In This Issue
A weekly list of news briefs about fish, wildlife and habitat management.
Hunters can find CWD test results online
Hunters can check the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources website (mndnr.gov/cwdcheck) for chronic wasting disease test results on the deer they’ve harvested. The site also shows statewide CWD test results, summary statistics and mapped locations of deer that have tested positive statewide. All test results from deer sampled this fall will be reported on the CWD results page. The DNR will also directly notify any hunter who harvests a deer that tests positive. The DNR relies on hunters’ participation in providing samples to help with disease surveillance and appreciates all those who submit samples.
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The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources has a variety of budget-friendly holiday gift options for outdoor enthusiasts of all ages, abilities and interests. These gifts include subscriptions to the Minnesota Conservation Volunteer, gift cards, Nature Store items, and lifetime hunting and fishing licenses.
Minnesota Conservation Volunteer
MCV magazine is a bi-monthly publication packed with beautiful photography and compelling stories about Minnesota’s outdoors. A subscription is the ideal gift for nature lovers. Recipients receive a one-year subscription to the magazine and a card announcing the gift. Purchasers can contribute any amount to gift an annual subscription. The suggested donation for an annual subscription is $25. Gift subscriptions can be purchased on the MCV gift page of the DNR website (cambeywest.com/MCV/?f=gift&s-V1711DNRGG).
Minnesota state parks gift card
State parks gift cards can be used for camping and lodging, state park vehicle permits, Nature Stores purchases, firewood, equipment rentals, tours, I Can! programs, and more. E-gift cards are delivered to the purchaser immediately and can be shared with the recipient when the time is right. Physical gift cards are sent via US Postal Service mail and take 10-14 days to arrive. Gift cards can be purchased on the state parks gift card page of the DNR website (mndnr.gov/state_parks/gift_card.html).
Lifetime hunting and fishing licenses
Give a gift with lasting impact: a lifetime hunting or fishing license! The DNR offers reduced rates on lifetime licenses for those under age 16 and over 50. Plus, if license prices increase, lifetime licenses remain valid. More information is available on the Minnesota DNR webpage for Minnesota residents’ licenses (mndnr.gov/licenses/lifetime/residents) and nonresidents’ licenses (mndnr.gov/licenses/lifetime/nonresidents).
Licenses can be ordered by calling the DNR License Center at 877-348-0498 to receive a mail application or by downloading an application form and mailing it to the DNR License Center with payment. Costs vary depending on recipient age and license type, and processing takes about three weeks. For more information, including an application form, go to the lifetime hunting and fishing license page of the DNR website (mndnr.gov/licenses/lifetime).
Customers can also stop by the DNR License Center in the St. Paul Central Office to drop off applications and purchase lifetime licenses. Visiting in person may reduce the processing time. Please be aware that a social security number for the licensee is required on the application, even if it is being purchased as a gift.
Nature Store
Nature Stores have an assortment of Minnesota state park and recreation area apparel, jewelry, mugs, books, games and more, with a unique selection at every store. Head to the Nature Store page of the DNR website (mndnr.gov/state_parks/nature_stores.html) to find a nearby location. Winter store hours vary across state parks, so call ahead to check store hours before a visit. Gooseberry Falls, Itasca, Tettegouche, Fort Snelling, Lake Carlos and William O’Brien state parks offer the largest selections and extended hours.
One gift idea: DNR’s 2026 state park mug. Each year, Minnesota State Parks and Trails releases a handmade, limited-edition mug featuring a notable state park. The 2026 mug highlighting Glendalough State Park will be available online (mndnr.gov/naturestore) starting Friday, Nov. 28 and in Nature Stores over the coming months (while supplies last).
Some additional items, like Hiking and Passport Club booklets, are also available online. Online Nature Store orders can only be shipped to Minnesota addresses. Please allow 10 days for delivery.
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The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources has released a study of state trail visitors. The survey engaged more than 2,200 trail visitors during the 2024 summer season, with surveyors talking with trail visitors on site at paved state trails throughout Minnesota. There were also 900 post-visit surveys collected.
The survey showed a high level of satisfaction among state trail users. Of those surveyed, the vast majority (97%) were satisfied with their state trail experience. In addition, 92% of respondents said they felt safe during their visit to the state trail and 94% indicated they were likely to recommend state trails to friends and family.
An estimated 2.3 million visitors to state trails contribute $102.5 million in annual economic output to local and state economies. Spending is driven by tourists who stayed overnight in connection with their trail visit, who are responsible for almost one-quarter of state trail visits. This spending supports more than 626 jobs in communities around the state and is an important factor in Minnesota’s outdoor recreation industry.
The survey results highlight the importance of maintaining state trails, with 80% of respondents prioritizing trail maintenance. The DNR has invested in maintenance projects consistent with feedback from state trail visitors. Thanks to one-time funding provided during the 2024 legislative session, $2 million was invested in state trail maintenance and improvement projects in 2024 and 2025. Work has been completed on 13 state trails including: crack sealing, trail surface repairs, vegetation management to improve sightlines on trails and intersections, bridge repairs and culvert replacements, trail stabilization, and improved wayfinding and safety signage.
According to the survey results, visitors participate in a variety of activities on state trails. The most common activity is walking (50% of respondents), with biking on self-propelled bicycles the second-most popular activity (25%). Dog walking (16%), running or jogging (14%), viewing or photographing wildlife and scenery (8%) and biking with an e-bike (6%) are also common activities on state trails.
Minnesota state trails are a network of multi-use trails authorized by the state legislature and maintained by the Minnesota DNR for various recreational activities. The system includes more than 1,500 miles of trail that connect communities and public lands across the state. The trails pass through a variety of landscapes, including forests, prairies, lakes and river valleys. State trails are free and open year-round.
The complete state trail visitor survey report is available on the DNR’s state parks and trails reports webpage (mndnr.gov/aboutdnr/reports/pat) More information about Minnesota state trails on the DNR website (mndnr.gov/trails).
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