Recent content from Tony Kennedy
New Minnesota deer hunters group wants changes in wolf politics
With meetings across the north, Hunters For Hunters seeks to amplify voices of people who believe Minnesota's wolf population is a problem going unaddressed.
Wisconsin firearms deer harvest by hunters takes a dive, too
With some data echoing Minnesota's plight, hunters in Wisconsin took nearly 18% fewer deer than last year, DNR says.
Even with solid weather, Minnesota's whitetail harvest continues to disappoint
The primary firearms hunt yielded fewer deer than desired by DNR wildlife managers, who also pointed out declining license sales.
Mille Lacs passes hype test as a walleye angler's dream in late fall
Tales of big walleyes after Halloween rang true on a November joyride in Garrison Bay, and a good bite is expected through winter.
Data and observations back it up: Not much bang in Minnesota deer opener
Wolf complaints and vacant deer camps were widespread up north, where hunting was the worst.
Like many Minnesotans, young hunter had visions of a buck on deer opener
A 13-year-old Hastings boy was among Minnesota's thousands in pursuit of success on opening day.
Former Viking Trae Waynes leaves the football field for the forest
The former Vikings defensive back is making a splash in western Wisconsin as a hunting outfitter offering a curated whitetail deer experience. "I knew I didn't want to play football forever," he says.
2 hunting mentors accidentally shot during youth firearms deer season
The cases in Sherburne and Hubbard counties over MEA weekend involved mistakes by young hunters. The statewide deer season opens Nov. 4.
Legislation seeks solution for sea of leftover boat shrink wrap
Rep. Larry Kraft, DFL-St. Louis Park, has introduced a bill to make producers of the film responsible for its collection and recycling.
Researchers push against anti-wolf billboard in northern Minnesota
A roadside billboard along Hwy. 53 on the Iron Range has caused a controversy by suggesting that legalized hunting of wolves could save tens of thousands of baby deer.
DNR will receive federal aid held up by logging practices that triggered reprimand
The Fish and Wildlife Service had halted the funding over concerns the DNR was failing to consider wildlife when logging on hunting lands.
Minnesota duck hunting gets off to a flying — and in some places, record-making — start
The DNR's waterfowl specialist graded opening weekend as "very good to excellent," and some records were set.
State bear harvest down; outlooks promising for grouse, pheasants
Fall hunting is almost in full swing, with duck and goose hunters joining on Saturday with the opening of their primary season.
Optimism over Minnesota duck opener tempered by 'so-so' surveys
Spring counts were called "so-so at best," but production of ducklings and goslings seemed to go well, DNR said.
Internal DNR survey results: 90% disagree with approach to logging
A survey was sent to wildlife section employees about the agency's handling of logging on lands where wildlife considerations are required to come first.
Famous Minnesota walleye lake in line for a northern upgrade
Gull Lake could see an upgrade of its northern pike population if the Minnesota DNR finalizes a proposed experimental fishing regulation. The northerns are often an accidental catch for anglers.
Pheasant population doubles in state's southwest corner; declines elsewhere
But a DNR summary of this year's survey said pheasant indices remain well below their long-term averages in most other regions of Minnesota.
Legendary catch: Minnesota teen reels in wallet with $2,000, returns it
Connor Halsa of Moorhead returned every penny and gained a friend for life when connected with Iowa livestock hauler Jim Denney.
What happens when the federal government shuts off state wildlife habitat funds?
The federal wildlife program in the news this month for being violated by the Minnesota DNR has given more than $400 million into the state over the past 20 years
New Minnesota rules will keep teal hunters away from tribal ricing areas
Ricers on the White Earth Nation and Leech Lake reservations won't have to share water with duck hunters during the five-day teal season starting Sept. 2
DNR abruptly pauses logging on federally aided hunting lands
The pause is the latest development in the ongoing conflict over efforts to make sure the DNR's timber sales are mainly for wildlife purposes — not to satisfy relentless timber quotas.
$22 million withheld from DNR until it follows rules for logging sales
Until the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is satisfied that its policies are no longer being violated, it will withhold the grant money that was scheduled to go to the state.
DNR lowers bag limits in 38 deer permit areas after tough winters
The policy coincides with statewide rule changes, including expanded use of crossbows during archery season.
As concerns mount, state's live bait trappers battling severe shortage
Overall demand hasn't grown over the years. But today's trappers face a shrinking universe of wild lakes, ponds, rivers and streams suitable for state-approved harvesting.
Surprised? Wildfire smoke isn't having big impact on northern Minnesota
Parts of Minnesota have been largely unaffected, yet some outfitters, resort owners and others still have fielded a lot of questions.
