Sept. 22, 2025



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*Minnesota DNR News
*




*FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
*

Sept. 22, 2025




*For more information:*

Contact the DNR Information Center

by email  <[email protected]>or call 888-646-6367.





In This Issue

* DNR Fish and Wildlife Almanac [ #link_1491411839600 ]
* State, federal agencies use wasps to slow the spread of emerald ash borer in Minnesota [ #link_1491411977526 ]
* Take a scenic fall color drive through Minnesota’s state forests [ #link_1491412003165 ]
* Zebra mussel confirmed in Turtle Lake in Ramsey County [ #link_1 ]
* Zebra mussels confirmed in Bass Lake in Itasca County [ #link_2 ]

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DNR Fish and Wildlife Almanac

"A weekly list of news briefs about fish, wildlife and habitat management."

*Minnesota’s regular waterfowl season opens this weekend*

Minnesota’s regular waterfowl hunting season opens a half-hour before sunrise on Saturday, Sept. 27.

Spring waterfowl counts were generally higher than last year, with the full report from the spring waterfowl survey available on the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources waterfowl management webpage [ [link removed] ] (mndnr.gov/waterfowl). In the report, total breeding duck abundance (excluding scaup) was estimated at 417,000, which is 8% above the 2024 estimate and 32% below the long-term average going back to 1968.

Hunters can find important information about required waterfowl stamps, season dates and hunting regulations in the Minnesota Waterfowl Hunting Regulations booklet, available wherever hunting and fishing licenses are sold, and on the Minnesota DNR waterfowl hunting page [ [link removed] ] (mndnr.gov/hunting/waterfowl).

Information to help hunters properly identify waterfowl is available in an illustrated guide on page 18 of the regulations booklet. For more information on what the Minnesota DNR is doing for ducks and habitat is available in the five year Duck Action Plan available on the DNR waterfowl management webpage [ [link removed] ] (mndnr.gov/waterfowl).

*Statewide youth deer season returns Oct. 16-19*

Minnesota offers a perfect opportunity for experienced deer hunters to share their knowledge and traditions with youth ages 10-17 during the statewide youth deer season.

The four-day season will take place statewide Thursday, Oct. 16, through Sunday, Oct. 19, and coincides with statewide teacher workshops, when many Minnesota schools are closed for fall break.

Temperatures in the middle of October are warmer than those during the regular November firearm deer season; snow hasn’t typically fallen yet, and deer are moving more during the daylight hours. These factors create an ideal environment for youth interested in deer hunting.

Important information about license and safety requirements for youth hunters and their accompanying adults is available on the Minnesota DNR youth deer season webpage [ [link removed] ] (mndnr.gov/hunting/deer/youth.html). General deer hunting information is available on the Minnesota DNR deer hunting webpage [ [link removed] ] (mndnr.gov/hunting/deer).

*Early antlerless-only deer season is Oct. 16-19*

Hunters can participate in an early antlerless-only deer season from Thursday, Oct. 16, through Sunday, Oct. 19. The season increases opportunities for hunters in deer permit areas where deer populations are above population goals.

Permit areas open during the hunt are 213, 214, 215, 218, 219, 221, 222, 223, 225, 227, 229, 236, 240, 277, 341, 601, 605, 642, 643, 645, 646, 647, 648, 649 and 661.

The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources offers this opportunity to hunters to manage local deer herds. Before participating, hunters should review important information about bag limits, blaze orange requirements and other regulations on the Minnesota DNR early antlerless-only season webpage [ [link removed] ] (mndnr.gov/hunting/deer/early-antlerless-season.html).

*Deer carcass movement restrictions in place in 17 deer permit areas *

Deer carcass movement restrictions are in place for 17 deer permit areas located in southeastern, western, north-central Minnesota, and the metro area. 

Hunters are not allowed to take whole deer carcasses outside of chronic wasting disease management zones formed by deer permit areas 601, 604, 605, 642, 643, 644, 645, 646, 647, 648, 649, 655, 661, 666, 671, 679 and 684 until each deer receives a “not detected” CWD test result. The restrictions apply to all deer, including fawns. Hunters are allowed to move whole deer carcasses between contiguous disease management zone DPAs, such as DPAs 601 and 605, and the block of DPAs in southeast Minnesota.

In CWD management zone DPAs, sampling is mandatory during opening weekend of firearms season, Nov. 8-9. If hunters harvest a deer before or after the opening weekend of firearms season and choose not to submit a sample from their deer or want to transport a deer outside CWD management zones before getting a test result, they must debone or quarter their deer, properly disposing of the head and spinal column inside the zone. Meat and quarters with the main leg bone can leave the zone immediately.

The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources provides dumpsters in some areas for hunters to use to help facilitate carcass disposal. In addition to these dumpsters, carcasses may be disposed of on private land with the permission of the landowner, through a refuse hauler by following the hauler’s instructions, or at a local landfill. Carcasses cannot be left on public land, including wildlife management areas, state forests, road rights-of-way or in any waterbody.

Hunters who harvest a deer within Minnesota’s CWD management zones are allowed to take intact heads from deer with or without the cape and neck attached outside of CWD management zones if they are delivered to a licensed taxidermist within 48 hours of leaving the zones.

Carcass movement restrictions are part of a comprehensive strategy to keep Minnesota’s deer, elk and moose healthy by limiting the spread of disease. Hunters can find details for the DPA in which they hunt, including locations of dumpsters and instructions for carcass disposal, by visiting the Minnesota DNR’s CWD webpage [ [link removed] ] (mndnr.gov/cwd) and using the “find the requirements for your DPA” tool.

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State, federal agencies use wasps to slow the spread of emerald ash borer in Minnesota
Small wasps on the bark of a tree

Spathius galinae

This September, the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, Minnesota Department of Agriculture, and the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Forest Service will complete a joint biological control effort to slow the spread of emerald ash borer in the Chippewa National Forest. This effort, known as the parasitoid wasp program, involves the release of three species of non-stinging wasps to target EAB at different life stages, helping slow EAB without harming other species.

The three wasp species — "oobiu agriliis, tetrastichus planipennisi, "and" spathius galinae" — are small and do not harm humans. They were selected by the USDA Forest Service and tested extensively to ensure the wasps will not negatively impact other species or the environment.

MDA initiated the parasitoid wasp program in 2010 to slow the spread of EAB in Minnesota. Since 2010, the program has expanded to 55 release sites in EAB-infested areas in the state. The parasitoid wasp program is the only biological control for EAB used at the forest landscape level in the state of Minnesota.

Parasitoid wasps are a targeted biological control strategy that reduces EAB populations and slows their expansion into uninfested forest areas. In 2025, 5,424 wasps were released in 200 acres of infested area of the Chippewa National Forest. A total of 8,480 wasps have been released over the last two summers. Currently no new infestation areas are within the forest according to MDA’s EAB status map.

While MDA oversees the program statewide, the agency has enlisted the DNR’s assistance in releasing wasps in the Chippewa National Forest.

"Parasitoid wasps are a proven biological control that target EAB without harming other species. By releasing them at the forest landscape level, we’re adding a long-term tool to slow the spread and protect Minnesota’s ash trees,” said Eric Otto, DNR forest health specialist.

Issues impacting Minnesota's forests don't recognize ownership borders. The DNR places a high priority on programs like this one that help support forest health and resiliency.  

EAB was first discovered in Minnesota in 2009. In its larval stage, EAB kills ash trees by tunneling under the bark and feeding on the part of the tree that moves nutrients up and down the trunk. Minnesota forests are home to an estimated 1 billion ash trees. Minnesota cities also have an abundance of ash, making up 60% of the trees in some communities. Find EAB resources on the Minnesota DNR’s website [ [link removed] ] (dnr.state.mn.us/invasives/terrestrialanimals/eab/).

To learn more about EAB or the parasitoid wasp program, visit the MDA website [ [link removed] ] (mda.state.mn.us/eab).

