Anglers recently caught two shovelnose sturgeon that the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources recognized in quick succession as state records in the catch-and-release category based on length of the fish.
Tyler Young, of Lakeville, caught and released a 34 1/4 inch shovelnose sturgeon March 8 on the Mississippi River. Young’s new record stood for only a few days before being broken after Elliott Feldman of Sturgeon Bay, Wisconsin, caught and released a 35-inch shovelnose sturgeon March 12 on the Minnesota River.
The Minnesota DNR expanded the catch-and-release record category this year to allow records for 18 species beyond the four species previously recognized, a change made in response to the increasing popularity of catch-and-release fishing and to raise the profile of native rough fish. Additionally, records established prior to requiring weight to be documented on a certified scale are now recognized as historical records.
The record fish program has been managed by the state’s fisheries resource agency in various forms for nearly 100 years. For record fish lists and application requirements, visit the Minnesota DNR record fish webpage at www.dnr.state.mn.us/fishing/staterecords.html.
Elk hunting opportunities available
Hunters have through Saturday, June 15, to apply for one of the 10 elk licenses offered this year by the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources.
Licenses offered this year include two landowner permits, two 10-year history permits, and six general lottery permits.
Hunters can apply for: one of three available licenses to harvest either a bull or antlerless elk in zone 20’s season A; one of two available licenses to harvest an antlerless elk, which can be a female or a young male, in zone 20’s season B; and one of five available licenses to harvest either a bull or antlerless elk in zone 30’s season C.
All three seasons will be conducted from Saturday, Sept. 21, through Sunday, Sept. 29.
There are currently three recognized herds in northwestern Minnesota: Grygla, Kittson Central and Caribou-Vita. The Grygla area zone remains closed to state-licensed elk hunters.
The DNR is committed to managing elk for specific population goals set in the most recent elk management plan. The reduction in harvestable elk by state hunters reflects the state’s desire to move toward population goals while considering potential harvest by Red Lake Nation Band members.
The reduction also accounts for uncertainty in elk numbers, since lack of snow prevented DNR from conducting its aerial elk population survey in 2024.
“We know there are concerns related to crop and fence damage,” said Kelsie LaSharr, DNR elk coordinator. “The DNR will continue to work with tribal nations, local landowners, agricultural producers, legislators, local government officials and state agencies to address those concerns and manage Minnesota’s elk sustainably.”
Hunters must select a season and can apply individually or in parties of two at any license agent, online at www.dnr.state.mn.us/licenses/online-sales.html, or by telephone at 888-665-4236. There is a nonrefundable application fee of $5 per hunter.
Two licenses, one in zone 20 and one in zone 30, are reserved for individuals who meet landowner requirements and apply for a license.
Successful hunters must present the animal within 24 hours of harvest for registration and collection of biological samples to screen for diseases or other health-related issues.
More information is available on the DNR’s elk hunting webpage at www.dnr.state.mn.us/hunting/elk/index.html.
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