May 3 deadline to enter bear license lottery
REGIONAL— If you’re planning to apply for this year’s lottery for the fall bear hunt, and haven’t done so already, you’d better get off the couch and apply today. Friday, May 3, is the deadline to apply for the 2024 hunt, which begins Sept. 1.
Applications for the 2024 season can be submitted online, at any license agent or by telephone at 888-665-4236.
A total of 4,030 licenses are available in 15 quota areas where licenses are limited for the 2024 season. Lottery winners will be notified by Saturday, June 1 and winners will have until Thursday, Aug. 1 to actually purchase their licenses. Any remaining unpurchased licenses will be available over the counter starting at noon on Tuesday, Aug. 6.
An unlimited number of bear licenses will be sold over the counter for the no-quota area that includes east-central and far northwestern Minnesota. No-quota licenses are valid only in the no-quota area.

Moms can take part in fishing challenge
REGIONAL—Moms who live in Minnesota are invited to join a free virtual fishing challenge Saturday, May 11, through Sunday, May 12, during Take a Mom Fishing Weekend, a now annual event during which all Minnesota moms can fish without a fishing license.
The DNR is partnering with the Student Angler Organization and Women Anglers of Minnesota to host the challenge.
To participate in the Mother’s Day weekend fishing challenge, moms simply need to join the Facebook group called “Minnesota Moms Fishing Challenge 2024” and post one photo of each fish they catch.
All participants who submit one or more fish photos will have their name entered in a random drawing for prizes provided by the Student Angler Organization and their partners, including gift cards for SCHEELS and Lund. Additionally, participants are invited to tune in for a pre-challenge virtual Fishing 101 class, hosted by Women Anglers of Minnesota in the challenge Facebook group (facebook.com/groups/967975514717550) on May 7.
Challenge details are available on the Minnesota DNR website (mndnr.gov/takemomfishing). All fish species and sizes are welcome in the challenge. Participants can snap a photo and let their fish go or keep it if it’s in season.
“This year’s event follows the successful inaugural Minnesota Moms Fishing Challenge in 2023. Last year, more than 2,400 moms joined the challenge,” said Cara Hanson, DNR marketing coordinator. “This year, we hope even more people will join in the fun!”