility. More information is available by calling 651-259-5174 or by sending an email to LSCPLgrants.DNR@state.mn.us. Awards for this second round of grants are expected to be announced in early April.
Feb 10 - Comment Deadline. DNR seeks comments on Duluth area lake and stream management plans. People interested in the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources’ (DNR) strategies for managing Duluth area lakes and streams have until Feb. 10 to ask questions or submit comments. Current plans for lakes and streams in the area are available for review along with recent fish population assessment information at the DNR’s Duluth area fisheries office, 5351 North Shore Drive in Duluth. Office hours are 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Individuals also may call 218-525-0853 or email Pam Hetland at pam.hetland@state.mn.us to request a copy of a plan or submit comments on a plan.
Feb 9-12 - 45th Annual RV, Vacation and Camping Show. Minneapolis Convention Center in downtown Minneapolis, Thursday, February 9 through Sunday, February 12, with nearly anything and everything related to outdoor vacationing and camping. Shop hundreds of 2012 class A, B and C motorhomes, travel trailers, fifth-wheels, tent trailers and park models, see the latest in RV and camping accessories, stock up on essentials, and gather great ideas for your next vacation! The Minneapolis Convention Center will also host the 8th Annual Lake Home & Cabin Show, February 10-12, specializing in second homes and the second home lifestyle. Shop for rustic and specialty furniture and furnishings, see the latest in sporting gear, outdoor equipment & marine equipment, watch How-To seminars and demonstrations, and meet with architects, builders, remodelers, landscaping, lakeshore maintenance, real estate and finance professionals. 1-800-848-6247, 952-471-1192; www.lakehomeandcabinshow.com
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Feb 10-12 - 24th Annual St. Cloud Sportsmen's Boat Camping & Vacation Show. St Cloud River's Edge Convention Center, St. Cloud, MN. For more information, call 763-755-8111 or go to www.stcloudsportshow.com
Feb 13 - Application Deadline. DNR, NWTF mentored youth turkey applications due. First-time youth turkey hunters, ages 12 to 17, have the chance to go afield this spring and learn from an experienced National Wild Turkey Federation (NWTF) volunteer, according to the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR). Applications, maps and general information for the wild turkey hunt are available online at www.mndnr.gov/youthturkey. The application deadline is midnight on Monday, Feb. 13. Participants will be selected through a random lottery. “Rookie turkey hunters and their guardian will learn life-long outdoor skills and how to be a responsible hunter,” said Mike Kurre, DNR mentoring program coordinator. “The outdoor coaches of the NWTF are helping create the next generation of hunters.” This is the 10th consecutive year DNR and NWTF have cooperated to provide opportunities for first-time youth turkey hunters. More than 1,500 youth have been introduced to this unique hunting experience since spring youth turkey hunts began in 2002. Most hunts will occur Saturday, April 21, and Sunday, April 22, which is the first weekend of the regular wild turkey season. Nearly all youth will hunt on private land thanks to the generosity of private landowners and the NWTF volunteers who obtained permission. To be eligible, a youth hunter must be age 12 to 17 on or before Saturday, April 21; have a valid firearms safety certificate; and be accompanied by a parent or guardian. The program is for first-time turkey hunters only. Any youth who has ever purchased or been selected by lottery for a Minnesota turkey license of any type is not eligible. Hunters and their mentors will be assigned a NWTF volunteer coach, who must accompany both the youth and parent or guardian throughout the entire hunt. Participation in the hunts is only restricted by the number volunteers and private lands that are available. People who have an interest in providing quality turkey hunting land for the mentored youth hunts should contact a NWTF chapter online at www.nwtf-mn.org/Home/ChapterListings.
Feb 16 - DNR invites public comment on changes to horse trail system, proposed horse camp at Split Rock Creek State Park. The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) Division of Parks and Trails is amending the management plan for Split Rock Creek State Park to change the location for a proposed horse camp and trailhead, and to recognize some additions to the horse trail system, including a new interim trailhead. An open house will be held on Thursday, Feb. 16, from 5 to 7 p.m. at the park office for anyone interested in learning more about the plan amendment. Park staff will be available to discuss the plan amendment, copies of which will be available. Split Rock Creek State Park is located in southwestern Minnesota, about six miles south of the city of Pipestone. Split Rock Lake, the centerpiece of the park, is the largest body of water in Pipestone County and provides year-round water recreation, from ice fishing to swimming and boating. The lake was created by a large dam in 1938 built by the Works Progress Administration (WPA). The hard pink bedrock known as Sioux Quartzite was used to construct the dam and stone arch bridge that crosses the creek. Remnants of native prairie are found within the park. Prairie restoration in the western half of the park has opened up new areas for recreation, and several new horse trails have been established. The park plan amendment identifies a new site for a permanent horse camp close to the creek. A bridge is planned at this location, providing access to what will eventually be more than eight miles of horse and hiking trails. A management plan sets the direction for a state park for the next 15 to 20 years and includes recommendations for managing natural and cultural resources, and providing recreational and interpretative opportunities to park visitors. Management plan amendments are developed when new facilities or activities are proposed in parks. The plan amendment can be viewed and downloaded at www.mndnr.gov (http://www.dnr.state.mn.us/input/mgmtplans/parks/splitrockcreek.html). Comments will be accepted through Friday, Feb. 24. For more information or to comment on the plan amendment, contact: Craig Beckman, Park Manager, 507-283-1307, craig.beckman@state.mn.us; Suzanne Rhees, Principal Planner, 651-259-5586, suzanne.rhees@state.mn.us. Written comments can also be sent via U.S. mail to Suzanne Rhees, DNR Parks and Trails, 500 Lafayette Road, St. Paul, MN 55155-4039.
