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Grouse hunters can volunteer to help collect samples for West Nile virus study
Ruffed grouse hunters in northern Minnesota can voluntarily submit samples for a West Nile virus research project being conducted by the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. Minnesota is collaborating on this project with researchers in Wisconsin and Michigan, and will be sharing protocols and results.
West Nile virus is known to exist in the upper Midwest and cases have been found in wild birds, people and other mammals. Birds vary in vulnerability to the virus. Some bird species recover quickly and become tolerant to the virus while others, such as blue jays and crows, suffer higher rates of mortality. The research seeks to examine exposure and active infections in ruffed grouse.
"Although the adult population has been cycling around a stable 10-year average, we don't know if West Nile might be impacting the production of young birds, which make up a large portion of what hunters see in the fall," said Charlotte Roy, grouse project leader with the Minnesota DNR.
Hunters who would like to assist with the project should be willing to collect blood samples and hearts from birds within 30 minutes of harvest. Collection kits are available for pickup at the Bemidji and Grand Rapids regional DNR headquarters buildings.
Researchers also will collect samples at the Ruffed Grouse Society National Hunt in October, Pineridge Grouse Camp, Bowen Lodge, Hoot-N-Holler, from private hunting guides, and by working with wildlife students at Bemidji State University to reach a sample size of 400 birds.
"This is an important citizen science collaboration for us. Working with hunters and students to collect the samples from harvested birds is critical to the success of the project," Roy said.
Return postage and complete instructions are included in the kits. Samples also can be dropped off at Pineridge Grouse Camp near Remer.
West Nile virus is carried by infected mosquitoes. Not all people or animals bitten by an infected mosquito will contract West Nile virus. There have been no documented cases of people contracting West Nile virus from consuming properly cooked meat. Although the virus has been present in Minnesota for quite some time, a study in Pennsylvania indicated the virus could impact ruffed grouse populations when combined with habitat stresses.
The research is partially funded by the Ruffed Grouse Society and the Game and Fish Fund.
More information about ruffed grouse management can be found on the DNR website at mndnr.gov/hunting/grouse. Questions about the West Nile virus study can be directed to Charlotte Roy at 218-328-8876 or charlotte.roy@state.mn.us.
Winona's Charles Perry named DNR firearms safety instructor of the year
Charles Perry, of Winona, has been named the 2017 DNR firearms safety volunteer instructor of the year. He has been a longtime advocate for firearms safety and outdoors education and a certified instructor with the DNR since the early 2000s.
Perry, who is president of the Lewiston Sportsmen's Club, works tirelessly to encourage youth involvement in the outdoors. Along with a teaching team of at least 14 other instructors --many of whom he recruited -- Perry teaches both traditional and online firearms safety courses. In addition, he leads a "Kids in the Outdoors" program, assists with two high school trap-shooting teams, organizes and teaches a program aimed at introducing archery and outdoor safety to kids, and has provided individual firearms safety days for youth who weren't able to attend group classes.
"The time and effort that Perry puts into his classes and outdoor education for kids in general is staggering," said Tom Hemker, the Winona-area conservation officer who nominated him for the award. "He does everything. He wants to give back and mentor others in the outdoor activities he's always loved."
Known as the go-to person in his community for questions about safety education or organized outdoor activities, Perry has taken kids hunting who don't come from hunting families but have shown an interest in the outdoors. He shares his knowledge about places where people can hunt and shoot and constantly looks for ways to spark in kids a connection with the outdoors. During the winter, for example, he's organized events that revolve around hunting for shed deer antlers.
"We all need to do our part to ensure the continuation of our proud tradition of hunting and conservation, and Chuck is a shining example of the difference that dedicated and motivated individuals can make," said Capt. Jon Paurus, safety training education manager for the DNR Enforcement Division. "The commitment he shows to youth education is vital in a changing society where fewer people have a strong connection to fishing, hunting and the outdoors."
More than 4,000 volunteer instructors teach DNR firearms safety courses across the state, certifying annually an average of about 24,000 adults and youth. Since the firearms safety program began in 1955, more than 1.3 million students have been certified. DNR firearms safety certification is required of anyone born after Dec. 31, 1979 to buy a hunting license in Minnesota. Youth age 11 and older can attend a firearms safety certification course and receive their certificate, which becomes valid at age 12.
For more information on the dates and locations of available safety courses, see mndnr.gov/safety/firearms/index.html or call 800-366-8917.
DNR announces fall 2018 land sale
The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources will offer 16 parcels at three public oral bid auctions in October and November. The auctions will be held in Grand Rapids, Wadena and St. Paul.
The properties include unimproved recreational land in Beltrami, Benton, Big Stone, Fillmore, Hennepin, Houston, Itasca, Kanabec, Lake, Mille Lacs, and Wadena counties. More information about the parcels and can be found on the MNDNR's Land Sale webpage.
Public auction details, parcel information and the latest updates will be posted online at www.dnr.state.mn.us/lands_minerals/landsale/. You can also call 651-259-5432, 888-646-6367 or email min.landsale@state.mn.us for information.
Zebra mussels confirmed in 3 metro-area lakes
The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources has confirmed reports of zebra mussels in Bald Eagle Lake and Lake Johanna in Ramsey County and Lake Isabelle in Dakota County.
As part of the lake association's zebra mussel monitoring program, one juvenile zebra mussel was found on a settlement sampler on the south side of Bald Eagle Lake. Settlement samplers are solid surfaces placed in the water that people can regularly check for attached zebra mussels.
An early detection survey by a county consultant on Lake Johanna revealed one large adult zebra mussel near the public access.
During Saturday's University of Minnesota Extension "Starry Trek" search day, a trained detector found three zebra mussels attached to the fishing pier on Lake Isabelle.
The DNR is conducting follow-up surveys of all three lakes to determine whether zebra mussels are distributed more broadly and assess whether there are treatment options. Early detection increases the potential for treatment and helps to prevent spread to other lakes.
Whether or not a lake is listed as infested, Minnesota law requires boaters and anglers to:
Clean watercraft and trailers of aquatic plants and prohibited invasive species.
Drain all water by removing drain plugs and keeping them out during transport.
Dispose of unwanted bait in the trash.
Some invasive species are small and difficult to see at the access. To remove or kill them, take one or more of the following precautions before moving to another waterbody:
Spray with high-pressure water.
Rinse with very hot water (120 degrees for at least two minutes or 140 degrees for at least 10 seconds).
Dry for at least five days.
Zebra mussels can compete with native species for food and habitat, cut the feet of swimmers, reduce the performance of boat motors, and cause expensive damage to water intake pipes.
People should contact an area DNR aquatic invasive species specialist if they think they have found zebra mussels or any other invasive species.
More information is available at mndnr.gov/ais.