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With Minnesota’s early teal and goose seasons starting up at the same time as the wild rice is ripening, the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources reminds hunters to be cautious of harvesters and tribal restrictions in the area.
“Hunters must hunt safely, and accurately target only the species of allowed teal,” DNR waterfowl specialist Steve Cordts said in a release. “With others on the water at the same time, hunters should follow the basic tenets of firearms safety, including knowing with certainty what’s beyond their blinds and decoys before shooting.”
The early teal season runs from Saturday, Sept. 3, through Wednesday, Sept. 7, along with the early goose season starting Saturday, Sept. 3, through Sunday, Sept. 18.
The Leech Lake Band of Ojibwe and the White Earth Nation has closed all wild rice waters within the boundaries of their respective reservations to all over-water waterfowl hunting during the traditional wild rice harvest.
The DNR advises all waterfowl hunters to be aware of these tribal restrictions, no matter where they hunt.
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“A safety mindset and mutual courtesy will allow for successful early waterfowl hunting and wild ricing,” Cordts said in the release. “With water levels low in some areas, scouting ahead is critical for both waterfowl hunters and ricers so they know whether there will be enough water for boats at their desired areas.”
Hunters who have planned to hunt within the boundaries of the Leech Lake or White Earth Nations can contact each tribe’s natural resource department for more information.
