The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, in partnership with the Minnesota Waterfowl Association and the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, invites you to learn more about our waterfowl, wetland resources, and more when you join them for the 20th Annual Minnesota Waterfowl Symposium, February 4, at the Minneapolis Airport Marriot, 2020 American Boulevard East, in Bloomington. This one-day conference runs from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Those attending will have the opportunity to learn about one of the crown jewels of the Minnesota Wildlife Management Area System, the 76,000 acre Roseau River Wildlife Management Area located in northwestern Minnesota.
“There are so many things that make our wildlife management area wildlife management area
For practical purposes, a wildlife management area is synonymous with a national wildlife refuge or a game preserve. There are nine wildlife management areas and one game preserve in the National Wildlife Refuge System.
Learn more about wildlife management area as remarkable as it is important to waterfowl and a wide range of other wildlife as well,” said Randy Prachar, the manager of Roseau River Wildlife Management Area. “One of the things that adds to the variety of wildlife here is the fact that we transition from forest, to prairie, to wetlands on this expanse of northwestern Minnesota land. We have pools and shallow wetlands for waterbirds including grebes, loons, and many other species. There are 27 miles of dikes and water structures within the thousands of acres. I’m looking forward to sharing more about this wildlife management area with those attending this year’s symposium.”
Hunters, outdoor enthusiasts, and natural resource managers are invited to attend and celebrate Minnesota’s waterfowl and wetland resources. At the symposium, they can share their experiences and learn about important topics in waterfowl conservation from the experts who work to maintain the populations and habitat we enjoy in our state. The Minnesota Waterfowl Symposium is geared toward giving Minnesota’s waterfowl hunters and enthusiasts the opportunity to interact with waterfowl biologists and managers representing various conservation agencies and organizations.
This 20th symposium will again include a wide range of topics including: learning about the uniqueness of the Roseau River Wildlife Management Area, experimental teal seasons in production states, marsh bird response to habitat management using fire and grazing, the Minnesota Sandhill crane delineation project, common goldeneye biology and hunting, and more.
Throughout the day, information booths are available for those attending. They include a Junior Duck Stamp display and a gunsmith booth where your gun fitting and repair questions can be answered. Information will also be available on cooking with wild game as well as other displays.
Attendees also have the opportunity to check out the Minnesota Decoy Collectors Association annual decoy show hosted at the same location. For more information, please contact the Minnesota Waterfowl Association at 952-767-0320.