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Take a scenic fall color drive through Minnesota’s state forests

Explore vibrant foliage, winding roads and outdoor adventures across 4.2 million acres of public land

Minnesota’s 60 state forests span 4.2 million acres and offer some of the most scenic fall color drives in the Midwest. From the boreal beauty of Finland State Forest in the northeast to the hardwood hills of Richard J. Dorer Memorial Hardwood State Forest in the southeast, each forest offers a unique experience. Depending on the destination, visitors will see a spectacular mix of dark evergreen and vivid broadleaf trees set against a backdrop of bluffs, lakes or winding rivers.

Striking fall colors can be found in all of Minnesota’s state forests, but here are a few suggestions:

Finland State Forest

*Finland State Forest [ [link removed] ] *(mndnr.gov/finland)

*What visitors will see: *This is north country! A boreal forest north of Lake Superior, Finland State Forest features a mixture of conifers and deciduous trees, dramatic cliffs and rocky outcrops, interwoven with myriad lakes, bogs and streams.

Visitors should bring a fishing pole — this forest is full of lakes and streams. Visitors can also explore part of the Superior Hiking Trail that runs through this forest. Or consider bringing a bike. With 25 miles of trails designated for mountain biking, it’s a great spot to ride.

*Where to go: *Head northeast along County Road 7 from Finland.



Nemadji State Forest

*St. Croix State Forest* [ [link removed] ] (mndnr.gov/stcroixstateforest) and *Nemadji State Forest* [ [link removed] ]* Loop *(mndnr.gov/nemadji)

*What visitors will see: *Hardwood forests dominate this landscape with a mixture of conifers for added interest. Numerous small streams wind through the forests, and visitors will also spot vast spruce bogs along the way. Visitors may want to plan a picnic at the Hay Creek Flowage in the St. Croix State Forest (on Markville Road).

*Where to go: *For this scenic state forest drive, from I-35, take Hinckley exit #183 and head east on State Highway 48 for 19 miles. Head north (left) on gravel County Road 24 (Tamarack Road & Tamarack River Road), and follow as it curves east and north for 7 miles. Turn right on County Road 25 (Mallard Lake Road) and head east for 9.5 miles to Markville.

At Markville, head north on the gravel County Road 31(Cloverton Road), for about 5.3 miles to Cloverton. From Cloverton, continue traveling north on County Road 31 (Kingsdale Road), for 5.3 miles until you reach a "T" in the road junction of Kingsdale, Rocky Blvd and Rash Roads). At the "T" in the road, head west (left), onto the Rash Road. Continue traveling north on the Rash Road (also known as Gandy Dancer Trail).

Travel north 1.2 miles to the Rash/Park Forest Road (Park Truck Trail), and head west (left) for 13 miles. Turn north (right) on County Road 171 for 2 miles. Head west (left) on County Road 154/Kerrick Road for 5 miles. At Kerrick, head south on State Highway 23 for 18 miles to I-35 exit #195.

Visitors can extend their day in the great outdoors by visiting St. Croix State Park [ [link removed] ] (mndnr.gov/stcroix), which is within the St. Croix State Forest. Those planning to visit the state park will need to purchase a day or annual park vehicle permit on the DNR website [ [link removed] ] (mndnr.gov/state_parks/permit.html) before arriving.



Richard J Dorer State Forest

*Richard J. Dorer Memorial Hardwood State Forest [ [link removed] ]* (mndnr.gov/richardjdorer)

*What visitors will see: *Drive past a variety of hardwoods and hike to the top of Barn Bluff on the south end of Red Wing for a dramatic view of the city and the Mississippi River.

Visitors also might want to bring a bike. The Goodhue-Pioneer State Trail ( [ [link removed] ]mndnr.gov/state_trails/goodhue_pioneer) offers four miles of paved bike trail from Red Wing to Hay Creek Forestry Unit. Visitors can access the trailhead from the intersection of Hay Creek Trail/Twin Bluff Road and Pioneer Road.

*Where to go: *At Frontenac, turn onto County Road 2 to head west for 9 miles. Take a right onto County 3 to head east for 4 miles. Take a right onto State Highway 58 to head north for 1.5 miles. Take a left onto Hay Creek Trail to head north for about 4.5 miles. Hay Creek Trail turns into Twin Bluff Road at Pioneer Trail. Continue on Twin Bluff Road for 1.5 miles and turn left on East Ave to return to downtown Red Wing.



