Recent content from Dennis Anderson
Anderson: Anglers brave thin ice for walleyes. But why?
Their eagerness was exemplified when 200 of them were stranded on Upper Red after ice separated on the huge northern Minnesota lake.
Anderson: For some bow hunters, the true aim is the self
Come autumn, archers can have many targets, some of them deer.
Anderson: Winning wildlife artist Hautman has one more brush with fame
Together with his two brothers, the Hautmans have won the federal duck stamp competition 15 times. He added to that record this year with his sixth win.
Anderson: Graying out? Why are older deer hunters disappearing?
Some deer hunters kill deer. Some deer hunters don't. And increasingly, some deer hunters don't show up at all. Problems that follow this decline also are almost too many to count.
Anderson: The flight, and allure, of hunting woodcock
As table fare, these migrators can't be surpassed. Woodcock also provide good dog-training opportunities.
Anderson: Grant recounts Armistice Day Blizzard, when he nearly died hunting ducks
Bud Grant, 95 now, was barely a teenager when the storm crushed the Midwest on Nov. 11, 1940, and claimed 154 lives. The legendary Vikings coach is one of the few hunters alive today who experienced and survived the blizzard.
Deer hunting group rekindles tradition repeated across Minnesota
In northwest Minnesota, wildlife sightings make good company during long hours in a tree stand on the opening day of the firearms deer season.
Anderson: For fortunate visitors, deer camp is also a state of mind
Opening day of Minnesota's firearms deer season is Saturday, and hunters will be off to find their freedom.
Anderson: Hunters win some, struggle some on pheasant opener
Gov. Tim Walz bagged two roosters as Worthington area beat the pheasant forecast based on August roadside counts.
Anderson: Go north for pheasants? Bird numbers say yes
Low temperatures, gray skies greet wing shooters for the opener.
Anderson: A nemesis of pheasants, this springer is man's best friend
A trainer from Big Lake, Minn., and his English springer spaniel will be tested in a national championship in November.
Anderson: In southwest Minn., where Gov. Walz will hunt, pheasants benefit from passion
The pheasant opener is next Saturday in Minnesota, and while it might not be the unofficial state holiday that it used to be the passion is still out there and prospects statewide are good.
Anderson: Wolves survive Wisconsin hunt, which is a lesson to Minnesota
Here's the lesson that should be learned: Wolf populations can readily withstand any legal, modern means of control — meaning regulated hunting and trapping.
Anderson: Mallard mystery finds too many drakes, too few hens with productivity at risk
Hunters shoot more male mallards, which only compounds puzzling sex-ratio disparity.
Anderson: Manitoba looks to implement guide system for American waterfowlers
Meanwhile, teal show up in good numbers statewide on the Minnesota duck opener.
Anderson: Flush with vegetation, restored Marsh Lake will welcome migrating ducks this fall
The huge, multi-year project adds to habitat in Lac qui Parle area of western Minnesota.
Anderson: Dogs make friends the world over, as the Queen could attest
Corgis were house pals of the late Queen Elizabeth II, but in the field — as with many Minnesota waterfowlers — Labradors were her favorites.
Appeal of dogs and the joy they bring is universal
The loss of 'Millie,' former President and Mrs. Bush's springer spaniel, left a void that needed to be filled.
Anderson: Grouse hunting on foot too valuable to be lost to ATV proliferation
Did ATVs, traps contribute to falloff in participation?
Anderson: Lake Superior's lore and legend — and fish — live on
Mysterious to novices, the big lake's fishing methods are gained from experience — and helpful advice.
U.S. hunters in Canada can bring fowl home, with certain provisions
Government agency changes its mind again around bird flu threat.
Remembering Queen Elizabeth II: Holidays at her majesty's estate
A capable equestrian and dog handler, Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II regularly hosts the British National Retriever Championship at her Sandringham estate, where she walks amid sugar beets and bracken, judging for herself which is the top dog.
Anderson: Are biologists counting ducks that aren't there? Maybe
Hunter numbers have fallen as autumn skies have grown emptier.
Anderson: Minnesota growing more diverse, and so are its hunters
First-generation Muslims chase ducks, pheasants and deer, enjoying Minnesota outdoors pastimes that date to statehood.
Anderson: Sigurd Olson's wilderness philosophy still resonates at his retreat
Listening Point, the Burntside Lake respite, was intended to be simple, a place for reflection and inspiration.
Anderson: U.S. hunters going to Canada bugged by avian flu decree
Oddly, birds can fly to U.S., from Canadian "hot zones," but can't come in hunters' coolers.
