Rydell Refuge Youth Fishing Day, state park events coming up on Outdoors Calendar
Jul. 8—To get an event in the Outdoors calendar, contact Brad Dokken at (701) 780-1148, (800) 477-6572 ext. 1148 or by email at
. Deadline is 5 p.m. Wednesdays.
* July 15: Sixth annual Youth Fishing Day, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., Rydell National Wildlife Refuge, 17788 349th St. SE, Erskine, Minnesota. Free event is targeted toward youth 15 and younger. Anglers 16 or older must have a valid Minnesota fishing license. A limited amount of rods and reels will be available or young anglers can bring their own. Bait will be provided at no charge, as will lunch for all participants. Fishing will take place on the west end of Tamarac Lake, and special vehicle access will be provided to the site, which is normally hike-in/bike-in only. Info: Gregg Knutsen, refuge manager, (218) 686-4329, gregg_knutsen@fws.gov or Denali Johnson, Visitor Services intern, (218) 687-2229 ext. 31478.
* Aug. 11-12: Catfish Capital Challenge Catfish Tournament, Red River in Drayton, N.D. Fishing hours are 7 a.m. to 3 p.m., and anglers must be in the weigh-in line by 3 p.m. Registration and rules meeting will be held at 7 p.m. Aug. 10 online and at Johnny Bravos in downtown Drayton; entry fee $300. Info:
* Aug. 19: North American Sturgeon Championship, 3 to 7 p.m., Rainy River at Birchdale, Minnesota. Youth Sturgeon Championship from noon to 2 p.m. Info:
* Sept. 2-3: MAX Multi-Species Fishing Derby, Northwest Angle of Lake of the Woods. Event is in memory of a Max Marvin, a former guide at the Northwest Angle. Angle Outpost Resort is hosting the event, which is being held in conjunction with Northwest Angle Buoy Bash on Sept. 2. Entry fee is $300, with prizes for biggest walleye and biggest muskie based on total inches. Info/signup: Lisa Marvin, (218) 242-0024 or by email at lisamarvin@reedrealty.com. Cabin rentals: Angle Outpost, (800) 441-5014 or on the web at
The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources is continuing its series of hunting, fishing and outdoor learning webinars this summer. The webinars, which are free, begin at noon Wednesdays, and pre-registration is required at
. Webinars also are recorded and available online. Upcoming webinars are as follows:
* July 12: Fawn research and what we are learning about white-tailed deer. Tyler Obermoller, DNR natural resources specialist,, will talk about how researchers are using thermal infrared drones to locate and GPS-collar white-tailed deer fawns to monitor and determine different causes of mortality.
* July 19: The art of falconry. Matt Lasch will discuss the art of falconry and how to hunt with these amazing birds.
* July 26: Frogs and toads in Minnesota. Minnesota has 14 species of frogs and toads, and the DNR is interested in learning more about them and how they are responding to a changing climate. Mags Edwards, DNR frog and toad research program coordinator, will share information about why frogs and toads are unlikely ambassadors for environmental conservation, tips to identify different frog and toad species and how to help the DNR collect information about frogs and toads in Minnesota.
* Aug. 2: Exploring the Conservation Partners Legacy grant program. David Stein, acting CPL program coordinator, will provide an overview of the CPL program, share some habitat success stories from recent CPL grant recipients and discuss how people can get involved.
* Aug. 9: Kayak fishing in Minnesota: Ron Strauss of the Minnesota Kayak Fishing Association will talk about what sets kayak fishing apart from other ways of fishing. He'll talk about equipment, bait, lures, fishing hot spots and species-specific tips to increase success.
* Aug. 16: Cattails: friend or foe? Amy Schrank, University of Minnesota fisheries and aquaculture extension educator, will review recent research that explores whether small-scale removal of invasive cattails can increase water quality and plant diversity and benefit lake fish communities and fishing.
* Aug. 23: 2023 deer season update and opportunities. Big game program coordinator Todd Froberg will discuss new rules, regulations and changes to the 2023 deer season. He will also dive into deer hunting opportunities, important dates and deadlines, an overview of the DNR's deer population goal setting process and a statewide look at deer populations.
* Aug. 30: Live from the Minnesota State Fair: fish pond and other delights. Live from the Minnesota State Fair, DNR staff will check out the fish pond, climb the fire tower and visit the Minnesota State Parks and Trail Center, among other favorites.