Feb 16 - DNR invites suggestions for improving forest trails in Pine County open house. The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) will host an open house from 6 to 8 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 16, to hear public suggestions for improving the motorized and non-motorized recreational trail system in the Chengwatana, Nemadji, General Andrews and St. Croix state forests in Pine County. The open house will take place at Rutledge Community Center, 7369 Highway 61, Rutledge (about 90 minutes north of the Twin Cities). The DNR invites the public to stop by anytime during the open house to review maps of existing and proposed trails, discuss the DNR proposals, and present their own recommendations for changes to the trail system and trail management. In 2005 and 2006, the DNR completed classification and trail designation plans for the Chengwatana, Nemadji, General Andrews and St. Croix state forests. It classified all four forests as “limited” with respect to motor vehicle use, which means off-highway vehicles (OHVs)—including all-terrain vehicles (ATVs), off-highway motorcycles (OHMs) and off-road vehicles (ORVs) – may only use trails specifically signed for the specific use. Motor vehicles (including all OHVs and highway-licensed vehicles) are allowed on all forest roads, unless the road is posted closed to a specific use. During specific seasons, licensed hunters may use ATVs off-trail for hunting and retrieving big game, constructing deer stands and trapping. To improve trail sustainability and enhance user experiences, the DNR is considering adding new trails and trail connections, changing allowable trail uses, designating areas where motor vehicle use is restricted during trapping and fall hunting seasons, and closing unsustainable trails. The DNR will use the comments received at the open house to develop a draft proposal for trail improvements. The DNR will also accept written suggestions through 4:30 p.m. Monday, March 19. Written comments may be submitted to Rebecca Wooden, OHV Planner, DNR Parks and Trails, 500 Lafayette Road, St. Paul, MN 55155-4039 or rebecca.wooden@state.mn.us. Before the draft proposal is finalized, the DNR will hold another public meeting and provide a 60-day comment opportunity. For more information about the trail planning process or the open house, visit www.mndnr.gov (www.dnr.state.mn.us/input/mgmtplans/ohv/designation/index.html) or call the Division of Parks and Trails at 218-999-7945 (Grand Rapids office) or 651-259-5584 (central office).
Feb 17 - DNR to hold open houses to discuss northern pike special regulations. The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) invites the public to visit a DNR area fisheries office Friday, Feb. 17, from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., to provide comments and learn more about why the northern pike special regulations were dropped on a permanent basis on 15 lakes. The DNR dropped 15 lakes with northern pike special regulations on Nov. 1, 2011. This action was necessitated by a change in state law that restricted the DNR to no more than 100 northern pike special or experimental regulation lakes. The 15 lakes that were dropped were lakes where fisheries biologists felt the regulation was least likely to achieve its management goal, or smaller lakes connected to larger lakes that also had a special northern pike regulation. Emergency rule was used to drop special regulations on these lakes. In order to drop these regulations permanently, the DNR is required to solicit additional public comment. Open houses are scheduled at the following locations:
CENTRAL REGION
- Long and Crooked lakes (Stearns County), Montrose Area Fisheries headquarters, 7372 State Highway 25 SW, Montrose, MN 55363; 763-675-3301.
- Ogechie Lake (Mille Lacs County) and Little Sauk Lake (Todd County), Little Falls Area Fisheries headquarters, 16543 Haven Road, Little Falls, MN 56345; 320-616-2450.
NORTHWEST REGION
- Cotton and Big Floyd lakes (Becker County), Detroit Lakes Area Fisheries headquarters, 14583 County Highway 19, Detroit Lakes, MN 56501; 218-846-8340.
- Lake Louise (Cass County), Walker Area Fisheries headquarters, 7316 State Highway 371 NW, Walker, MN 56484; 218-547-1683.
- Lake Latoka (Douglas County), Glenwood Area Fisheries headquarters, 23070 North Lakeshore Drive, Glenwood, MN 56334; 320-634-4573.
- Campbell Lake (Beltrami County), Bemidji Area Fisheries headquarters, 2114 Bemidji Ave., Bemidji, MN 56601; 218-308-2330.
NORTHEAST REGION
- Caribou Lake (St. Louis County), Duluth Area Fisheries headquarters, 5351 North Shore Dr., Duluth, MN 55804; 218-525-0853.
- North Branch Kawishiwi (Lake County), Tower Area Fisheries headquarters, 650 Highway 169, Tower, MN 56470; 218-753-2580.
- Scrapper, Rice, Unnamed (#31-0881), Haskell lakes (Itasca County), Grand Rapids Area Fisheries headquarters, 1201 East Highway 2, Grand Rapids, MN 56744;
218-327-4430.
Those unable to attend an open house may submit written comments or comments by phone to the appropriate area office. All comments must be received by 4:30 p.m. on Feb. 17. Public comments will also be accepted during an open house Feb. 22, from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., at the DNR Central Office, 500 Lafayette Road, St. Paul.
Feb 22 - DNR completes aggregate resources mapping for Kanabec County. Landowners, county staff and citizens interested in the sand and gravel resources of Kanabec County are invited to an open house hosted by the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) Feb. 22 at 3 p.m. in lower level Conference Room 3 at the Kanabec County Courthouse. To maintain local supplies of aggregate, the Minnesota Legislature passed legislation in 1984 directing the DNR to identify and classify the state’s construction aggregate resources outside of the Twin Cities metropolitan area. The DNR also is required to distribute this information to both the public and to local and regional planners. The data provides general information and assists communities in making land-use and permitting decisions relating to aggregate resources. On the same day as the open house, the sand and gravel resource map will be presented at the Kanabec County Board of Commissioner’s meeting. This will mark the official public release of that data. DNR Project Manager Hannah Friedrich will be present at both meetings to discuss the mapping results and answer questions related to the aggregate resources. Available information includes a map showing the distribution of aggregate resources and a CD-ROM containing digital datasets with a digital version of the map. When the final data is released, the information can be accessed four ways:
- View the aggregate map at public libraries in Carlton County and Fond du Lac Reservation.
- Request paper copies and or a CD from Hannah Friedrich, DNR Lands and Minerals, 500 Lafayette Road, St. Paul, MN 55155-4045; 651-259-5953; Hannah.friedrich@state.mn.us.
Feb 2012- Winter BOW Event Has Openings. The North Dakota Game and Fish Department’s Becoming an Outdoors-Woman program has openings for one-day winter workshops Jan. 26-27 at Cross Ranch State Park, Center, and Feb. 24, 25 and 26 at Lake Metigoshe State Park, Bottineau. Cross-country skiing and snowshoeing are offered at Cross Ranch. Snowshoeing and tracking, winter survival and cross-country skiing are available at Lake Metigoshe. The dog sledding class is full. Women interested in the workshops are encouraged to register online at the Game and Fish website, gf.nd.gov. Those interested should sign up immediately, as each class is limited to 12 participants. The cost is $50. Sign up for a class on two days and receive a $15 discount. Preregistration with payment is required. Equipment and snacks will be provided. An information and registration form is available for download by accessing the Department’s education/outreach link, or by contacting Nancy Boldt, North Dakota Game and Fish Department, 100 N. Bismarck Expressway, Bismarck, ND 58501-5095; (701) 328-6312; or email ndgf@nd.gov.
March 3-4 - Trig's 22nd Annual Klondike Days. Eagle River, Wisconsin. "Wisconsin's Most Multi-Faceted Winter Family Event" packed with lumberjack competitions, horse & dog weight-pulls, historic rendezvous encampment, Native American cultural performances, arts & crafts show & sale, antique sleigh rally & competition, snowshoe races, ice carving, dog mushing, Bluegrass Festival, and more. THIS YEAR¹S HIGHLIGHTS: -- The Great Northern Lumberjack Competition at Klondike Days has doubled in size from previous years, with several new world records set. -- The Snowshoe Challenge at Klondike Days will now be a culmination type of race (the last in a series of eight competitions being held this winter). -- This will be the Third Year of the Vintage Sleigh Rally as it grows and gets attention as an extra-special nostalgic event of the ³old² days. -- Miss Wisconsin, Laura Kaeppeler, is scheduled to be at Klondike Days on Sunday, March 4 (2012). Klondike Days Director, Christine Schilling, says: "Klondike Days is the most unique, must-see family winter festival in the Midwest... The greatest thing we have going for us is that the festival is so unique -- ranging from all of the outdoor challenges, events and Voyageur Living History encampment, to over 25 different indoor events based on a wide variety of things to see and do."