More information

Downloading a georeferenced map can help guide visitors on a state forest drive. Visit the state forest webpage [ [link removed] ] (mndnr.gov/stateforests) for more information about visiting a state forest. There is no fee to use and enjoy state forests, or to dispersed camp. State forest campground campsites are available on a first-come, first-served basis for $17 a night.

Visit DNR's Fall Color Finder [ [link removed] ] (mndnr.gov/fallcolors) to find areas of the state with peak fall color. The Fall Color Finder is updated every Thursday through the end of October. People can also sign up to receive mobile updates.

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Zebra mussel confirmed in Turtle Lake in Ramsey County

The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources has confirmed the presence of a zebra mussel in Turtle Lake, near Shoreview in Ramsey County.

Ramsey County staff contacted the DNR last fall after finding zebra mussel environmental DNA in Turtle Lake. Environmental DNA is DNA released from an organism into the environment and is now detectable at very low concentrations.  

During a recent three-hour scuba search in Turtle Lake, Ramsey County and DNR staff observed one adult zebra mussel. 

Whether or not a lake has any invasive species, Minnesota law also requires people to:


* *Clean* watercraft, trailers and equipment to remove aquatic plants and prohibited invasive species.
* *Drain* all water and leave drain plugs out during transport.
* *Dispose* of unwanted bait in the trash.
* *Never release* bait, plants or aquarium pets into Minnesota waters.
* *Dry docks, lifts and rafts for 21 days *before moving them from one waterbody to another.

These additional steps reduce the risk of spreading aquatic invasive species:


* *Decontaminate *watercraft and equipment – find free stations on the courtesy decontamination page of the DNR website [ [link removed] ] (mndnr.gov/decon).
* *Spray* watercraft and equipment with high-pressure water or *rinse* with water if high-pressure water is not available.
* *Dry* watercraft and equipment for at least five days before using in another waterbody.

People should contact a Minnesota DNR aquatic invasive species specialist [ [link removed] ] (mndnr.gov/invasives/ais/contacts.html) if they think they have found zebra mussels or any other invasive species that was not already known to be in the waterbody.

More information is available on the aquatic invasive species page of the DNR website [ [link removed] ] (mndnr.gov/ais).

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Zebra mussels confirmed in Bass Lake in Itasca County

The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources has confirmed the presence of zebra mussels in Bass Lake, near Cohasset in Itasca County.

Itasca County Soil and Water Conservation District invasive species staff contacted the DNR after finding adult zebra mussels attached to settlement samplers on the north and south shores of Bass Lake. Settlement samplers are solid surfaces temporarily placed in the water that people can regularly check for attached zebra mussels to aid in detection.

Itasca County SWCD staff deployed the settlement samplers as part of their prevention and early detection efforts. DNR invasive species staff confirmed the presence of zebra mussels at multiple other locations in Bass Lake. 

Whether or not a lake has any invasive species, Minnesota law requires people to:


* *Clean* watercraft, trailers and equipment to remove aquatic plants and prohibited invasive species.
* *Drain* all water and leave drain plugs out during transport.
* *Dispose* of unwanted bait in the trash.
* *Never release* bait, plants or aquarium pets into Minnesota waters.
* *Dry docks, lifts and rafts for 21 days *before moving them from one waterbody to another.

These additional steps reduce the risk of spreading aquatic invasive species:


* *Decontaminate *watercraft and equipment – find free stations on the courtesy decontamination page of the DNR website [ [link removed] ] (mndnr.gov/decon).
* *Spray* watercraft and equipment with high-pressure water or *rinse* with water if high-pressure water is not available.
* *Dry* watercraft and equipment for at least five days before using in another waterbody.

People should contact a Minnesota DNR aquatic invasive species specialist [ [link removed] ] (mndnr.gov/invasives/ais/contacts.html) if they think they have found zebra mussels or any other invasive species that was not already known to be in the waterbody.

More information is available on the aquatic invasive species page of the DNR website [ [link removed] ] (mndnr.gov/ais).

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minnesota department of natural resources [ [link removed] ]

*Minnesota Department of Natural Resources  |  mndnr.gov [ [link removed] ] *

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