November 20, 2009
DNR proposes changes to electronic licensing rules
Deer harvest on track with DNR expectation
Richfield artist wins walleye stamp contest
A painting of two walleye, one chasing a jointed lure, has been selected as the image for the 2010 Minnesota walleye stamp.
The painting, by Tim Turenne of Richfield, Minn., was selected from 17 designs submitted to the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR).
“It’s a great image,” said Neil Vanderbosch of the DNR. “We encourage anglers to buy the new stamp when it goes on sale this spring.”
This is the second time Turenne has won a Minnesota DNR-sponsored stamp contest. His painting was selected for the 2010 turkey stamp contest earlier this fall, and he was a finalist in the 2009 walleye stamp contest.
Vanderbosch said seven entries made it to the second stage of judging, from which five finalists were selected. Contest judges were Joe Albert, Outdoor News; Peter Sorenson, University of Minnesota; Lisa Belak, ARTpartner Services, LLC; Dick Grzywinski, fishing guide; and Conrad Schmidt, DNR.
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Minnesota’s first walleye stamp was issued last year. Funds generated from the $5 voluntary contribution are dedicated for walleye stocking activities. For $2 more, the DNR will mail the actual stamp to purchasers as a collector’s item. A walleye stamp is not necessary to catch or keep walleye. The 2009 walleye stamp is still available for purchase at all license vendors.
“It’s never too late to buy a walleye stamp,” said Vanderbosch. “They are available year-round. In fact, people still have time to purchase the first-ever walleye stamp as a collector’s item for themselves or a holiday gift for someone else.”
An artist whose work is selected for a Minnesota fish or wildlife stamp receives no compensation from the DNR, but does retain reproduction and marketing rights.
DNR proposes changes to electronic licensing rules
The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is proposing revisions to its electronic licensing rules.
The proposed revisions pertain to the sales of licenses through the DNR’s Electronic License System. Minnesota Rules 6213.0100 to 6213.0800 include such topics as selection, terms, and duration of agent contracts; transferability; forfeiture of suspension of contract; and sale of electronic licenses.
The DNR is accepting written comments about the proposed revisions, or requests for a public hearing, until 4:30 p.m. on Dec. 31.
For information on how to submit a request or for additional information regarding the revisions to the rules, visit the DNR Web site at: www.dnr.state.mn.us/input/rules/els/index.html.
Deer harvest on track with DNR expectation
Minnesota deer hunters have harvested about 96,000 deer since the firearms season opened last Saturday (Nov. 7).
This number is consistent with expectations from the Department of Natural Resources (DNR), which predicted the harvest would be down from last year as a result of a slightly smaller deer herd and fewer opportunities for hunters to take a deer of either sex.
The statewide antlerless harvest is down 14 percent from last year and the buck harvest down 2 percent.
Lou Cornicelli, DNR big game coordinator said that warm, dry weather this past week will benefit hunters in the agricultural areas of the state because farmers have been actively harvesting corn, which has been providing escape cover for deer. Earlier this week only 23 percent of the state’s corn had been harvested compared to the five-year average of 83 percent.
“As crops go down the potential for hunter success goes up,” said Cornicelli.
Minnesota hunters harvested about 222,000 deer last year. The peak harvest was 290,000 deer in 2003.
© 2009 Outdoors Weekly