Kids Fish At Catfish Bay Summer Camp
If you have kids that cannot wait another year to fish at Catfish Bay we have a summer camp that has been in operation for over ten years. Camp OnAqua is a day camp for kids ages 8 to 13. Their week at camp is filled with many activities including fishing, water skiing, tubing, crafts, water safety, paint ball, canoeing, a camp out and more. Camp OnAqua 2012 is scheduled for June 25 to 29 and fills up fast. To register click here to download a 2012 registration form. For more information go to www.camponaqua.com or email us at camponaqa@catfishbay.com
April 1 - Application Deadline. Nonresident Any-Deer Bow Licenses. The North Dakota Game and Fish Department will have 682 any-deer bow licenses available to nonresidents in 2012. However, pending the final proclamation, antlerless mule deer may not be legal to harvest within a large area of western North Dakota. The deadline for applying is April 1. A lottery will be held if more applications are received than licenses available. If licenses remain after April 1, they will be issued on a first-come, first-served basis. Applicants can apply together as a party. A separate check is required for each application. The nonresident any-deer bow application is available at the Game and Fish website, gf.nd.gov. The application must be printed and sent in to the department. The number of nonresident any-deer bow licenses available is 15 percent of the previous year’s mule deer gun license allocation. The Game and Fish Department issued 4,550 mule deer licenses in the 2011 deer gun lottery.
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TOURNAMENTS
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Feb 4 - Maple Lake Ice fishing Derby. Maple Lake, Wright County, 1-3 pm. Bring your fish House! Pre party 2/3/2012. Contest 2/4/2012, Arctic Plunge 9-11. Derby 1-3. Take a kid fishing 1-3 "Free stuff for the kids". Ice auger contest at 4 pm. Nick Olsen, 612-685-6696. Everybody has fun in Maple Lake!
Feb 4 - 13th Annual Park Rapids American Legion Community Ice Fishing Derby. Fish Hook Lake in Park Rapids with $110,000 in prizes to be given away, including roughly 60 raffle prizes. 1-800-247-0054; www.parkrapidsfishingderby.com
Feb 4 - 10th Annual Fishing For A Cure Ice Fishing Tournament. Eastside Lake in Austin from noon until 2:00 p.m. The $10 entry fee includes minnows, predrilled holes, a Berkley tackle pack, door prizes and food, with prizes for the 1st, 2nd and 3rd place winners. In addition, enjoy a live auction, raffles, door prizes and food following the tournament at the Austin Eagles Club. One hundred percent of the proceeds go directly to the Hormel Institute's fight against cancer. 507-219-6229; www.austindailyherald.com
Feb 4 - Fishing For Life Holes for Heroes Ice Fishing Tournament. Medicine Lake in Plymouth from noon until 3:00 p.m. This fun ice fishing contest honors the Armed Forces and their families, and features great fishing and prizes, as well as random drawings, food and fun KidsZone activities in a huge heated tent. The tournament will be simulcast for active military overseas. 651/337-1783; www.fishingforlife.org, http://2012holesforheroes.eventbrite.com
Feb 4 - The Habitat For Humanity Ice Fishing Contest will be held noon until 3:00 p.m. on Saturday, February 4 on Mons Lake near Swanville, just west of Little Falls. Afterwards, enjoy an All You Can Eat Soup Supper fundraiser at the St. Francis Convent in Little Falls, with homemade soups and bars served from 4:30-7:00 p.m. And while in Little Falls, be sure to check out the Minnesota Home Front World War II Exhibit at the Linden Hill Mansion. This exhibit runs from January 21 through March 11, and features nine graphic panels, audio interviews, songs of the period, and a "Letter Stories" bin which explore the accomplishments, sacrifices, disappointments and challenges of "Minnesota's Greatest Generation." 1-800-325-5916; www.littlefallsmn.com
Feb 11 - Hole In The Day Bay on Gull Lake in Brainerd will be the site of the Brainerd Jaycess $150,000 Ice Fishing Extravaganza on Saturday, February 11, with roughly 10,000 anglers competing for more than $200,000 in cash and prizes in 2012! The contest begins with the National Anthem and a cannon blast at 12:00 noon. Spectators will also enjoy live radio coverage and Youth Ice Olympics. A Kick-Off Party will be held Friday evening, February 10 at Grand View Lodge, with beer and wine tastings, appetizers, live music, a silent auction, raffle, and professional anglers sharing their tricks of the trade. Reservations are required. 1-800-450-2838; www.icefishing.org
Feb 11 - Freeze Fest Winter Extravaganza will be held Saturday, February 11 on Little Pine Lake in Perham. In addition to the Saturday morning Freeze Fest Fishing Tourney, enjoy the Freeze Your Face 5K Run, the "Freezin for a Reason" Polar Plunge, and a "Prairie, Lake, Forest: Minnesota's State Parks" presentation and Ministry of Jazz Concert: Dixieland and More at the In Their Own Words (ITOW) museum. 218-346-7710; www.perham.com
Feb 12 - 25th Annual Princeton Lions Ice Fishing Contest. Green Lake, 1:30-4:00 PM. (7 miles east of Princeton on Hwy 95, watch for signs). Grand prize, $1500 largest fish, many other prizes and raffles. Free kids drawing! $10 donation per hole. Dave Thompson, 763-389-2252.