Federal Ammunition rips Minnesota DNR for lead ammo ban on some public lands
The company's president says it's a precursor to a possible broader ban after a directive affecting 56 Scientific and Natural Areas and some state park hunts.
Fishing's new thing: Tournament angling for bass in souped-up kayaks
The tournaments, including one set for next month in Minneapolis, are designed for people who fish from kayaks but want more intensity than fun-centered lake outings.
DNR bans lead ammo on some state land, stops short of fishing tackle ban
Harmful to wildlife and habitat, lead ammo is now illegal in 56 Scientific and Natural Areas in Minnesota where hunting is allowed.
What the Forest Service and partners have learned about fighting wildfires in the wilderness
A command center in Grand Rapids monitors weather, tracks fuel loads — and stays at the ready.
Wit, wisdom and howls: Meet 'The Dutchman' of Minnesota's most 'sturgeony' fishing resort
"The Dutchman" howls like a wolf and likens himself to "Barbara Walters with a fishing pole." He'll teach you how to catch "dinos" on the Rainy River.
Conflict sprouts over wild mushroom hunting as DNR considers bag limits
A DNR official confirmed that collection limits are under consideration out of concern over unchecked increases in mushroom harvesting. Berry picking limits at state parks could also be proposed.
Are swallowed ticks spreading chronic wasting disease in wild deer?
University researchers in Minnesota and Wisconsin have identified a possible infection point for healthy deer during social grooming.
Death of deer farms a matter of time under new laws, group president says
Minnesota Deer Farmers Association president says owners are being unfairly crushed by new state legislation.
Wildfire west of Gunflint Trail in BWCA prompts closing part of area
U.S. Forest Service officials are working on a plan to suppress the blaze and close travel routes to keep paddlers safe.
The fight is on: Inside the battle to save the BWCA's motorized towboats
The U.S. Forest Service and a group of outfitters are pushing back against a lawsuit that seeks to ban the long-established shuttles to protect the solitude cherished by BWCA visitors.
Judge declines to halt motorized towboat usage in BWCA lawsuit
A towboat usage limit of some kind could still result as the litigation continues. Outfitters have decried the lawsuit as elitist.
Guns, wolves cause split between Walz and popular deer hunting group
The event's original partner, Minnesota Deer Hunters Association, is disgruntled over the governor's leadership on gun control and wolf hunting.
Legislature passes jumbo outdoors bill with 'transformational' money
If you care about fishing, final legislation heading to the desk of Gov. Tim Walz might be considered a record catch. Hunters and visitors to state parks also will see improvements.
Anglers find walleye heaven, fish kills on an opener when attendance sagged
Reports were upbeat in the north, but bad weather fouled the celebration on southern lakes. License sales were the lowest since 2014.
Lake Sarah shines again: Minnesota Fishing Opener on the Prairie
Relentless rain, strong winds and a flood watch gave walleye chasers in southern Minnesota a morning to remember on a lake that showed a few glimpses of its star power.
Legislators vote for ban on new deer farms to fight wasting disease
The agreement would strengthen fencing requirements around captive whitetail herds and place new restrictions on importing captive deer from areas where CWD is a problem.
In fight over frozen Voyageurs lakes, vehicles could be restricted
A plan introduced by the superintendent at Voyageurs National Park would end free-ranging access to ice fishing by trucks, cars, all-terrain vehicles and other non-snowmobiles.
Judge to decide fate of motorized towboats in the BWCA for 2023
An environmental group has sought to stop the longstanding practice, which is strongly supported by the U.S. Forest Service.
Walleye bag limit jumps to five on Upper Red Lake
An over-abundance of 15-inch walleyes triggered the move — the biggest bag limit since the lake was depleted of walleyes in the late 1990s.
Desperate bait dealers turn to DNR to address minnow shortage
The agency is exploring ways to lift harvest barriers for trappers who keep losing access to minnow ponds.
Fishing opener's big question: Will heat take out the ice up north?
This week's blowtorch of warmth has eased some anxiety felt by anglers and resort owners. But there could be some photo finishes on lakes well north of the Twin Cities.
Biologist 'not hitting panic button' despite 30% drop in moose count
Minnesota's moose population estimate, arrived at each winter by aerial survey, dropped 30% this year but didn't raise alarms at the DNR.
In Ely, outcry leads to added charges in case of three deer hit by truck
The driver, 20, told police he intended to slam into the deer, who were trapped on a local road, for laughs. "In 30 years of law enforcement, I never came across something this senseless," the city's former police chief said.
Wild turkey master's sage advice: Make the gobbler hunt for you
Anticipating another season, Mike Foster has pursued wild turkeys for more than 40 years and still loves to hunt them.
