Outdoors

Clay and other counties consider allowing rifle use for deer season
The state legislature repealed a law last year that banned the use of rifles for deer hunting in most of the state. Now, several counties, including Clay, are weighing whether to allow rifles during deer season.
Ahead of fishing opener, health officials update fish consumption guidelines
The new fish consumption guidelines include warnings about eating too much fish caught in northeastern Minnesota lakes and rivers, where fish tend to have higher mercury levels. And the state warns against consuming fish from the Vermillion River, south of the Twin Cities, because of PFAS contamination.
State audit raises significant concerns about DNR’s new app for hunting and fishing licenses
A state audit outlined several concerns about the rollout of a new app that could simplify the process of buying a hunting, fishing or boating license. The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources says they are working on the issues and plan to release the app this spring.
DNR: 75-year-old system of protected lands is the 'heartbeat' of wildlife conservation
Wildlife Management Areas emerged from a movement in the 1950s to conserve wetlands after many were drained or filled for agriculture. There are now about 1,500 of these protected areas in a variety of habitats across the state.
Minnesota doctors urge caution on e-bikes and e-scooters, amid increased injuries
Twin Cities doctors say they’re seeing steep rises in injuries from e-bike and e-scooter crashes. They were joined at a news conference Tuesday by the parents of a teenager who died from injuries suffered in an e-scooter crash.
Sign of spring: Lake Minnetonka declared open water for 2026
The Hennepin County Sheriff’s Office Water Patrol and the conservation nonprofit Freshwater declared open water on the Twin Cities’ largest lake.
There are gaps in Minnesota's flood forecast network. Could AI help? 
A new model developed by a U of M researcher that blends artificial intelligence with more traditional forecasting techniques could bring flood forecasts to many parts of the state that lack them.
As winters warm, Minnesotans grapple with climate grief
Winters in Minnesota are warming faster than any other season. That’s jeopardizing seasonal traditions in the state — and mental health experts say that takes a toll on mental health.
Minnesota moose population holds steady despite warming winters, other threats
The most recent population survey by the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources and tribal partners found there are an estimated 4,470 moose in the state, which continues a long stabilizing trend after the moose population crashed about 15 years ago.