Minnesota Waterfowl Season Opens Saturday; Duck Numbers Up
Officials say hunting is expected to be good when Minnesota's waterfowl season opens Saturday. Shooting opens a half-hour before sunrise.
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Officials say hunting is expected to be good when Minnesota's waterfowl season opens Saturday. Shooting opens a half-hour before sunrise.
Grouse season opens Saturday in Minnesota, and it looks like hunters won't have a lot to grouse about. The Department of Natural Resources says grouse are Minnesota's most popular game bird. Adult populations have held steady, and chick survival this spring and summer was good.
A new study claims humans are putting certain species at risk by killing animals that are the wrong size and age.
The trial in Zimbabwe of a professional hunter who helped an American kill a popular lion named Cecil in an allegedly illegal hunt in Zimbabwe was postponed Wednesday to Sept. 28.
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service announced that the agency is investigating the killing of Cecil the Lion, saying it will "go where facts lead."
Of the nearly 570,000 licensed hunters in Minnesota, fewer than two-tenths of 1 percent will pursue Africa's exotic game.
The patients of Dr. Walter Palmer that spoke with WCCO all described him as an excellent dentist. But they also expressed shock over the killing of Cecil the lion, as well as the fact that Palmer had a prior felony for poaching a black bear in Wisconsin and a sizable sexual harassment award against him.
Hundreds of protesters showed up at the Bloomington office of a Minnesota dentist who killed a beloved lion named Cecil.
Politicians in Minnesota and across the country are sounding off on the death of a protected African lion at the hands of a Twin Cities dentist.
A Minnesota dentist is apologizing for killing a lion in Zimbabwe earlier this month. Dr. Walter Palmer said he thought the hunt was legal, but two guides are facing criminal charges for poaching because of where the lion was killed. The story has generated lots of anger and vitriol against the dentist across social media.
The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources wants to arm itself with turkey hunters in the fight against bird flu. The state asked hunters in five counties -- Kandiyohi, Pope, Meeker, Swift and Stearns -- to help figure out if the virus has spread to wild turkeys.
Turkey hunting season starts Wednesday in Minnesota, and the Department of Natural Resources is offering a few precautionary tips for areas near turkey farms struck by the bird flu.
An 84-year-old hunter who asked Minnesota lawmakers for help bagging another deer may get his wish. A provision tucked in House Republicans' budget bill for environmental and natural resource agencies would allow hunters 84 and older to kill a doe without a permit.
It's the time of year when everyone is thinking about getting outdoors. And to help you get ready for the summer fun, this weekend is the 83rd Northwest Sportshow. It features deals on boats, RVs, ATVs, fishing and hunting gear.
Gov. Mark Dayton wants to crack down on poachers with tougher criminal penalties and longer license revocations. The governor on Friday proposed a new felony-level penalty for poaching, and revoking game-and-fish privileges for up to 10 years. Current law only goes up to a gross misdemeanor penalty for poaching, and license revocations of up to only five years.
Deer antler shed hunting has been around for a long time. When breeding season is through, adult males shed their antlers -- and that's when "hunting" season begins, typically between December and February.
A retired official of the Minnesota Board of Water and Soil Resources began spearheading what ringneck enthusiasts hope is an ambitious public-private effort to restore Minnesota's pheasants on Monday.
A group of Minnesota hunters say the deer population is in worse shape than the state is letting on. Minnesota Bowhunters president Brooks Johnson talked about the changing landscape of the deer population as he walked through the Sherburne National Wildlife Refuge in Big Lake.
Gov. Mark Dayton is consulting with his Department of Natural Resources chief on how the state should respond to a federal ruling that outlaws hunting of gray wolves.
A Minnesota hunter is pushing for change after his dog was caught and killed in a trap. Mark Johnson's 7-year-old lab, Bronco, was killed in a body grip trap while they were grouse hunting near Bemidji in October.
A "Pheasant Summit" was held Saturday n Marshall with Gov. Mark Dayton to discuss ways Minnesota can keep birds in play. Earlier this week, I took "Maxi Cam" to South Dakota. And with the help of guide Ryan Sauter, I found out that they know how to keep the pheasant population up.
