Monthly Archives: August 2012

Check out the DNR fishcam live from the Minnesota State Fair

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If you’ve ever been to the Minnesota State Fair, you’ve probably spent a few minutes checking out the fish pond at the Department of Natural Resources building. The pond is filled with Minnesota fish ranging from sturgeon to walleyes.

Fish of all kinds can be seen Thursday morning on the live “fish cam” set up in the DNR fish pond at the Minnesota State Fair.

This year, thanks to an underwater camera provided by Marcum Technologies, the DNR is offering a state fair webcam live from the fish pond.

I checked out the webcam earlier this morning and a quick look revealed gar, walleyes, paddlefish, largemouth bass, bowfin (also known as dogfish), carp, muskies, catfish and even a lake trout.

The fishcam is as close to the state fair as I’m going to get this year, but the “Great Minnesota Get-Together” continues through Labor Day weekend. Checkout the DNR webcam for yourself on the DNR website. A video of DNR fisheries crews stocking the pond is available here.

N.D. Game and Fish Department to issue remaining swan licenses Sept. 5

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N.D. Game and Fish Department photo

If you missed out on North Dakota’s swan lottery, there’s still hope for hunting the birds this fall.

The Game and Fish Department this afternoon issued a news release saying more than 300 licenses remain after the lottery. Only hunters who don’t have a license can apply because regulations limit hunters to one license per year.

Beginning Sept. 5, Game and Fish will issue the remaining 300 licenses on a first-come, first-served basis. Both residents and nonresidents can apply or print out an application to mail on the Game and Fish website at gf.nd.gov. Hunters also can request an application by calling Game and Fish headquarters at (701) 328-6300. Licenses cost $5 for residents and $25 for nonresidents.

Swan season opens Sept. 29 and closes Dec. 30.

Agassiz refuge sets annual duck banding night Sept. 8

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The annual public duck banding night at Agassiz National Wildlife Refuge in northwest Minnesota is set for 5 p.m. Sept. 8. In case of rain or ground conditions that are too wet, the alternate date is 5:30 p.m. Sept. 17.

No pre-registration is required, and the event is free to the public.

Banding ducks is a “hands on” experience, and Agassiz personnel recommend old clothing or rain gear for anyone planning to band or handle birds because banding ducks can be a little, ahem, messy.

Those who would rather watch should bring cameras. Few events will offer better close-up wildlife photo opportunities.

It’s been a few years since I last attended a duck-banding at the refuge, but the annual event brings many “repeat” banders. Newcomers will have an opportunity to learn about the life history of several duck species, baiting, capture, and handling techniques, as well as sexing and aging techniques. Mallards make up the bulk of the banded birds, with a few wood ducks, blue-winged teal, and northern pintails mixed in, as well.

Agassiz bands an average of 1,500 ducks per year.

Anyone planning to take in the banding night should meet at refuge headquarters located 11 miles east of Holt, Minn., on Marshall County Road 7 (290th Street Northeast). For more information, call (218) 449-4115, ext. 204 from 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday or dial 0 for operator assistance.