Minnesota

DNR reminds landowners to plan ahead for spring burning restrictions

The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources encourages Minnesotans who intend to burn vegetative debris – such as brush, grass, leaves, and untreated lumber – during spring clean-up to start planning now. The best time to burn vegetative debris is when there is ample snow on the ground, rather than later in the spring when wildfire risk is high due to brown grass and low humidity.

Every spring, burning permit restrictions are put in place after the snow melts. Restrictions remain in place until vegetation begins to “green up” and fire risk declines.

“Vegetative debris burn piles are the number one cause of wildfires in Minnesota,” said Karen Harrison, DNR statewide wildfire prevention specialist. “Chipping and composting are the best options and are encouraged as an alternative to burning whenever possible.”

If vegetative debris is burned, all fires must be supervised and put out by drowning with plenty of water or snow, stirring and repeating until out cold.

If a fire does rekindle or escape, the person who set it is liable for any damages and wildfire suppression costs. It is illegal to burn garbage, including chemically treated or painted lumber, tires, and plastics.

Visit the DNR’s guide on composting for woodland owners for more information on alternatives to burning vegetative debris. For information and daily updates on current fire risk and open burning restrictions, visit the statewide fire danger and burning restrictions page of the DNR website.

Missouri

MDC sets upcoming migratory game bird and waterfowl seasons

The Missouri Conservation Commission approved recommendations from the Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) at its March 14 meeting for upcoming 2023 migratory-game-bird-hunting seasons and 2023-2024 waterfowl-hunting seasons.

 2023 MIGRATORY GAME BIRD HUNTING

Mourning Doves, Eurasian Collared Doves, and White-Winged Doves

Season: Sept. 1 through Nov. 29

American Woodcock

Season: Oct. 15 through Nov. 28

2023-2024 WATERFOWL HUNTING

Teal Season: Sept. 9-24

Ducks Season: North Zone: Oct. 28 through Dec. 26, Middle Zone: Nov. 4 - 12 and Nov. 18 through Jan. 7, 2024, South Zone: Nov. 23 - 26 and Dec. 7 through Jan. 31, 2024 , Snow Geese (White and Blue Phases) and Ross’s Geese, Season: Nov. 11 through Feb. 6, 2024

White-Fronted Geese Season: Nov. 11 through Feb. 6, 2024

Canada Geese and Brant Season: Oct. 7-15 and Nov. 11 – Feb. 6, 2024 

Light Goose Conservation Order Season: Feb. 7 through April 30, 2024 

YOUTH HUNTING DAYS: North Zone: Oct. 21 and 22. Middle Zone: Oct. 21 and 22, South Zone: Nov. 18 and 19

The Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) reminds Missouri hunters, trappers, anglers, and others they can get free copies of its updated booklets beginning in mid-March on 2023 Spring Turkey Hunting Regulations and Information, Summary of Missouri Hunting and Trapping Regulations, and Summary of Missouri Fishing Regulations at MDC regional offices, MDC nature centers, and other places where permits are sold.

Get booklet information online at mdc.mo.gov using the search tool at the top of the homepage.

The handy booklets have information on related permits, seasons, species, regulations, limits, conservation areas, sunrise and sunset tables, and more.

Learn more about hunting and trapping in Missouri at mdc.mo.gov/hunting-trapping.

Learn more about fishing in Missouri at mdc.mo.gov/fishing.