Anderson: Happy 40th Pheasants Forever — let's fish
On a fishing trip to Duluth with, among others, Bud Grant, the primary purpose and passion for gathering along the shores of Lake Superior was to discuss birds. Pheasants, specifically.
Anderson: 40 years ago, a pact propelled Pheasants Forever to its success today
A recent reunion was intended not only to recall that first banquet in Willmar but to recall and celebrate subsequent negotiations that produced the income-sharing strategy that still today makes PF unique among conservation groups.
Anderson: Conservation leaders sorely lacking in Minnesota
The lack of debate on the topic among governor candidates is only part of the state's land and water problems.
Anderson: Woodie Camp is back, teaching waterfowling skills
Once the province of the now-defunct Minnesota Waterfowl Association, the camp is now volunteer staffed to teach kids all about duck hunting.
Anderson: Delaney carries on without wife, continues Game Fair
Famed dog trainer and trapshooter Loral I Delaney died last September. Chuck, her husband, could easily have canceled Game Fair but the show will go on.
Anderson: Bait shop owner makes otherworldly move to gold mining in Area 51
But there's nothing alien about prospecting a new future.
Anderson: Hunt of a lifetime. Shooting every duck in the world
Gary Kramer's new book is a testament to art and perseverance. The challenge he faced took him to Papua New Guinea, Madagascar . . . and Minnesota.
Anderson: BWCA is unforgettable, even when the only sound is silence
Near the Gunflint Trail, none of the five paddlers heard a loon's lonesome tremolo or the slap of a beaver's tail against the lake. But each returned home eager for another trip.
Anderson: Retired Minnesota prison guard angling for 50 states of fishing
For 24 years Donn Weber was a corrections officer at Minnesota's only maximum-security prison, where lifers and troublemakers from other confinements do their time. Now he's a fisherman, and happier for it.
Anderson: Best underdog story in Minnesota sports? Two dudes from Mankato
Fishing for Minnesota State Mankato, two young anglers beat the nation's best to qualify for a national tournament.
Anderson: Minnesotans have fishing rods, will travel far — and farther
Adventure fishing takes hold as state anglers venture worldwide.
Anderson: Best Independence Day? On a horse competing in the middle of nowhere
Everyone loves a parade, but for my money, the best way to celebrate July 4th and the days approximate to it is horseback. That's what our outdoors columnist did.
Anderson: However vague, there's movement in state's wolf plan
Nearly everyone seems to have opinions about how to proceed with managing the growing population.
Anderson: Could-have-been record walleye proves July 4th fishing can be hot
Retired U president Robert Bruininks caught monster walleye on July 4 under sunny skies
Anderson: Can camping save America? Maybe
Campfires and tents can rekindle connections to nature. Numerous studies have shown that people's mental and physical well-being improve when exposed to natural areas and nature-based activities.
Anderson: On Minnetonka, a walleye on the hook — and a 52-inch muskie
A husband-wife team of weekend anglers from Minneapolis caught a walleye, and also snagged a big-toothed surprise last Saturday on Lake Minnetonka that left them stunned.
Anderson: Rainy Lake watershed shows vulnerability to flooding — and possibly mining
From the Gunflint Trail to Lake of the Woods, high water prevails.
Walz signs lottery conservation spending bill, admonishes legislators
The bill funded a dozen legislator-favored projects that weren't reviewed by the commission charged with overseeing lottery funds.
Anderson: Legislators' actions again prove lottery-fund system is broken
Wouldn't it be nice if legislators didn't misappropriate profits from lottery ticket sales, which are supposed to enhance Minnesota's environment? Or for the governor to step in?
These fish statues point the way to a big catch
Here's a sampling of big fish statues in Minnesota, as well as some very fishy ones — along with the best fishing and camping spots near each.
Anderson: Minnesota's roadside fish statues are a call to start casting
Minnesota might have — and, if it could be proven, probably does have — more highway shrines to all things finned than any other state.
Anderson: Walleyes are tasty — but crappies and sunnies are more fun
Like mother, like daughter. Anglers of all ages love crappies.
Anderson: Again on walleye opener, 'Winnie' gives up her treasures
Slower in the morning, action on the big lake picked up throughout the day Saturday for Minnesota's traditional fishing opener.
Anderson: 43 years later, record walleye moves back to Gunflint Trail
When LeRoy Chiovitte of Hermantown died, he left no plans for the fish that had been encased in glass for four decades. Soon, though, you'll be able to see the big walleye close to where it was caught in 1979.
Anderson: To catch your limit on Saturday's opener, increase your walleye IQ
Walleye facts and insights from a new book by DNR fisheries biologist Paul Radomski might help you catch shore lunch on Saturday's opener.