Feb 19 - Adrian Peterson All Day Blizzard Blitz for Better Hearing Ice Fishing Event. Lake Waconia - Waconia, MN. 12:00pm - 3:00pm. Bundle up, bring family and friends for a fun filled family day on the ice! A once in a lifetime opportunity to fish with Minnesota Vikings Running Back Adrian Peterson and other local celebrities on Lake Waconia. Proceeds benefit Adrian Peterson's All Day Foundation and Starkey Hearing Foundation to help children in need around the world with the gift of hearing. Registration opens at 10:30am. Ice Fishing Contest runs from 12:00pm - 3:00pm with a chance to win an Ice Castle MN Vikings 16' Ice House! Children's Education Area will be open from 10:30am - 1:30pm which will include activities like make your own fishing rod, fish i.d, ice safety, and kids high tech area where they can experience the latest ice fishing gadgets. Other on ice activities for the kids as well as prizes given out hourly throughout the entire day! Register online at www.starkeyhearingfoundation.org. Registration for Adults (16 years and older) - $25, Children (15 and under) - $15. Onsite registration $30 for adults, $20 for children.
June 2 - Women Anglers of Minnesota 35th Annual Tournament. Lake Koronis Paynesville, MN. 5:30am - 2pm. The Tournament is open to all women over 16 years old. Check out our website at: www.womenanglersmn.com for more information contact: Julie Lane, President, Womenanglers of MN, president@womenanglersmn.com
August 16-18 - AIM Pro Walleye Series coming to Lake of the Woods Minnesota. Lake of the Woods Area Tourism Bureau announced a major walleye fishing tournament has been set and is coming to Lake of the Woods. The AIM Pro Walleye Series (www.aimfishing.com) features some of the biggest names in walleye fishing will host a walleye tournament August 16 - 18, 2012 and in August, 2013 as well. This tournament is open to the public. "The entire community is very excited to welcome anglers from all over the United States and Canada to experience why Lake of the Woods is the Walleye Capital of the World™. The lake is extremely healthy with a strong population of big walleyes and saugers" said Joe Henry, Executive Director, Lake of the Woods Area Tourism Bureau. "AIM has a really neat way of running their tournaments," says Henry. "It is called Catch - Record - Release™. Pro Anglers and Co-Anglers work together to measure, photograph and record their catch using an AIM certified ruler and a digital camera. One digital picture is taken of the fish on the ruler, a second picture is taken with one of the anglers holding the fish, and the fish is immediately returned to the water. The participants then bring no fish to weigh in, but rather, their memory card from the camera. This allows for very exciting weigh-ins with large screens projecting on the water pictures and strong virtual viewership as weigh-ins are streamed over the internet." Co-Anglers will be teamed up with Pro Anglers each day of the three day tournament. "This is a great opportunity for the angler who really loves fishing but doesn't fish tournaments to spend three days on Lake of the Woods with three different pros. The learning that takes place being teamed up with a pro is immeasurable" says Henry. Plans are in place for a community festival around the tournament to take place in Baudette, MN. "This will be a great weekend filled with fishing seminars for the kids, family activities, fishing displays, major fishing companies, the AIM weigh in on a big stage, opportunities to meet the pros and see their boats, live music, etc. This weekend will be epic" says Henry.
September 8 - 17th Annual Park Rapids Fall Classic. Long Lake (Hubbard County) 8:00 am -- 4:00 pm. Park Rapids Boys Tennis Fishing Tournament Fundraiser.(Multi-Species)$2,500 First prize, $200 entry fee per 2 person team. Call or Email bsfossen@gmail.com for info. Bradley Fossen, 218-366-0060.
September 22 - 7th Annual Park Rapids Fall Slam. Fishhook Lake (Hubbard County) 8:00 am-4:00 pm. Park Rapids Boys Tennis Fishing Tournament Fundraiser.(Multi-Species) $1250 Guaranteed First Prize. $150 entry fee per 2 person team. Call or Email bsfossen@gmail.com for info. Bradley Fossen, 218-366-0060.
Full Throttle Walleye Tournament
Email Mark at FishSchutz@msn.com for more info or call 763-486-7508.
