Doug Smith

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Doug Smith

Reporter | Outdoors

Phone: 612-673-7667

Doug Smith, a Minnesota native, has been covering fishing, hunting and other natural resource and outdoor issues since 1995.

Duck opener looks like a success

Despite a stiff northwest wind on the eve of Minnesota's duck opener -- which likely pushed some ducks from the state -- the waterfowl season started with a bang for many hunters.

Updated: September 25, 2012, - 10:10 PM

Smith: Unique Owatonna tannery closes

Uber Tanning Co. returned the same hide to owners as custom-made items. The owner, who declared bankruptcy, is "heartbroken."

Updated: September 23, 2012, - 05:54 PM

Seasons of the wolf

Though wolves are at the top of their food chain, their survival from Day 1 is a life-and-death struggle -- as it is for all wildlife. Here's a snapshot of their lives:

Updated: September 11, 2012, - 11:48 PM

Wolves prove popular prey in Wisconsin

Applications were capped at 20,175 for 1,160 available licenses.

Updated: September 11, 2012, - 12:06 PM

Smith: Changes brewing in woods won't help grouse

A reduction in logging means fewer new aspen trees and older forests, which doesn't bode well for the populations of grouse or deer.

Updated: September 10, 2012, - 01:24 AM

23,000 apply to hunt wolves in Minnesota

DNR will hold lottery to issue its 6,000 licenses. The hunt, the first of its kind in Minnesota, begins Nov. 3.

Updated: September 08, 2012, - 12:45 AM

Wolf payments for livestock loss set a record in Minnesota

On the threshold of Minnesota's controversial wolf hunt, the state has paid $154,136 for livestock killed by wolves.

Updated: September 06, 2012, - 12:42 PM

Zebra mussels at BWCA's doorstep

The recent discovery of the invasive critters in a small Iron Range mine pit lake poses an ominous threat to northeastern Minnesota lakes

Updated: September 05, 2012, - 12:52 AM

Smith: Pheasant population on the rise, but still low

The ringneck population index is up 68 percent, boosted by a mild winter and decent spring nesting weather. But it's still only half of the 10-year average.

Updated: September 04, 2012, - 11:18 PM

Smith: Too many don't obey laws vs. invasives

Despite an accelerated effort this summer to fight the spread of aquatic invasive species in Minnesota lakes -- including stiffer fines, more boat inspections and widespread publicity -- many boaters continue to violate the law.

Updated: August 28, 2012, - 08:43 PM