Recent content from Tony Kennedy
Will 'shotgun only' zone for deer in southern Minnesota be abolished?
There's still a chance for a breakthrough affecting the annual whitetail harvest — Minnesota's most popular form of hunting — for the southern half of the state.
Legislation directs millions toward dozens of Minnesota outdoors projects
The executive director of the commission responsible for choosing the projects said acceptance at the Capitol arrived earlier than ever before.
Drama on a federal level encircles a fish thriving in Minnesota
Sturgeon numbers here are strong, but anglers, guides, resorts and the DNR are still bracing for a possible endangered species listing.
Big Ten deer hunting rankings? Minnesota isn't power you'd expect.
When it comes to deer hunting, there are four other states that have Big Ten schools and outshine Minnesota when you look at the data.
Legislation would give state land to Red Lake Nation
Local residents say they were blindsided by the Upper Red Lake proposal; DNR said it was not consulted about bills.
State: Walleyes caught on Mille Lacs can't be kept until August
Walleye bag limits on two of Minnesota's most popular lakes have been cut back this year, including no keepers on Mille Lacs until at least mid-August.
Minnesota legislative auditor reviewing conflict over DNR timber sales
The review will look at the actions that led to the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service sanction.
Harvest is official: Minnesota's deer hunt season was a downer
The DNR's final deer hunting harvest report reveals whitetail declines, even with less severe winter up north.
Rough Mille Lacs ice season at odds with great fishing. What's going on?
The lake's overall walleye population is down 10%. But despite the population decline, the catch rate on Mille Lacs this winter has soared to its highest level in at least 35 years, even with bad ice conditions.
Pot use in state parks, new hiking trail, elk politics in mix at Legislature
Big grant money for the outdoors will be in play at the 2024 legislative session along with policy proposals ranging from marijuana limitations in state parks to a repeal that would allow more elk to roam.
Fewer walleye on Mille Lacs will mean tighter regulations this year
"We're going to pump the brakes a little bit this year so we don't have to take more drastic action later on," a DNR official said in explaining what's ahead.
Fish Lake in Maple Grove will be removed from impaired waters list
State has worked to restore the popular, heavily used lake plagued by pollution.
Champions of Minnesota's wild places have busy 2024 ahead
The lengths Minnesota land and wildlife managers go to manage the state's resources can at times appear like a horizon without end. But what are their priorities for this year?
Lake of the Woods 'Bombers' remain winter workhorses
For decades, the tracked vehicles have been the go-to means to ferry the icefishing masses on the massive lake.
DNR explores a weighty walleye change: reducing the daily limit
The idea failed at the Legislature, but the DNR might try to cut the take-home limit from six walleyes to four using its own rule-making authority.
Minnesota legislative auditor opens probe of DNR's oversight of public hunting lands
The assessment is related to allegedly inappropriate logging on some state wildlife management areas.
Grant conditions revised to ensure DNR logging serves wildlife
The DNR must follow more detailed reporting requirements to show, in advance, how each timber sale will improve wildlife habitat.
Man killed when commercial transport vehicle crashes through Lake of the Woods ice
Several passengers and the driver escaped from the "bomber." It's the season's second known ice-related fatality in Minnesota.
Mild winter has changed landscape for eager state ice fishers
Anglers are itching for a deep freeze, with ice production weeks behind schedule in some areas of the state.
Ice fishing season rides into state — and it needn't be a cold mess
Remembers when overnights on the ice were more about survival than fun? The way it was then isn't the way it is now, especially if you take advantage of what's available.
Ice fishing season rides into Minnesota — and it needn't be a cold mess
Remembers when overnights on the ice were more about survival than fun? The way it was then isn't the way it is now, especially if you take advantage of what's available.
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.