Outdoors

DNR reminds hunters that bear lottery ends May 2
The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources reminds hunters they have until May 2 to apply for a bear hunting license in any of the 15 quota areas within the state. Licenses in those areas are awarded through a lottery.  
Ticks are emerging. Experts warn of rare but deadly vector-borne virus on the rise
Epidemiologist Elizabeth Schiffman, who supervises the Vectorborne Diseases Unit at the Minnesota Department of Health, joined MPR News host Cathy Wurzer on Morning Edition with information to prevent infection and keep people safe.
Voyageurs, Minnesota’s only national park, celebrates 50th anniversary
Voyageurs National Park, one of the nation’s most unique parks that is accessible largely only by water, preserves 220,000 acres of remote lakes, islands and forest along the Canadian border. But its creation was marked by local opposition.
RAGBRAI (and MN): For first time, iconic Iowa cycling event will include Minnesota on its route
Organizers of the Register’s Annual Great Bicycle Ride Across Iowa — that’s RAGBRAI for short — on Thursday released this July’s 400-mile route. For the first time, it takes the thousands of cyclists into Minnesota.
Foragers want a seat at the rulemaking table as DNR mulls mushroom, berry bag limits
The DNR is considering bag limits on how much food people can take from state-managed lands. That gallon limit is ringing alarm bells for foraging groups like the Minnesota Mycological Society.
Minnesotan Emily Ford reaches finish line of Iditarod sled dog race
After spending nearly two weeks traversing more than 1,100 miles of the Alaska wilderness, Duluth’s Emily Ford reached the finish line of her first Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race on Sunday.
Minnesota author provides bucket list in ‘100 Things to Do in Duluth Before You Die’
Jay Gabler, a Twin Cities native, told MPR News host Cathy Wurzer he “was really pleased to discover how eager Duluthians are to help newcomers discover the city” on Morning Edition Thursday.
DNR: Mille Lacs Lake anglers can keep two walleye this summer
The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources says after years of tighter fishing regulations, the lake's walleye population appears to be at healthy levels.
Minnesota lawmakers consider allowing heavier ATVs
The ATV industry says consumer preferences are shifting toward larger side-by-side vehicles. Some environmental groups question whether heavier vehicles could cause more trail damage.
Kids of winning mushers join parents for first Beargrease 120 sled dog race
The John Beargrease Sled Dog Marathon turned 40 this year. Between the two of them, Jen and Blake Freking have run it 29 times and have won or placed highly several times. This year, the couple backed out of the full marathon — so they could compete for the first time as a family of four in the 120-mile race.