Brandon Johnson and Craig Lindstrom have gone an annual hunting trip for 12 years. But this last one in September was different. "Everybody kids about things, but nobody thinks something like that's going to happen," Brandon said. His group shot a black bear on the trip near Duxbury.
Wildlife managers are closing the wolf season in northeastern Minnesota at the end of shooting hours Friday. Hunters and trappers had registered 30 wolves when the Department of Natural Resources decided Thursday to close the northeast zone.
Another season of wolf hunting is set to begin Sunday. Late season hunting and trapping runs through Jan. 31 in all zones. They can close earlier, though, if the harvest target is reached.
Minnesota hunters have registered 111,000 deer through the third and last weekend of the firearms deer season, a drop of 31,000 from the same period a year ago. But the lower harvest is by design. Regulations were put in place to make more deer — especially does — off-limits to increase Minnesota's deer herd.
Becca Good, the partner of Renee Good, released a statement on Friday, thanking the community for their kindness.
A Mexican immigrant whose skull was broken during his arrest by immigration officers last month in Minnesota says the beating was unprovoked.
Minneapolis Police are investigating a fatal shooting that happened Friday evening. Police say officers responded to a crash near 33rd and Chicago Avenue around 8:25 p.m.
The Minneapolis Fire Department was called to a utility generation plant on the 600 block of Main Street Southeast on reports of smoke and flames around 10:30 p.m. Friday.
Seasonable cold air returns Saturday with temperatures reaching the 20s for southern and central Minnesota and teens for northern Minnesota.
Becca Good, the partner of Renee Good, released a statement on Friday, thanking the community for their kindness.
Minneapolis Police are investigating a fatal shooting that happened Friday evening. Police say officers responded to a crash near 33rd and Chicago Avenue around 8:25 p.m.
The Minneapolis Fire Department was called to a utility generation plant on the 600 block of Main Street Southeast on reports of smoke and flames around 10:30 p.m. Friday.
There are around 30,000 observers within Communities Organizing Latine Power and Action Minnesota's network, according to the nonprofit. WCCO rode in the backseat with a few of them in Minneapolis to see how they operate.
Hennepin County Sheriff Dawanna Witt said Friday she's carefully considering options for a compromise with federal immigration agents if it means winding down Operation Metro Surge.
Several sheriff's offices in Minnesota have what's called a 287(g) agreement with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement. Different models allow departments to help enforce ICE operations and to serve warrants on people inside their jails. Crow Wing County has both.
Border czar Tom Homan says in the past month, 158 people have been arrested for impeding or assaulting federal officers, with 85 cases already accepted for prosecution.
U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement operations aren't only happening in the Twin Cities. Federal agents are also working in smaller towns, and in some, seeing similar resistance from the community.
The Crow Wing County Jail started accepting ICE detainees in November 2025. The county sheriff, Eric Klang, says that oftentimes they're brought in a few at a time.
Community leaders in St. Cloud, Minnesota, say federal agents have detained at least 10 Somali people there and arrested several more during protests. One man says he was arrested and released, only to be arrested again.
John Lauritsen shares the story behind a massive snow sculpture that's now become a winter destination.
A jury has found a Wisconsin man guilty of forging threats against President Donald Trump in an attempt to get a witness against him deported.
Minnesota and Wisconsin are among the 11 states reporting their first measles cases of 2026.
Hundreds of schools in Minnesota and Wisconsin have closed or shifted to virtual learning on Friday amid dangerous cold.
A Wisconsin man accused of sending the state Supreme Court's chief justice intimidating emails has been sentenced to probation.
U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement operations aren't only happening in the Twin Cities. Federal agents are also working in smaller towns, and in some, seeing similar resistance from the community.
While Operation Metro Surge continues in the Twin Cities, Minnesota's farm country is also feeling the impact. The major concerns for farmers and the trickle-down effect it could have on consumers.
Minnesota's governor spoke out Sunday afternoon following the shooting death of Alex Pretti by federal immigration enforcement agents. "What's the plan, Donald Trump? What is the plan?" Walz said. "Fear, violence and chaos is what you wanted from us, and you clearly underestimated the people of this state and nation."
A marching protest against U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement in Minneapolis Friday afternoon happened as a widespread work stoppage across Minnesota, as organizers called for a day of no work, no school and no shopping.