Anderson: Hooking anglers since 1975, Wayzata bait shop may have reached its limit
Big box stores and changes in fishing technology may lead to the closure of another one of the suburban bait shops that have fallen victim to changing times.
Anderson: For opener, ice-out will be a close call on some Minnesota lakes
Cold weather has hung around this spring, slowing the arrival of open water on some lakes in the northern part of the state.
![The Minnesota State Capitol in St. Paul. ] LEILA NAVIDI • leila.navidi@startribune.com](https://chorus.stimg.co/23424069/08_02STPAUL_NL100521.JPG?h=120&w=180&fit=crop&bg=999&crop=faces)
Anderson: Republicans' attempted diversion of lottery proceeds sign of the times
Today, Minnesota legislators too often hew the caucus line, and the state's natural resources are going to suffer.
Anderson: For the love of boats — and why not?
Sitting in your boat, in your garage, anticipating open water, is good for your mind in April
Anderson: Fascinating new book celebrates 150 years of the Bell Museum
The book, like the museum's new building, showcases visionaries' long-held belief that science and public education — and entertainment — can go hand in hand.
Anderson: Women hunters find excitement, satisfaction in search for turkeys
Meet four who have learned that rising early and communing with nature is worth repeating.
Anderson: Accident claims Minnesota resort owner, family carries on with opener near
Craig Brown grew up on "Winnie'' at his family's McArdle's Resort and was never happier than when fishing was involved.
Anderson: Held together 'by baling wire and duct tape,' DNR hatcheries need state help
The hatcheries are critical to maintaining fishing opportunities Minnesota anglers expect and that attract nonresidents to the state every year.
Anderson: Tradition, ritual — and Minnesotans — are losers in Governor's Fishing Opener fiasco
The Governor's Fishing Opener dates to 1948 but will be replaced this year. That break with tradition by Gov. Tim Walz is a disappointment.
Anderson: For vaccinated anglers, Canada opens up, no testing required
Canadian resort owners and outfitters hope anglers respond in droves, but Americans' reluctance to get shots might limit numbers.
Anderson: DNR biologist says proposed walleye limit cut is a social issue that won't yield more fish
The Legislature is mulling over an idea dividing the state's anglers.
Anderson: Walleye limit cut to 4 popular among anglers and might help, Brainerd guide says
Legislature mulls change that biologists say won't produce more walleyes.
Anderson: A new puppy means less sleep but more hope
Life gets interrupted by a four-legged, Labrador tail-wagger.
Anderson: At 100, Federal looks ahead while churning out ammunition
Few companies reach their centennial anniversary, but the Anoka-based company is thriving at that age. Hear from Jason Vanderbrink, its ammunition president.
Anderson: Kids' fishing tourney group inspires kids, parents at Northwest Sportshow
Student Angler Tournament Trail offers tournaments and scholarships.
Anderson: A venture off the Gunflint Trail leads to lake trout
Pete Harris, 87, already worth knowing because he fishes Lake Superior in a 14-foot boat, finds his way around winter, too.
Anderson: In memory of a fisherman who taught those around him well
Dick Hanousek acted on the lessons he learned throughout his life. One was shared by his son: "Dad told me once that he had good friends who made a lot of money and sometimes lost their families in the process.''
Anderson: Is cutting the walleye limit to four a good idea? Retired DNR fisheries manager says no
Angler harvest is an important tool to manage lakes, Gary Barnard says, and those pushing for change are targeting a problem that doesn't exist.
Anderson: North Shore's steelhead stocking revives after COVID pause
This winter's deep snow from Duluth to Grand Portage ensures the North Shore's 60-odd steelhead rivers will have sufficient water in spring for the fish to make their spawning runs from Lake Superior.
Anderson: Wyoming's present could be Minnesota's CWD future
The alarming incidence of chronic wasting disease in at least one Wyoming deer herd should wake up Minnesota.
Anderson: No scientific sense, but DNR, Legislature mull cutting walleye limit
If Minnesota's six-walleye limit isn't hurting anything, why are some legislators and the DNR in favor again this legislative session of cutting the limit from six to four walleyes?
Anderson: Defined by complex history, Ely is a colorful town we're lucky to have
On the wilderness' edge of northeastern Minnesota, people can disagree. But most try to get along — and make a living. Ely is a complicated and colorful place.
Anderson: If politicians coached the Vikings, fans would learn why Minnesota conservation loses
Lakes impaired, habitat gone? Minnesota's resources have 201 "General Managers," ensuring more squandered seasons.
Anderson: DNR tells hunters to get used to low deer numbers in northeast
Department of Natural Resources managers held an online chat this week about depleted whitetail populations in northeast Minnesota, and their message to frustrated hunters was, "Get used to it.''
