Family-Outdoors

  The Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is hosting a series of town hall-style meetings where local staff will provide updates on recently completed hunting and trapping seasons, discuss possible changes to hunting and trapping rules and regulations, and address other topics as requested. “We want people to come out to these meetings, listen to the seasons reviews, ask questions and hear directly from our staff,” said Todd Bishop, chief of the Iowa DNR’s Wildlife Bureau. “Part of the meeting will be devoted to discussing potential rule changes and collecting feedback as we work through the rules process.” The meetings are open to the public. Comments collected from these public meetings will be considered along with other related comments received by the Iowa DNR prior to proposing changes to hunting rules and regulations. Proposed rules will be presented to the Natural Resource Commission during a regular public meeting for consideration and additional public comment....

PIERRE, S.D. – South Dakota Game, Fish, and Parks (GFP) Wildlife Diversity Program is accepting proposals for the Wildlife Diversity Small Grants Program.  This program provides funding for researchers, educators, and naturalists to carry out projects focused on native wildlife.  Funding for the 2022 Small Grants Program totals $28,000 for projects that are focused on research of native wildlife species and their habitats. Wildlife Diversity Small Grants have funded education, research, and monitoring projects focused on native wildlife and habitats since 1997. A wide range of projects has been completed to date, ranging from various educational guides and programs to plantings for pollinators and aquatic habitat improvements. GFP recognizes that there is a tremendous pool of talent and expertise outside of the agency that can be very beneficial to the mission of the Wildlife Division. By making small grants available, we can utilize this talent and expertise. The diverse proj...

 PIERRE, S.D. – The South Dakota Department of Game, Fish and Parks (GFP) launched a new e-commerce system, Go Outdoors South Dakota. This system combines the purchases of hunting and fishing licenses with state parks camping reservations and other purchases. The new system makes it easier and more convenient for the public to log in and view their preference points, purchase hunting and fishing licenses, make park reservations, and manage their profile information. “We are very excited to offer a one stop shop for customers looking to pursue their next outdoor adventure. The new e-commerce system makes it easier for family and friends to get outdoors and create long lasting memories and traditions,” said Kevin Robling, GFP Department Secretary. Log in and check out the new system today at GoOutdoorsSouthDakota.com. 

  The South Dakota Department of Game, Fish and Parks is accepting applications for Mentored Antelope, Firearms Antelope and Special Antelope licenses. Mentored Antelope licenses are valid during the established 2021 Archery and Firearms Antelope seasons. Firearms may not be used during the Archery Antelope season. Applications will be accepted through the end of the firearm antelope season.  Paper applications for the firearm season must be postmarked by  August 13.  Online applications must be submitted by 8 a.m. CDT on Wednesday, Aug ust 18. New for 2021 is the Special Antelope License. Like the Special Buck License, the 50 resident and 50 nonresident licenses are valid on private land only in all open firearm antelope units. All public lands are closed to these license holders, including Walk-In Areas. Applicants must include the name and phone number of a landowner who has granted permission to hunt. Only online applications are being accepted and must...

The DNR’s 2021 spring waterfowl population surveys show stable to increased numbers of breeding waterfowl, despite below-average wetland conditions. / Photo Credit: iStock/mauribo MADISON, Wis.  – The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) today announced an increase in the waterfowl population across most of the state, despite dry winter and spring weather. The DNR’s 2021 spring waterfowl population surveys show stable to increased numbers of breeding waterfowl, despite below-average wetland conditions. Surveys showed an increase in the number of total birds compared to 2019 estimates with increases in wood duck, blue-winged teal and Canada goose numbers. However, there has been a slight dip in mallard numbers. Wisconsin experienced a relatively mild and dry winter followed by below-average precipitation in April and May. As a result, wetland conditions are drier throughout the state. Some areas of the state experienced considerable rainfall in May and June, while other a...

  Top Iowa Fishing Spots for the Week of July 22 This weekly fishing report is compiled from information gathered from local bait shops, angler creel surveys and county and state parks staff. You can check the activity of your favorite lake or stretch of river within each district, including which species are being caught, a rating of the bite (slow, fair, good or excellent), as well as a hot bait or lure pattern.  For current information, contact the district fisheries office at the phone number listed at the end of each district report. NORTHWEST NORTHEAST MISSISSIPPI RIVER SOUTHEAST SOUTHWEST NORTHWEST Arrowhead Lake Black Crappie  - Fair: Try minnows on a small jig fished in deeper water near structure.  Bluegill  – Fair: Look for bluegills in deeper water near structure or try drifting down the middle to find suspended fish..  Largemouth Bass  - Fair: Try a variety of bass baits along weed edges. Also try topwaters on calm...