* July 8: "Bog Discovery: What is a Bog?" 10 a.m. to noon. Big Bog State Recreation Area, state Highway 72 just north of Waskish, Minnesota. Meet at the beginning of the bog boardwalk at the northern unit for a guided tour and discover how these expansive Minnesota peatlands formed along with what makes them so special.. Wear comfortable shoes and bring water. If it rains, there will be a short presentation in the visitor center. Info: Christa Drake, (218) 308-2328 or by email at
.
* July 8: "Raptors of Minnesota," 1 p.m., Maplewood State Park Josh Hanson Picnic Shelter. Learn about raptors, their habits and their importance to the environment. Instructor is Amy Granlund, Nature Connection. Info: Linda Today, (612) 710-1882.
* July 9: "Yoga at the Beach," 9 a.m., Lake Bemidji State Park.Join Mandi from Amity Yoga for a gentle, beginner friendly, yoga class by the lake. Class will begin with a centering breath practice followed by slow mindful movements. The session will end with a guided meditation. Bring your own yoga mat, towel, or blanket. Meet at the beach by the fishing pier. Info: Christa Drake, (218) 308-2328 or by email at
.
* July 10: Archery in the Parks, Maplewood State Park. Kids ages 9 to 13 are invited to experience archery; check in at the ranger station. Instructors are Kristina Somes, Sheri Meester and Brent Frazier. Info: Linda Today, (612) 710-1882.
* July 14: "Wildflowers: Vibrant and Vital," 1:30 to 3 p.m., Lake Bemidji State Park. Join park staff on a wildflower walk. Meet at the beginning of the bog boardwalk by the trailhead sign and bring water, good shoes and bug spray. Info: Christa Drake, (218) 308-2328 or by email at
.
* July 15: Bog Walk Scavenger Hunt kids event, 10 a.m. to noon, Lake Bemidji State Park. Info: Christa Drake, (218) 308-2328 or by email at
.
* July 22: Wild Edible Foray, 10 a.m., Maplewood State Park. Field trip will point out edibles in the park and if successful, staff will prepare mushrooms in scrambled eggs to sample. Instructor is Greg Stetz; meet at the Trail Center. Info: Linda Today, (612) 710-1882.
* July 23: Nature Photography Workshop, 1 p.m., Maplewood State Park Josh Hanson Picnic Shelter. Learn how to enhance your photographic experience. Classroom-style session followed by a photo walk to practice. All ages. Detroit Lakes Photography Club will provide instruction. Info: Linda Today, (612) 710-1882.
* July 26: Archery in the Parks, 2 to 3:30 p.m., Lake Bemidji State Park. For youth 8 and older; participants 15 and under must be accompanied by an adult. All equipment will be provided and personal equipment is not allowed. Meet in the west picnic area. Event will be canceled if raining. Info: Christa Drake, (218) 308-2328 or by email at
.
* July 29: "Wildflowers: Vibrant and Vital," 10:30 a.m. to noon, Lake Bemidji State Park. Join park staff on a wildflower walk. Meet at the beginning of the bog boardwalk by the trailhead sign and bring water, good shoes and bug spray. Info: Kara Borneman, (218) 308-2328 or by email at
natcorps.lakebemidji@state.mn.us
.
* July 29: "Bumblebee Watch Bioblitz on Bluestem Prairie," 10 to 11 a.m., Buffalo River State Park east of Moorhead on U.S. Highway 10. Join DNR Scientific and Natural Areas staff and researchers from North Dakota State University and UND to seek out and identify native bumblebees on the Bluestem Prairie Scientific and Natural Area. Participants will use cellphones or cameras to capture images of as many bees as possible. Info: Paula Comeau, (218) 498-2124 or by email at
.
For more information on any of the black powder shooting events below, check out the
Coon 'n Crockett Muzzleloader Club's Facebook page
or send an email to coonncrockett@gmail.com.
* July 15-16: Bearclaw Muzzleloaders Annual Rendezvous, Height of Land, Minn.
* Aug. 5-6: Coon 'n Crockett Muzzleloaders Shoot, East Grand Forks.
* Aug. 18-20: Lake Country Mountaineers Black Powder 43rd Annual Rendezvous, Perham, Minn.
* Sept 22-24: Plainsmen 50th Anniversary Shoot & Rendezvous, Georgetown, Minn.
