DNR urges hunters to use caution on wet roads and trails

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News Releases
DNR urges hunters to use caution on wet roads and trails
(Released October 7, 2010)


Following recent rains and flooding in some areas, the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is urging hunters to check road and trail conditions before venturing out this fall. Many state forest roads and trails are likely wet and some may be temporarily closed.

The DNR also reminds hunters to use caution when traveling on state forest roads and trails to ensure that motor vehicle use does not violate state law by causing erosion or rutting.

“Use good judgment,” said Paul Maurer, Northeast regional manager for the DNR’s Division of Parks and Trails. “If it’s wet, don’t drive there.”

Although traveling off roads and trails (cross-country travel) is generally prohibited in state forests, there are exceptions for hunters and trappers. For example, hunters can travel cross-country on Class 1 ATVs (960 cc and under 1,000 pounds) to retrieve big game between September and December, except in areas signed and mapped to indicate “no motorized travel,” in state forests classified as “closed to OHVs,” or in the Richard J. Dorer Memorial Hardwood Forest.

The DNR urges hunters who exercise the option to go off-trail on an all-terrain vehicle to be extremely careful this fall, due to the amount of standing water and saturated soil that they are likely to encounter.

Information is available by calling the DNR Information Center at 651-296-6157 or toll-free 888-646-6367, between 8 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday.