DNR news releases, Aug. 21, 2014

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MINNESOTA DNR NEWS #63                                                                               Aug. 21, 2014
All news releases are available in the DNR’s website newsroom at www.mndnr.gov/news.
Follow the DNR on Twitter @mndnr.

IN THIS ISSUE
Hear the Call of the Moose at the Minnesota State Fair
Learn basics of hunting birds like pheasant, grouse at DNR clinic


DNR NEWS – FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Hear the Call of the Moose at the Minnesota State Fair

Fairgoers can hear the Call of the Moose at the Minnesota State Fair. A new partnership between the Department of Natural Resources and Les Kouba Outdoors was formed to raise awareness of the plight of Minnesota moose and raise money for moose research and management.

At the fair:

  • Get info on a new critical habitat license plate featuring moose art by renowned wildlife artist Les Kouba. Information about the program is available on the DNR website at www.mndnr.gov/plates.
  • Hear moose calling when the finalists of the Let Loose Your Minnesota Moose-Moose Calling Contest sound off on the DNR Volunteer Outdoor Stage at 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. Friday, Aug. 29. The DNR’s Tom Rusch, Tower area wildlife manager, will give moose background, demonstrate calling and help judge. Sign up for the contest from 9 a.m. today through 12:45 p.m. Aug. 29, at the fair at the Call of the Moose Store, or online at www.leskoubaoutdoors.com or www.callofthemoose.com.
  • Hear original music from Michael Monroe dedicated to the Call of the Moose Minnesota. Monroe blends vocals, guitars, bamboo and crystal flutes, and will perform at various times on Thursday, Aug. 28, at the Call of the Moose store, and at 1 p.m. on Aug. 29 before the calling contest.
  • Merchandise is being sold near the DNR building at the Call of the Moose store. A portion of the proceeds benefits moose research and management. See a restored statue of a life-size moose that has been displayed at the State Fair for nearly 20 years. This year, the moose is outfitted with a tracking collar similar to those used to track real moose in northern Minnesota. See a video of the moose restoration at http://youtu.be/h8Np4zu__xA.

Why all the focus on moose? Moose in Minnesota are in trouble. A 50 percent decline in the moose population since 2010 has left the iconic Minnesota animal in real danger of disappearing.

Information on the partnership between the DNR and Les Kouba Outdoors is available online at www.callofthemoose.com. Information from the DNR on moose research can be found at www.mndnr.gov/moose.

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DNR NEWS – FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                                                     Aug. 21, 2014

Learn basics of hunting birds like pheasant, grouse at DNR clinic

Anyone who wants to learn the basics of hunting birds like pheasants or grouse is invited to attend a program for those who have limited or no experience hunting upland birds, according to the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources.

Upland Bird Day is 1 p.m. to 5 p.m., Saturday, Sept. 13, at the Dakota County Gun Club, 17501 Station Trail near Rosemount, and is hosted by the DNR, Dakota County Gun Club and Pheasants Forever.

“Upland Bird Day is an opportunity for those interested in hunting upland birds to take the next step and be part of a wonderful fall hunting tradition,” said Linda Bylander, an outreach program coordinator for the DNR.

Upland bird hunting typically involves walking through prairie grasses, young aspen forests, marsh edges and other habitat, often using a dog to point or flush the birds.

Following a large group presentation on upland birds and their habitat, participants will spend the afternoon in a series of hands-on upland bird hunting stations.

“Participants will learn how to hunt a field, and about shotgun patterning and shooting technique,” Bylander said. “We’ll see a demo of bird hunting with dogs, and learn about field dressing and game care, and how to locate public hunting lands.”

To register, contact Bylander at 218-833-8628 or linda.bylander@state.mn.us. Registration is limited and costs $10 per family or $5 per person. Learn more at www.mndnr.gov/education/bow. For information on hunting a variety of species including upland birds, see www.mndnr.gov/hunting.  

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