"When you come to our church, you see Muslims, Christians, Catholics, atheists, LGBT community, everybody with one purpose: helping the neighbor, loving your neighbor as yourself," said Pastor Sergio Amezcua
The Minneapolis Lake Street Council alone says they’ve lost $46 million in revenue since December, and are pleading with community members to spend money at local shops and restaurants.
Several Twin Cities small businesses say Operation Metro Surge has cost them millions of dollars in revenue. Now, they're asking for the community’s help.
The Republican chairman of the House Oversight Committee is requesting records related to firms partially owned by the husband of Rep. Ilhan Omar.
For many immigrant families in Minnesota, sending a child to school each day requires faith that one of the thousands of federal immigration officers deployed around the state won't detain them.
Public health officials say a measles crisis has long been brewing in Minnesota.
Amid ongoing immigration operations in Minnesota, a local company is filling a desperate need for on-demand legal help.
Outside the governor's mansion in St. Paul, Minnesota, on Friday, demonstrators, including many students and teachers, pleaded for Gov. Tim Walz to enact an immediate eviction moratorium to help families impacted by the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement surge.
It's part of broader protests calling on the Minneapolis-based retailer to respond more directly to immigration enforcement.
While Operation Metro Surge continues in the Twin Cities, Minnesota's farm country is also feeling the impact. The major concerns for farmers and the trickle-down effect it could have on consumers.
For Minister JaNae Bates Imari, Co-executive director of ISAIAH — a progressive, multi-faith non-profit — it's an idea that was set into motion weeks ago.
Minneapolis Police are investigating a fatal shooting that happened Friday evening. Police say officers responded to a crash near 33rd and Chicago Avenue around 8:25 p.m.
The Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension says it "remains committed" to working with the FBI and the Department of Justice on finding a joint path forward in the investigation into the fatal shooting of Alex Pretti.
Border czar Tom Homan says in the past month, 158 people have been arrested for impeding or assaulting federal officers, with 85 cases already accepted for prosecution.
Lang posted a video to social media of him kicking the newly-installed sculpture that reads "prosecute ICE."
Investigators have no proof that the missing mother of "Today" show host Savannah Guthrie is still alive but are holding out hope she is "still out there," the sheriff said.
Public health officials say a measles crisis has long been brewing in Minnesota.
Patients in Minnesota are canceling appointments and deferring critical health care needs because of fear of immigration enforcement as the federal crackdown continues, doctors say.
Children's Minnesota announced Tuesday it plans to pause some gender-affirming care for children amid "threats" from the federal government.
Nurses in Minneapolis doubted federal immigration officers' claims about a Mexican immigrant's severe injuries.
Minnesota and Wisconsin are among the 11 states reporting their first measles cases of 2026.
Bad Bunny says he wants to bring his culture to his 2026 Super Bowl halftime show Sunday.
Renowned comedian Dave Chappelle is set to return to the Twin Cities later this month to perform and "show a stand with a community at the center of events that should unite all Americans," show organizers said Monday.
Complete closure of the performing arts center in Washington, D.C., will start on July 4, Mr. Trump said. It's not yet clear how extensive the changes to the building might be.
Music's biggest night returned Sunday with the 68th annual Grammy Awards. Here is how to watch and stream and what to know.
In 1971, Demond Wilson appeared on an episode of "All in the Family," a role that led him to land a lead part in "Sanford and Son."
U.S. speed skater Greta Myers learned about her Olympic debut in the 3000m three hours before the race was due to begin.
Saddiq Bay scored 30 points, including two free throws, as the New Orleans Pelicans overcame an 18-point deficit to beat the Minnesota Timberwolves 119-115.
Veteran point guard Mike Conley is expected to return to the Minnesota Timberwolves after being traded twice this week, NBA insider Shams Charania reports.
Minnesota United FC is adding an international star to its roster.
The small town of Warroad, Minnesota, has had an outsized impact on the history of hockey in the U.S. The inclusion of Brock Nelson on the men's Olympic team this year makes eight players from Warroad to go to the Winter Games.
The state of Minnesota is vowing to continue the legal battle after it and 12 cities were denied a temporary restraining order that would have shut down Operation Metro Surge.
