Minnesota Department of Natural Resources officials will make Little Rice Lake a game refuge once again. Opposition to the refuge was heard at a public meeting but letters written to the DNR showed strong support. Minnesota Waterfowl Association, U.S Forest Service and the Izaak Walton League all approved the measure as well. From September 1 to November 30 the area is closed to hunting and trapping. Wild ricing and cranberry picking will still be allowed. Waterfowl harvests and hunter surveys over 5 years at Big Rice Lake have shown the refuge offers feeding and resting options for the migrating birds.
This type of conservation really goes a long way in helping the population of the birds. Has anyone had any experience with this firsthand in their hunting units?
