ST. PAUL – The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources encourages individuals to report sightings of ring-necked pheasants and wild turkeys as part of a community science effort.

People are asked to report pheasants and turkeys they see in the wild now through Aug. 31. The DNR says information from the reports will help the department monitor pheasant and turkey population trends, evaluate conservation efforts and make decisions about harvest regulations. Reports of pheasants and turkeys of all ages are helpful.

Observations can be submitted at

mndnr.gov/wildlife/sightings/brood-survey.html

. People also can sign up to receive updates from the DNR when results of the effort are available.

North Dakota deer lottery held, licenses remain

BISMARCK – The North Dakota Game and Fish Department says the state’s deer gun lottery has been held with more than 72,000 individuals applying for a deer gun lottery license, in addition to more than 12,000 gratis applicants. The 2026 deer gun proclamation allowed for 39,100 deer gun season licenses.

The department also says more than 1,200 licenses remain. Only resident applicants who were unsuccessful in the lottery can apply online for remaining licenses, The deadline is July 15. Licenses will be mailed to successful applicants in early August.

Game and Fish to attend North Dakota State Fair

BISMARCK – The North Dakota Game and Fish Department will host at the Conservation and Outdoors Skills Park on July 17-25 at the State Fair in Minot.

Visitors of all ages can try their hand at the fishing pond, air rifle shooting gallery and archery range. The department says in addition to hands-on activities, the area offers a live fish display, boat and water safety station, furbearer exhibit and native prairie plantings.

An information center staffed by Game and Fish personnel is located in the Conservation and Outdoors Skills Park, on the north end of the fairgrounds near the State Fair Center.

The park is open daily during the fair from 1-7 p.m.

‘Wednesday on the Water’ in Crookston

CROOKSTON – Wednesday on the Water, a free evening of canoeing and kayaking through Crookston, is back on Red Lake River this summer. The next event will be Aug. 5.

Experienced paddler or those just looking for a fun summer evening outdoors are invited to join.

The route starts at the U.S. Highway 2 access and participants will paddle the Red Lake River to end at Central Park.

Meet at Central Park, where Tri-Valley can transport participants to the launch area where rentals will be available. No reservation needed to attend the event, but individuals will need to reserve a boat if they don’t bring their own. Life jackets will be provided.

For questions, Keenan Devier at 218-650-0669.

Applications available for special youth deer hunts

ST. PAUL – Young people will be able to hunt deer with an adult in a number of Minnesota state parks during several application-only special youth deer hunts.

Lead-free ammunition will be required, without exception, in all special youth hunts in Minnesota state parks and Scientific and Natural Areas, according to the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources.

The DNR says lead-free ammunition may be more difficult to find locally, so hunters should plan ahead before their hunts.

The special youth deer hunts are firearms hunts for youth ages 12-15 at the time of the hunt; youth must be accompanied by an adult. Hunters can apply for a limited number of permits from July 20 through Aug. 14.

More information is available at

mndnr.gov/hunting/deer/special-deer-hunts.html

.

Boaters reminded to be safe, respectful

ST. PAUL – The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources reminds boat operators who create a wake to be mindful of the potential risks to other water users and the environment. The department says improper watercraft operation can put others at risk, damage docks and moored watercraft, create shoreline erosion, degrade water quality and harm habitat essential for many species of fish and wildlife.

Personal watercraft users are required by law to operate at slow/no-wake speed within 150 feet of shorelines. In addition, the DNR recommends boaters to be courteous at public water access sites, stay at least 200 feet from shore or other watercraft and structures, and that wake boats or other watercraft that are engineered to create an enhanced wake should be operated even farther away and should use deep, open-water areas whenever possible.

Also, reduce speed near shorelines, marinas, channels, and other congested areas. This is for safety, but also to prevent wakes in shallow areas from creating suspended sediment and affecting habitat. Minimize repetitive passes and always be respectful of others.