DNR announces hunting openers

Opening dates for many of the 2004 Minnesota hunting seasons were announced last week by the DNR. The dates are being announced now for the benefit of those who must establish vacation or hunting plans well in advance. Although these dates are tentative, pending final approval in June 2004, it is unlikely they will change.

Small Game
General small game, including grouse, opens on Saturday, Sept. 18. Gray partridge, rabbits, squirrels, and pheasants open on Saturday, Oct. 16. Other openers are prairie chicken (Oct. 23), spring wild turkey (April 14), fall wild turkey (Oct. 13).

Individual ResultsBig Game
Tentative opening dates for big game are: bear - Wednesday, Sept. 1; deer (archery) - Saturday, Sept. 18; deer (firearms) - Saturday, Nov. 6; deer (muzzleloader) - Saturday, Nov. 27; moose - Saturday, Oct. 2.

Migratory Birds
While the special youth waterfowl hunt and the general duck and goose seasons have not been announced yet, some other bird seasons have tentative dates. The early Canada goose hunt is Saturday, Sept. 4. The crow season will last from March 1-31 and from July 15 to Oct. 15.

The waterfowl season opener will not be finalized until the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service publishes proposed migratory bird hunting frameworks this summer. Additional details on season lengths, quotas, and bag limits will be announced next summer, after the 2004 seasons are finalized.

Contact the author at editor@paynesvillepress.com • Return to Sports

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