Ultimate Panfish League, Rochester, MN
Contact Tyler Holm, 605-216-2581, http://tylerholmoutdoors.com/uplr/
The Ultimate Panfish League - Rochester is back for yet another ice season. 5th year and still rockin and rollin! Thanks all for your support and continued attendance. Please view details on the UPLR Website under News and Schedule. http://tylerholmoutdoors.com/uplr/about.html
Fishing For Life
For info: Visit www.fishingforlife.org
B-DAWGIN BASS SERIES. MN Metro Area Bass Series. Facebook- Twin City Fishing. Website-www.twincityfishing.com Tom Conboy, 651-336-0585.
Fishers of Men
Team bass tournaments in the MN area. For more information go to www.MNFOM.com or contact NaCole Schutz, 763-566-9141.
Ultimate Angler Challenge
For more information: www.ultimateanglerchallenge.com or call Doug at 218-390-9973.
Super Slam Bass Tour
MN bass tour featuring huge payouts.
Contact Brenda Halstead at Kasten4bass@hotmail.com or 320-679-2207
Northstar Walleye Classic, Wigwam Resort, Lake of the Woods
Kevin Olmstead at 218-634-9457 or Wigwam Resort at 218-634-2168
AIM® Announced Can-Am Invitational Tournament is FULL. AIM announced that the field of competing anglers is full and the teams are set for the 2012 Can-Am Invitational Tournament, hosted by Bay Mills Resort & Casinos. Thirty one American Pro Walleye Anglers, led by Co-captains, Brett King and Mark Martin will fish against a team of 31 Canadian Pro Walleye Anglers, led by Co-captains John Butts and Joe Giuliani. AIM’s exclusive, Catch, Record and Release format will protect the fish and preserve the fishery for this artificial bait only tournament. The Pro Anglers from both America and Canada will be randomly paired with the Co-Angler from either country. The Bay Mills Can-Am Invitational will be held on May 31 - June 2, 2012. Three unique features will be incorporated into the tournament. First, each of the 62 Pro Anglers will receive $300 from Bay Mills Resort & Casinos at registration - before the tournament even begins - totaling $18,600. Second, the Can-AM Pro Anglers will also be competing for Team Bonuses. Each Pro Angler will be competing as a member of an American or Canadian Team with each Pro's C-R-R weight being added to their respective team's weight. The Team with the highest total C-R-R weight will each receive a $250 bonus - that is another $7,750. Third, because of Bay Mills Resort & Casinos' sponsorship, the complete cash prize and bonus payouts will make the Bay Mills Can-Am Invitational the most lucrative walleye tournament in 2012. Bay Mills Resort & Casinos is located in Brimley, Michigan on the shores of Lake Superior. From the resort's boat launch anglers have access to Lake Superior, the Saint Mary's River system, plus downstream from the international locks at Sault Ste. Marie, Lake Huron and Lake Michigan. For more information about all the facilities and special events at Bay Mills Resort & Casinos, please visit their website (www.4baymills.com). A complete 2012 schedule of tournament events will be announced in the near future. Please visit www.aimfishing.com for updates. Anglers Insight Marketing, LLC™ (AIM) is a unique tournament organization which is owned by stockholders, the majority of which are Professional walleye anglers. AIM Professionals are among the All Stars of professional fishing, with cumulative HUNDREDS of years of tournament experience, including countless tournament victories, series championships, and Angler of the Year titles. This insight and knowledge is now being employed to provide the finest tournament experience for the participants, and the maximum exposure for the host tournament sites and corporate partners.
Post your tournament
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Classes & Training
EDUCATION & SAFETY TRAINING
www.dnr.state.mn.us/es/index.html
SCHEDULED INSTRUCTOR TRAINING SESSIONS
www.dnr.state.mn.us/safety/instructors/training.html
HUNTER EDUCATION & SAFETY CLASSES
www.dnr.state.mn.us/safety/index.html
PERMIT TO CARRY TRAINING
See website www.permittocarry.org - Laura Ramirez, 218-252-1631
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Minnesota DNR Events
DNR Information Center at (651) 296-6157 or toll-free 1-888-MINNDNR (646-6367) or visit http://www.dnr.state.mn.us/index.html
Minnesota state parks and trails make winter family-friendly with candlelight events
Thirty-eight candlelit skiing, snowshoeing or hiking events are being offered by the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) this winter at state parks and trails throughout Minnesota.
The family-friendly events are typically held on candlelit trails that are short and flat, which are suitable for all ages and abilities. Participants can enjoy refreshments and the warmth of a fire after exploring trails lined with candle luminaries or lanterns.
The schedule of events features a New Year’s Eve walk at Fort Snelling State Park and a Valentine’s Day snowshoe outing at Wild River State Park.
Families can rent or check out equipment at some parks, but calling ahead to check availability and reserving the equipment is advised. Families are also encouraged to check out the Winter Activities page on www.mndnr.gov.
