DNR conservation officers say ruffed grouse hunters shooting more birds

As leaves tumble from northern Minnesota trees, ruffed grouse hunters are experiencing increased success, according to reports filed by Department of Natural Resources conservation officers.

• Officer Kyle Quittschreiber of Blackduck last weekend found grouse hunters in his area north of Bemidji had "decent" success, adding that walleye fishing on Upper Red Lake was pretty good.

• Officer Hannah Mishler of Baudette checked with multiple grouse hunters in the Warroad and Waskish areas, and many were successful.

• Luke Croatt, a conservation officer out of Wealthwood, in the Mille Lacs area, said that while waterfowlers reported seeing fewer ducks last weekend, some grouse hunters were having luck.

• Officer Sean Williams of Ely reports grouse hunting continues to be difficult in his area. The understory remains thick, Williams said, and many hunters say they are hearing birds, but not seeing them.

• DNR conservation officer Don Murray of Two Harbors worked small game, ATV, and fishing activity last weekend, and said more grouse were seen than a week ago.

• Officer Darin Fagerman of Grand Marais said last weekend was one of the busiest he's seen, with "lots of leaf lookers, photographers, and grouse hunters." Grouse, he said, were being found off beaten paths, and a few people reported some success.

• Karla Guyn has been named CEO of Ducks Unlimited Canada. Guyn holds a doctorate in biology and joined DU in 1994.

• The DNR will take comments through Nov. 7 on proposed rule changes for northern pike fishing. The changes would divide the state into three northern pike zones. More information is at www.mndnr.gov/pike. For details on the proposed changes and how to submit comments or request a formal hearing, follow the links at www.mndnr.gov/input/rules/rulemaking.html. Comments also can be mailed to Al Stevens, Minnesota DNR, 500 Lafayette Road, St. Paul, MN 55155 or al.stevens@state.mn.us.

• Groups that will help people start or continue to hunt or fish are encouraged to apply for grants from the Minnesota DNR by Oct. 13. A new program gives priority to efforts that are novel and innovative. Types of activities could include fishing and hunting educational programs, clinics, workshops and camps, and funding for fishing and hunting equipment and transportation. Grants range from $5,000 to $50,000 and require a dollar-for-dollar match, or a match of the award in labor, materials or services.