Babaamaajimowinan (Telling of news in different places)

Minnesota Valley and Sherburne National Wildlife Refuges propose changes to hunting programs

Hunting and fishing on U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service lands is a tradition that dates back to the early 1900s. Here in the midwest, national wildlife refuges, waterfowl production areas and fish hatcheries are a huge part of this tradition. Today, more than 370 refuges are open to the public for hunting. We welcome sportswomen and men of all backgrounds and abilities to experience the outdoors in amazing places.  

Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuge is proposing to update their hunting program and is seeking public comment on the proposed change to: 

• Closing regular firearm white-tail deer season on 3,062 acres for safety reasons. The refuge will still be open to the regular deer archery season and will allow for a special muzzloader hunt through special use permits. 

You are invited to review draft documents related to these changes, including the compatibility determination, plan amendment and categorical exclusion documents. Draft documents are available on the refuge website or you can contact the refuge at 612-708-3765 or scott_pariseau@fws.gov to request either printed or electronic copies. Please let us know if you need the documents in an alternative format.  

Sherburne National Wildlife Refuge is proposing to update their hunting program and is seeking public comment on the proposed changes that include: 

• Opening hunting to gallinule/moorhen, mourning dove and crow on 9711 acres

• Expanding hunting opportunities for white-tailed deer by allowing muzzleloader hunting on approximately 28,933 acres

• Expanding hunting to fall Turkey hunting for the general public on 20,509 acres and spring turkey hunting will be expanded for hunters with disabilities to an additional 9,311 acres

You are invited to review draft documents related to these changes, including the fishing compatibility determination, plan amendments and categorical exclusion documents. Draft documents are available on the refuge website or you can contact the refuge at 763-244-0060 or  steve_karel@fws.gov to request either printed or electronic copies. Please let us know if you need the documents in an alternative format.  

Documents for both refuges are available beginning Thursday, April 15, 2021 through the end of the "2021–2022 Station-Specific Hunting and Sport Fishing Regulations" comment period, to be announced in the Federal Register. The end of the comment period will be 60 days after the rule publishes, which we anticipate to be mid-June. 

The public comment period is an opportunity to discuss the proposed changes with staff and to provide your comments on the draft documents. You can submit written comments by mail to Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuge, ATTN: Hunt Program Comment 3815 American Blvd East Bloomington MN 55425 or Sherburne National Wildlife Refuge, ATTN: Hunt Program Comment 17076 293rd Ave NW Zimmerman, MN 55398. If you wish to comment electronically, please note, “Minnesota Valley NWR Hunt Plan” or “Sherburne NWR Hunt Plan” in the subject line of an email addressed to HuntFishRuleComments@fws.gov.  

Across the country, national wildlife refuges work closely with state agencies, tribes and private partners to expand access to hunting and fishing. Hunting and fishing provide opportunities for families to enjoy the outdoors, create memories and pass on family traditions.

 

Reader Comments(0)