Before skiers make tracks to the trails, they will need a Minnesota Ski Pass (www.dnr.state.mn.us/licenses/skipass/index.html) if they are 16 or older. Also, those who don’t already have a Minnesota state park vehicle permit (www.dnr.state.mn.us/state_parks/permit.html) can purchase one at any of the parks at $5 for a one-day permit or $25 for a year-round permit.
2011-12 Candlelight Events at Minnesota State Park and Trails
Date/Park or Trail (City) Event, Time
Friday, Feb. 3
Lake Carlos State Park (Carlos) Candlelight Ski, 6-9 p.m.
Saturday, Feb. 4
Afton State Park (Hastings) Candlelight Hike/Snowshoe, 6-9 p.m.
Buffalo River State Park (Glyndon) Candlelight Ski/Snowshoe/Hike, 6-9 p.m.
Glendalough State Park (Battle Lake) Candlelight Ski, 6-9 p.m.
Hayes Lake State Park (Roseau) Candlelight Snowshoe, 6-9 p.m.
Itasca State Park (Park Rapids) Lantern-lit Ski/Snowshoe, 5-7:30 p.m.
Lake Carlos State Park (Carlos) Candlelight Ski, 6-9 p.m.
Mille Lacs Kathio State Park (Onamia) Candlelight Ski, 6-9:30 p.m.
Rice Lake State Park (Owatonna) Candlelight Ski/Snowshoe/Hike, 6-9 p.m.
*Root River State Trail (Whalan) Candlelight Ski/Snowshoe, 5:30-7:30 p.m.
St. Croix State Park (Hinckley) Candlelight Ski, 4-7 p.m.
Zippel Bay State Park (Williams) Candlelight Ski/Snowshoe, 5-9 p.m.
Friday, Feb. 10
Jay Cooke State Park (Carlton) Candlelight Ski/Snowshoe, 6-9 p.m.
Saturday, Feb. 11
*Gateway State Trail (Oakdale/Hadley Trail Head) Candlelight Hike, 6-9 p.m.
Lake Maria State Park (Monticello) Candlelight Snowshoe/Volksmarch, 6-9 p.m.
Tuesday, Feb. 14
Wild River State Park (Center City) Valentine Candlelight Snowshoe/Bonfire, 7-9 p.m.
Saturday, Feb. 18
Father Hennepin State Park (Isle) Candlelight Ski, 6-9 p.m.
Gooseberry Falls State Park (Two Harbors) Candlelight Ski/Snowshoe/Hike, 6-8:30 p.m.
Saturday, Feb. 25
Maplewood State Park (Pelican Rapids) Candlelight Ski, 6-8:30 p.m.
Old Mill State Park (Argyle) Candlelight Ski, 6:30-9 p.m.
Split Rock Lighthouse State Park (Two Harbors) Candlelight Snowshoe/Hike, 6-8:30 p.m.
In case of bad weather, events may be changed or canceled. For more information, including weather updates, directions to parks and where to get a ski pass, go to www.mndnr.gov, email info.dnr@state.mn.us or call the DNR Information Center at 651-296-6157 or 888-646-6367 between 8 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday.
*See the visitor alerts on the trail pages at www.mndnr.gov for more information on Minnesota state trail events, or call or email the DNR Information Center (see above for contact information).
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SPECIAL EVENTS
LIGHTED HIKING TRAILS. THREE RIVERS PARKS. In an effort to encourage folks to get out and get active, the lights along the cross-country ski trails are now turned on from dusk till 10 p.m. daily, so park guests can hike along the lighted cross-country ski trails this fall. Go ahead and enjoy that after-dinner evening hike -- even when it’s dark out! The lighted cross-country ski trails will be open to hiking until the first snow of the season, at which time the trails will be groomed for cross-country skiing. Lighted trails are located at Cleary Lake Regional Park, Prior Lake; Hyland Lake Park Reserve, Bloomington; French Regional Park, Plymouth; and Elm Creek Park Reserve, Maple Grove. The lighted trails at Cleary Lake Regional Park and French Regional Park are designated Autumn Hiking Adventure trails. To learn more about our Autumn Hiking Adventures program visit: http://www.threeriversparks.org/events/Groups/autumn-hiking-adventures.aspx
2nd Thursday of each Month (October - April). Scott County Pheasants Forever Chapter Meeting. Ridges at Sand Creek Golf Course. 7:30pm. Scott County Pheasants Forever Chapter Meeting - meets the 2nd Thursday of each Month (Oct. - April) @ 7:30pm - Ridges at Sand Creek Golf Course; Jordan, MN. Stacy Dvorak, 612.202.6119.
Tuesday Nights - Weekly Trap Shooting. Starting at 6:30 pm at the Hasty - Silver Creek Sportsmen's Club Inc. 10917 Duffield Ave NW, Maple Lake. Contact Jason Neu, 320-267-8145.
