Recent content from Dennis Anderson
Anderson: A sportsman's life, Minnesota style
Jay Johnson has shared in the state's bounty, and helped replenish it, too.
Minnesota deer harvest lags last year; license sales flat
Wisconsin opening weekend kill is down 14%.
Plymouth angler's Mille Lacs muskie breaks state record: 'What an incredible fish'
Plymouth angler catches 55-pound, 14-ounce monster and topples a record that has stood for 64 years.
Anderson: The art and practice of shooting straight
Proper rifle-shooting technique is necessary to make any shot, particularly those at long range.
Anderson: Outdoorswoman Meadow Kouffeld has new stuff to do — taxidermy
The Minnesota college instructor and onetime DNR employee fashions life-like mounts artistically.
There's a world of research to help deer hunters bag a buck
As deer hunting season gets underway, DNR harvest data reveal areas of high buck harvest rates. Hard-copy maps are available and there's even an app.
Anderson: Gun accidents can happen to anyone, even you
A review of Minnesota firearms hunting mishaps is telling.
Anderson: Q&A; with Kelly Straka, DNR's ground-breaking new section manager
Straka grew up in Wayzata before undertaking a circuitous route back to Minnesota that included stops all over the world.
Anderson: Like ducks, these Minnesotans migrated to North Dakota, and love it
North Dakota grew at a 15% clip between 2010 and 2020, fourth fastest in the nation. That was mostly in bigger cities. Most of the state still operates at a slower pace with especially great hunting and fishing.
Anderson: Reflecting on a lost land enjoying a rebirth
Legacy Amendment dollars and conservation-minded moves have brought back a wild place in Norwood Young America.
Anderson: Ahead of Saturday's opener, ringneck hunters have pheasants on the mind
Among five topics of note, advanced crop harvest should help uplanders find birds.
Anderson: Pheasants Forever emerges from pandemic boosting conservation efforts
Now employing some 280 wildlife biologists, Pheasants Forever and Quail Forever are leveraging significant new government and corporate funds to multiply their conservation reach.
Anderson: Have you seen Rowdi, the dog on the billboard missing 8 months?
The billboard is on Minnesota's North Shore, along Hwy. 61. The man who put it up is in Minneapolis and tells why his family has gone to such great lengths for Rowdi.
Anderson: He's on a big lake with a small boat, on a vintage pursuit
Pete Harris, 86, regularly seeks lake trout on Lake Superior, almost always alone and each time deploying the same three-seater 14-foot Starcraft he bought in 1964 to fish for walleyes on inland lakes.
Anderson: Waterfowl season debuts with traditions renewed, though ducks are few
A new duck hunting season at a camp that has long history dawned Saturday. Though few ducks were overhead, the morning's enjoyment, ultimately, would not be defined solely by the number of birds bagged.
Anderson: Ducks deserve our best, not hollow words and indifference
We say we cherish ducks. But our actions often fool us into thinking we're conservationists when the reality is very different. A change of values is needed.
Famed trapshooter, dog trainer Loral I Delaney of Ramsey dies at 83
An animal lover who as a young girl kept everything from racoons to skunks as pets, Delaney at age 5 headlined her first dog act in 1943.
Anderson: Two kids from Anoka celebrate nearly a half- century of duck hunting together
Bound by a common love of fall and the surprise appearance of fast-flying ducks wheeling atop their decoys, Stephen Roche and Steve Backowski reflected on a recent day how quickly a half-century can pass.
Threats of climate change lurk as Minnesota's hunting seasons begin
Hunters might be the first Minnesotans to have their recreation choices, and perhaps their lifestyles, significantly altered in a number of ways.
Anderson: Mentors keep the chain moving for young hunters
Today's youth need to be tomorrow's caretakers of our woods, waters and fields.
Anderson: Some duck hunters find teal in DNR's new 'experimental' season
For the first time in nearly 50 years, Minnesota duck hunters were granted a special early teal-hunting season, which opened Saturday at sunrise statewide.
Anderson: By wheel and paddle, Minneapolis couple takes on perimeter of Minnesota
An ambitious journey for a Minneapolis couple has them on a state-wide journey by land and sea, pitching a tent to sleep in along the way.
Leech Lake, White Earth bands close wild-rice waters to teal hunters
The bands said the action is to protect wild rice harvesters during the five-day season, which starts Saturday. The ban covers some of Minnesota's best duck hunting areas and surprised DNR officials.
Anderson: DNR to hold special teal season, despite drought's effect on ducks
A five-day "experiment'' teal hunt begins Sept. 4. No one knows how many hunters will go afield seeking these early migrating ducks, nor how many teal the waterfowlers might see, or shoot.
Anderson: Non-resident hunters vote on South Dakota pheasant plan by not showing up
Once the king of all ringneck states, based on bird numbers, South Dakota now relies on gimmicks.
Anderson: Canine-human bond strong; hunter-dog bond stronger still
Hunting dogs revel with their handlers in acute forms of symbiosis, from which stories unfold that sometimes are heartwarming and other times sidesplitting.
Anderson: Angler with a passion catches monster muskie on Bde Maka Ska
Lurking in the Minneapolis lake was a 54.5-inch muskie. Mikhail Pearthree found it and engaged it in a battle that spun his canoe before hauling it in.
Anderson: Impassioned by geese, 'Flagman' saw possibilities
Randy Bartz, a Game Fair stalwart, will be remembered for his cunning at bamboozling geese.
Anderson: Welcome to Canada? Border reopens this week, with restrictions
Beginning Monday an entirely new chapter of border-crossing stories will be written as Canada again allows Americans to cross. But not all Americans. Here's what you need to know.
Anderson: A reminder that the ecosystem is dependent on periodic forest fires
Fires have played a historical role in developing Minnesota's ecosystems, particularly those of the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness and its adjacent Canadian counterpart, Quetico Provincial Park.
Anderson: Anglers flock to Mille Lacs, happy to catch — and release — walleyes
Launch boats are sold out on some nights during strong walleye bite.
Some guy named Trout caught a big northern in Minnesota
Angels star Mike Trout hit a Minnesota lake before the series against the Twins and showed he's as good with a fishing rod as he is with a bat.
Anderson: Hot days in July, fishing for walleyes, more rigamarole
Challenge is the point, not necessarily the number of fish caught.
Anderson: Conservation groups, legislators mourn Helland, driver of environment policy
John Helland was a bureaucrat for decades, and "his work lives on in Minnesota."
Anderson: Wolves need managing in Minnesota, period.
Science tells us that, even if the powers that be do not.
Anderson: Minnesota's intense drought has different impact for different critters
Not all species suffer equally, and some actually benefit.
Anderson: Every-state fishermen tick down to a final few
Daniel Balserak and Luke Konson still seek the state fish of Hawaii and Alaska, and then they'll head home for brook trout and a goal completed.
Embrace your freedom to enjoy Minnesota's outdoors with these 12 ideas
From seeing wildlife to self-powered fun, activities are opening up to meet any interests.
Anderson: New teal season might push ducks away
The DNR's management doesn't match waterfowlers' thinking.
Anderson: Legislature could have done more to staunch CWD threat
An effort to stop new deer farms failed; good news is that parks will stay open.
Anderson: Fatherhood is at its best in the physical world
In this country, fathers aren't as present in their kids' lives as they once were. Those fathers who share activities with their children outdoors are especially well-positioned for positive gains.
Anderson: If you're camping on a budget, here's how it can be done
For some people, the challenge of looking for bargains is part of the fun.
Anderson: DNR leader Strommen turns to the people for help
Minnesota DNR commissioner Sarah Strommen later this month will ask a panel of non-DNR employees for ideas on what to fund and how to fund it.
Anderson: Smaller-scale conservation groups doggedly pursue stewardship
1,500-strong Backcountry Hunters and Anglers is among organizations dedicated to protecting land and natural resources.
Anderson: The time is now for fishing the peak of the Minnesota season
Experiencing the best of Minnesota's fishing.
Anderson: Plans in Canada are murky as resorts continue to suffer
Border news Up North remains bad, and Canadian lodges dependent on U.S. visitors continue to suffer.
Anderson: Late DNR officer Grell was an enforcer and an ally
Sarah Grell's death this week was felt far beyond the umbrella of her service.
Anderson: Citizen-legislative committee on resources still being steered by politics
The commission's problems stem almost entirely from imbalance. Its membership disparity of 10 legislators and seven citizens too often taints its decisions. It wasn't supposed to be.
Anderson: Resort life is declining; some wouldn't have it any other way
It's a declining industry for family-run resorts, but long-timers are in it for the long haul and are reporting that business is very good.
Anderson: Lakes stocked, anglers stoked for fishing opener
The DNR planted seeds for a plentiful harvest to start the season.
Anderson: Opener wisdom. Walleyes can be finicky, but they're not smart
The trick to remember for Saturday's fishing opener, especially in this wacky spring, will be finding walleyes, and less so catching them once they're located.
Anderson: Losing out on fishing opener leaves friendship with a void
This "Gang of Four'' has celebrated their own private fishing opener the second week of the season, overcoming personal tragedy.
Anderson: Schara on turkeys, and spilling blood and ink
Ron Schara has been hunting wild turkeys since 1967. His new book features favorite stories from more than 50 years of outdoor opportunities.
Anderson: 6 Minnesota-inspired innovations that changed the sport of fishing forever
Revolutions in minnow imitations, bait presentation, lure distribution, boat design, electric trolling motors and fishing electronics are among these homegrown breakthroughs.
Anderson: Fishing buddies savored visits from Mondale, and vice versa
Dropping lines — in a Minnesota lake, or in post-fishing cabin chats — remained essential in the Walter Mondale fabric.
Anderson: GOP effort to slash, shift Minnesota's conservation funding darkens future
Many are to blame for this tragedy-in-the-making. Among them in this legislative session are Senate Republicans who are fiddling with environmental funding proposals.
Anderson: As sales surge, bearing arms means bearing responsibility
Gun ownership requires mental as well as physical skills, both of which require practice. Even so, most hunters, if they're honest, have encountered potentially catastrophic gun situations of their own in the field.
Anderson: A Pandemic turkey hunt, the sequel
The new turkey season opens Wednesday on the heels of increased license sales in 2020.
Anderson: Just a wave? Friendly gestures on the road are affirming.
The time-honored slight wave of a hand or fingers over the top of a steering vehicle, acknowledge to the driver or rider of an oncoming vehicle that things are all right.
Anderson: Aggressive logging in Minn. bluff country threatens wildlife
In recent years, a new DNR management scheme has been implemented that in some cases places wildlife benefits secondary to Whitewater Wildlife Management Area's timber production.
Anderson: Latest proposed changes to waterfowl season don't add up
Say what you will about Minnesota waterfowl managers, they're not shy about revealing their belief that the primary reason ducks exist in Minnesota is to get shot.
Anderson: Like spring, Mississippi River rush arrives early
Walleyes, saugers and anglers cluster from Lake Pepin to Red Wing dam.
Anderson: Do-it-yourself maple syrup producers up their game
Whether atop ice cream or pancakes, French toast or oatmeal, real maple syrup made by one's own hand is an unmatched delight.
Into the wild: Nature is good. More is better, especially these days
Unplugging with longer trips drives deeper into the heart and mind, too.
Anderson: DNR's plan to divert funds intended for habitat purchases draws fire
The department wants to shift money intended for buying habitat to be used for other purposes.
Anderson: Lessons from Wisconsin's controversial wolf hunt worth examining
A highly unusual combination of events, including a lawsuit by an out-of-state hunting group, forced the Wisconsin DNR to hold a February wolf hunt it had not anticipated.
Anderson: Drones helping modernize deer counts through locating fawns
The whereabouts of deer can stymie wildlife biologists. Enter now the drone, whose usefulness has only recently been realized in determining deer and other wildlife populations.
Anderson: State's conservation funding needs are clear. Answers? Not so much
Minnesota's lands and waters and fish and wildlife are under pressure as never before. And we have an outdated conservation model
Anderson: This season, resorts beckon to the pandemic-weary
Most still have openings for this summer. But based on early bookings, they expect record or near-record years as the nation starts to emerge from the pandemic.
Anderson: Training dogs and long walks are gifts these days
During the pandemic, time is what many of us have more of, not less, and not utilizing it to some good end might be regretted when more normal days return.
Anderson: Even in this cold, deer can endure bitter winters
Minimal snow cover has made this recent cold snap in Minnesota easier for deer to survive.
Gunflint Trail's backwoods living is still a draw; so, too, is a fast internet
Of all that has changed over centuries along the Gunflint Trail, the greeting that pines whisper to old-timers and newcomers alike has been constant.
Anderson: Critical Habitat license-plate program veering from its dedicated mission
A closer look at the DNR's license plate Critical Habitat program reveals the agency in recent years has only minimally deployed license plate funds to preserve habitat.
Anderson: Wildlife management areas can foster a greater appreciation of nature
The notion of making some wildlife management areas more inviting is taking shape, amid questions about timber harvesting.
Anderson: Mystery around bears' reproduction is a reminder of their balancing act
Minnesota wildlife managers want to minimize nuisance-bear complaints while satisfying hunters' desires, while also, most important, maintaining a healthy, stable bruin population.