The state of Minnesota is vowing to continue the legal battle after it and 12 cities, including St Paul and Minneapolis, were denied a temporary restraining order that would have shut down Operation Metro Surge.
While Operation Metro Surge continues in the Twin Cities, Minnesota's farm country is also feeling the impact. The major concerns for farmers and the trickle-down effect it could have on consumers.
While Operation Metro Surge continues in the Twin Cities, Minnesota's farm country is also feeling the impact. The major concerns for farmers and the trickle-down effect it could have on consumers.
While Operation Metro Surge continues in the Twin Cities, Minnesota's farm country is also feeling the impact. The major concerns for farmers and the trickle down effect it could have on consumers.
John Lauritsen shares the story behind a massive snow sculpture that's now become a winter destination.
Northland Arboretum was built half a century ago on top of what was once a city dump. But over time, nature carved its own path with a little help from a Zamboni.
St. James is a smaller town with a main street and a railroad running though. But inside a local building, the main street and the railroad are even smaller.
On Dec. 9, 1965, "A Charlie Brown Christmas" debuted on CBS, and it became an instant classic. Lee Jenkins' home is proof that the show is still a hit six decades later.
Holiday lights are on full display across the state right now, and just south of the Twin Cities you'll find a Christmas light show that's been around for more than half a century.
According to the Police Executive Research Firm, 82% of police departments in the United States equip officers with body cameras. That number comes from 2023, meaning it could be even higher by now.
With the new $2,600 stipend, DHS said the cost of a single self-deportation is $5,100. That's significantly less than the cost to arrest, detain and deport an undocumented immigrant, which DHS said costs more than $18,000.
It might be hard to believe, but it's gotten warmer outside over the past few days. The temperature is creeping above zero during the day, but the wind chill remains dangerously low. So, how is wind chill calculated?
Minnesota gun rights are in the spotlight after U.S. Border Patrol agents shot and killed a lawful gun carrier over the weekend.
It's a saying Minnesotans and Wisconsinites know well: "There's no such thing as bad weather, just bad clothing." The problem is that even proper clothing might not be enough to withstand the bitter chill headed for the bold north.
Minnesotans got a great view of the northern lights Tuesday night.
A look at the newest addition to the polar bear population at St. Paul, Minnesota's Como Zoo.
From food shelves to school programs, our team is proud to serve where it matters most.
The Minnesota State Fair has unveiled its new food, drinks and vendors for 2025.
A suspect was taken into custody after an attack on Pearl Street Mall in Boulder on June 1 in which there were 15 people and a dog who were victims. The suspect threw Molotov cocktails that burned some of the victims, who were part of a march for Israeli hostages.
Seasonable cold air returns Saturday with temperatures reaching the 20s for southern and central Minnesota and teens for northern Minnesota.
In Minnesota, weather can be all over the place. Here at WCCO, we want to give you what you need to prepare for what's happening next.
We have a slight cool down today before we return to temperatures above 30s. Meteorologist Adam Del Rosso breaks it all down and shares when we could hit 40.
NEXT Weather meteorologist Chris Shaffer says the temperature in the Twin Cities could hit 41 degrees on Monday. Temps are expected to be in the 30s throughout the rest of next week.
Saturday will be breezy in the Twin Cities with a high temperature of 26 degrees, according to NEXT Weather meteorologist Chris Shaffer.
We have a slight cool down today before we return to temperatures above 30s. Meteorologist Adam Del Rosso breaks it all down and shares when we could hit 40.
WCCO's Reg Chapman updates on the latest ICE activities and impacts in Minnesota.
As of Friday, the girls basketball team at Wayzata is undefeated in the Lake Conference after big wins against Minnetonka and Hopkins. WCCO's Marielle Mohs caught up with the Trojans.
Providence Academy's girls basketball team met Hill-Murray in Maplewood on Friday night. Plus, see highlights from other prep basketball and hockey battles that took place around Minnesota in the Feb. 6, 2026, edition of High School Sports Rally.
NEXT Weather meteorologist Chris Shaffer says the temperature in the Twin Cities could hit 41 degrees on Monday. Temps are expected to be in the 30s throughout the rest of next week.