Outdoors

Minnesota hunters are donating more venison for local food banks
Minnesota's Hunter-Harvested Venison Donation Program has been around since 2007, but it's growing more popular. The idea is simple: Hunters donate deer to local processors, who prep it for food shelves and feeding programs.
Boundary Waters canceled permits, no-shows up last year
The U.S. Forest Service says more than 40 percent of permit reservations for May 1 through Sept. 30 of last year were never used.
New online licensing system for hunting, fishing to launch this summer
The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources says Minnesotans will soon be able to purchase licenses online or through a new mobile app for fishing and hunting.
Trail cameras capture footage of cougar kittens in northern Minnesota
Cougars were native to Minnesota before becoming extinct within the state, according to the DNR. Over the past two decades, there have been dozens of sightings of lone cougars across Minnesota.
Trump ends ban on mining near the Boundary Waters
President Trump has signed into law a resolution that ends a 20-year mining moratorium on about 350 square miles of federal land just south of the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness.
Researchers perplexed by growing numbers of 'zombie' fish deep in Lake Superior
Scientists have discovered a growing number of emaciated lake trout deep in Lake Superior, about half their normal body weight. They’re racing to learn what’s behind the phenomenon.
Outdoor writer Stephanie Pearson's new book is a guide to the country's most iconic hikes
Duluth native and outdoor writer Stephanie Pearson gives MPR News a glimpse into her new book, “100 Hikes of a Lifetime USA,” a culmination of her experiences hiking across the country.