Upper Red Lake residents take 'wait-and-see' approach on tribal boundary issue
Community members are watching closely because the stakes are high, but there's a realization that any challenge would take years to unfold.
Tribe wants to reclaim all of Upper Red Lake, a walleye mecca
Red Lake Nation tribal leaders say they are going to the U.S. Department of Interior with a longstanding grievance over boundary lines in hopes of bringing the entire northern Minnesota lake under their control.
Lawmakers seeking to reform Minnesota's response to fish kills
House and Senate proposals push need for speed and greater attention to human health.
In like a lion: Nine things to do, follow in Minnesota outdoors in March
Thinking about predictions for ice-out, new rough fish rules, Northwest Sportshow's arrival, raptors on the wing, muskies, and more. March is a busy month for things to do, follow and learn about.
City of Houston votes to dump motorized trail project
The southeast city's defiant shift sets up a new chapter of conflict over moto-trails first proposed more than 14 years ago on a hilly, ecologically sensitive site.
DNR loosens Mille Lacs walleye fishing regulations for summer
The decision reflects signs of progress in lake's walleye population.
Hunting dog healed the divide between a Minnesota father and son
Hunting has become an all-consuming passion for Keng Yang after years of rejecting his father for hunting in the tradition of his Hmong culture.
Wilderness group back in court to cut motorized towboats in BWCA
Complaint says lax enforcement by Forest Service led to a "freeway'' of motorized towboats.
Booze, inexperience cause rider deaths on rocket-fast snowmobiles
People always will like to go fast, as Hunter S. Thompson wrote. But speedy snowmobiles don't injure and kill people. In many cases, foolishness does.
Morneau goes from clubhouse to ice house to host Mille Lacs tourney
Former Twins star Justin Morneau says the fishing event strikes a chord with him because it helps families afford sports for their kids, a situation he experienced growing up.
DNR unveils funding request for capital improvement projects
The bonding portion of the agency's budget proposal brings the overall funding request to $553 million — mostly one-time money.
DNR proposes higher fees for fishing licenses, boat registration, state parks
The higher fee requests to the Legislature are part of a sweeping DNR budget proposal that seeks more than $200 million in one-time funding.
Red Lake walleyes are biting, but winter harvest is behind the norm
Weather-related drop in ice fishing pressure bodes well for spring and summer walleye anglers.
Outdoors-loving Minnesotans share their 2023 bucket lists
From remote hunting to rugged backpacking to angling through ice, Minnesotans file their dreamed-of adventures in the year ahead.
Conservation group Pheasants Forever has new chief executive
Raised in North Dakota and living in western Wisconsin, Marilyn Vetter wants to focus on partnerships and membership.
A new year rite, Sportsmen's Show in St. Paul calls it quits
After a 53-year run, promoter foresees attendance declining from fears of downtown crime.
New Minnesota public land projects to the fore in 2023
Developing new wildlife management area, moose habitat restoration, and focus on elk reintroduction are ahead.
Outdoors coverage in 2022: A dozen stories we won't forget
From an updated wolf plan and BWCA crowd control to camping's (and a campground's) wild popularity, we look back on the hot topics and cool stories of 2022.
Del Giudice, longtime DNR researcher of state's wildlife, dies
Scientist Glenn Del Giudice helped produce foundational knowledge about deer and moose ecologies.
'Be persistent and enjoy winter': Cross-country skier, 81, still finds joy on the trails
Seventy years ago in the mountains of Norway, Odd Oslund and his friends would gather on Sundays to ski to a peak overlooking the North Sea. Now, the Apple Valley resident travels the world to ski competitively.
Watchdog group calls for tougher action against DNR on timber issue
Letter states "action item" agreement between DNR and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service doesn't meet compliance requirements.
Mixed reaction from outdoors stakeholders to new pact on timber management issues
Industry cheers the agreement between the DNR and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, but a retired wildlife manager calls it a nothing-burger.
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service steps in at DNR to resolve logging feud
A new five-point agreement will give the federal agency a role in training state staff and monitoring forest management and relieving acrimony over logging on public hunting lands.
Majority shift in Minn. Senate leads way for new fish and game leader
Sen. Foung Hawj's committee will deal heavily with legislation and funding around hunting, fishing, conservation and recreation.
New owners make cold-blooded investment in ice fishing on Lake of the Woods
A pair of private investors is betting a cool $20 million after buying four distinct resorts on Wheelers Point.
Deer hunters finish primary gun season with less to show
DNR says adverse weather contributed to the markedly lower harvest across Minnesota.