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TELEVISION
Babe Winkelman Outdoor Secrets
For schedule: www.winkelman.com
FISHING THE MIDWEST WITH BOB JENSEN RETURNS TO THE AIRWAVES. The award-winning Fishing the Midwest television series will start airing again in early 2012 in homes throughout Iowa, Minnesota, Wisconsin, Nebraska, North Dakota, South Dakota, Illinois, Michigan, Indiana, Kansas, and Missouri on network stations and cable and satellite networks, and throughout North America on satellite systems. Fishing the Midwest is entering its twentieth year of providing fishing information and entertainment to anglers. Fishing the Midwest can be seen in a minimum of eighteen million Midwest homes weekly during the winter months. In a recent interview, Bob Jensen, host and executive producer of Fishing the Midwest, stated that, “Fishing the Midwest will reach more Midwest anglers in 2012 than ever before. We’ve expanded our coverage area and will be airing at times when viewership levels are high. We’ll continue to air the type of programming that Midwest anglers are asking for. Now more than ever, anglers want to know where to go fishing close to home. On Fishing the Midwest, we’ll show those anglers how and where to take advantage of the outstanding fishing opportunities that are available in the Midwest.” Fishing the Midwest with Bob Jensen continues to be one of the highest-rated and most popular outdoor television shows available to anglers. Fishing the Midwest is recognized as a leader in incorporating production qualities of the highest level into an outdoor television series that includes information and entertainment. New episodes of Fishing the Midwest will begin airing the first weekend of January, 2012. For a complete listing of topics, stations and times for Fishing the Midwest, visit fishingthemidwest.com
RADIO
In the Outdoors Radio, Jerry Carlson
WJON 1240 AM, Thurs 8:35 am, Sun 7:15 am
WWJO (98 Country) 98.1 FM, Sundays, 8:50 am
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MEETINGS
Post your meeting
Hasty-Silver Creek Sportsmen's Club Monthly Meeting. Hasty-Silver Creek Sportsmen's Club. Open to the public on the second Wednesday of the month at 8 pm. Looking for new members. Contact: Jason Neu, 320-267-8145.
MN Duck & Goose Caller Association meets the last Thursday of each month, 7 p.m., Cabela's Meeting Room, Rogers. For more info call John Molkenbur, 651-426-0974.
Minnesota Valley In-Fisherman Club meets the fourth Tuesday of each month, 7 p.m. at the Apple Valley American Legion club, 14521 Granada Dr., Apple Valley. Gary, 952-423-3662.
Fishers of Men Twin Cities meets the first Thursday of each month, 7 p.m., Lutheran Church of The Master, 1200-69 Ave N. Brooklyn Center. For more info contact John Cummins, 612-670-0707 or www.fishfair.com
Lake Country Retriever Club. Meets the 2nd Tuesday of every month, 7 p.m., Minnesota Horse & Hunt Club Restaurant, Prior Lake. For more info www.lcretrieverclub.org or Larry Miller 763-571-7087.
Mississippi Longtails PF meets first Tuesday of each month. 7:30 p.m., The Point on Hwy's 61 & 10 in Hastings. For more info call Dan Richmond, 651-730-4434.
Minnesota Pole Benders Fishing Club meets the second Tuesday of each month, 7 p.m., Lakeville VFW, 8790 Upper 208th St., Lakeville. For more info call Dale, 952-469-4786 or www.minnpolebenders.com
Rapids Archery Club meets the second Monday of each month at the archery building located at the Bunker Hills Regional Park. For more info call Dan, 763-427-0808.
St. Cloud Fly Anglers Club meets the third Monday of each month, 7 p.m., Waite Park Gander Mtn. store. Call Dave Kollmann, 320-252-5906 or Tom Clapp, 320-685-3960 for more info.
Muskies Inc. Southern Crossroads Chapter 54. Meets 2nd Wed. of every month. 7 p.m., Eagles Club, Owatonna. For more info call Jake Loper 507-373-1818.
Four Points Retriever Club meets the third Thursday of the month, Gander Mountain, Maple Grove, MN. For more info call Travis J. Lund, 320-968-7016.
Muskies, Inc. Twin Cities Chapter No. 1 meets the second Tuesday of every month, 7 p.m., KC Hall, 1114 West 79th St. Bloomington, MN. For more info call George Selcke, 952-933-2608.
Muskies Inc. North Metro Chapter meets the 3rd Tuesday of every month. 7:30 p.m., KC Hall in Fridley. For more info call 952-469-2155 or www.northmetromuskie.com
West Hennepin Pheasants Forever meets second Monday of every month. 6:30 p.m., at Loree's Bar & Grill in Maple Plain. For more info call Dave Schindler, 952-495-1019.
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