DNR Announces Minnesota Outdoor Skills and Stewardship Spring Webinar Series

Start your spring off right by joining us for the next series of Minnesota Outdoors Skills and Stewardship webinars. Anyone interested in the outdoors can learn about activities like sturgeon and steelhead fishing, creating sharp-tailed grouse habitat and wild rice management during webinars hosted by the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. Upcoming webinars are scheduled every Wednesday at noon. The courses are free, but participants are required to pre-register. Spring series topics are as follows and the registration page for the webinars are available on the DNR website.

• March 2 – Sturgeon management and how to catch them: Have you ever wanted to catch Minnesota’s largest growing fish? Brett Nelson, DNR large lake specialist in the Baudette fisheries office, will cover how the DNR manages sturgeon fishing and the success story of the recovery of this important fishery. Nelson will also cover the basics of how to fish for sturgeon in Lake of the Woods and the Rainy River.

• March 9 – Minnesota’s bees, plantings for pollinators and the Prairie Pod podcast: Do you love prairies, native plants, and pollinators like bees and butterflies? Join James Burnham, R3 coordinator; Jess Petersen, DNR invertebrate ecologist; Megan Benage, DNR regional ecologist; and Nicole Gerjets, DNR bee survey specialist, as they talk about Minnesota’s native plants, pollinators, their award-winning podcast and what you can be doing for pollinators.

• March 16 – Understanding rifle cartridges and selection for hunting: What caliber should you choose for the game animal you’re hunting? Learn from Kraig Kiger, DNR shooting sports education specialist, and guest Phillip Massaro, a writer, shooter and worldwide big game hunter, as they discuss which caliber to shoot for which game animal.

• March 23 – Steelhead fishing: James Burnham, R3 coordinator, and Aaron Gerlovich, a director with Minnesota Steelheader, talk about the thrill of fly fishing for spring steelhead surrounded by some of the state’s most rugged and picturesque scenery: Minnesota’s north shore of Lake Superior.

• March 30 – Fishing for rough fish: Have you ever wondered about all those fish that are termed “rough fish”? Why are they classified that way and what is their story? In this webinar we are joined by the founder of roughfish.com, Corey Geving. Come learn about rough fish, why to fish for them and how to catch them.

• April 6 – Watching and hunting for sharp-tailed grouse: Jake Granfors, with Minnesota Pheasants Forever, will join us to talk about the amazing behavior, biology, MN range, and habitat needs of this species. Get information on techniques and assistance available to manage your land for the open landscapes sharp-tailed grouse require.

• April 13 – Learn about the Becoming an Outdoors Woman program: Linda Bylander, DNR Becoming an Outdoors Woman (BOW) program coordinator, and Minnesota Steelheader member Lisa Murphy will share information on the BOW program and upcoming in-person classes for women and families to fish for steelhead trout. Lisa will also share tips on how to fish the north shore for steelhead trout and where to find more information.

• April 20 – 4-H shooting sports and wildlife program: The Minnesota 4-H shooting sports and wildlife program is designed to promote life skills through a safe and educational program. Young people learn by doing, as they experience hands-on learning in shooting sports and wildlife education. Join us as we explore the program and objectives through the eyes of the youth leaders in the project area.

• April 27 - 4-H outdoor adventures program: The Minnesota 4-H outdoor adventure program is a comprehensive outdoor education program that includes shooting sports and wildlife, 4-H ATV safety, wildlife biology, fishing, conservation, and outdoor skills. In this webinar, we will explore the events and programs that are offered and how youth and adult leaders can get involved.

• May 4 – Wild rice management: Did you know that Minnesota has more natural wild rice than any other state in the nation and that the DNR manages many lakes for wild rice? This webinar will share some of the DNR’s common wild rice management techniques and highlight some success stories.

• May 11 – DNR staff favorite fishing lures: As we near the start of the season opener for many of Minnesota’s game fish, DNR staff members share some of their top-secret lures and how to use them. These techniques are almost guaranteed to help you catch more fish — or at least have fun trying!

• May 18 – Walleye fishing for beginners: Join pro-angler and bait shop owner Nancy Koep as she covers the basics of walleye fishing. Nancy will also provide information on her Become an Outdoors Woman walleye fishing weekend set for July of 2022.

• May 25 - Youth fishing leagues: Do you know a youth who can’t get enough fishing? DNR fisheries manager and bass fishing expert Eric Altena will share ideas and resources to help you grow that passion and connect with Minnesota’s increasing number of high school fishing leagues and clubs.

Minnesota Department of Natural Resources

500 Lafayette Rd N

St. Paul, MN 55155

Email: FAWoutreach.dnr@state.mn.us

https://www.dnr.state.mn.us/fishwildlife/outreach/index.html