OUTDOORS NOTES

The Minnesota Deer Hunters Association is accepting applications for the 17th annual Minnesota Deer Hunter Ethics Award until Jan.22.

The award, sponsored by the DNR, MDHA and Turn In Poachers, honors deer hunters who have exhibited exemplary hunting behavior during the 2009 season and who can serve as a positive example to all hunters. Awards for youth and adult divisions will be presented to the selected recipients at an upcoming MDHA event scheduled in their area.

"With recent deer hunting-related news focused on baiting and poaching, it is time to highlight the true deer hunters in Minnesota, those who obey the law and exhibit outstanding hunter ethics," said Wayne Edgerton, DNR coordinator for the award.

Anyone may nominate a hunter by writing a letter or e-mail explaining the actions of the nominee and why that person is worthy of such recognition. Both youth and adults are eligible, but nominees must be Minnesota residents, and the efforts for which they are being recognized must have come during any of the 2009 Minnesota deer hunting seasons (archery, firearm or muzzleloader).

Nomination letters should be sent to Ethical Hunter Award, MDHA, 460 Peterson Road, Grand Rapids, MN 55744-8413, faxed to 218-327-1349 or e-mailed to kimhanson@mndeerhunters.com.

Area state lands offered for metallic minerals exploration

The DNR has scheduled a sale of metallic minerals exploration and mining leases on state land in Aitkin and Morrison counties at 9 a.m. Tuesday at the DNR Lands and Minerals Division office, 500 Lafayette Road, St. Paul, 55155-4045. All bids must be received at that office before 4:30 p.m. Monday.

The areas for the lease sale also cover portions of Benton, Carlton, Itasca, Pine and St. Louis counties. The lands have been offered in previous metallic minerals lease sales, but based on the interest shown by industry, new geologic data and exploration techniques developed during the past few years, it's believed there is potential for the discovery of mineral resources within these lands, the DNR said in a recent release.

Mining unit books, listing the state lands to be offered at the lease sale, are available for inspection or purchase from the DNR Division of Lands and Minerals offices in Hibbing, in St. Paul (at the aforementioned address) or on the DNR Web site at www.mndnr.gov. E-mail inquiries may be sent to aaron.vandelinde@state.mn.us.

The purpose of Minnesota's metallic minerals rules is to promote and regulate the exploration, mining and removal of metallic minerals on state-owned and state-administered lands. Lease rules authorize exploration and development of these minerals and impose certain requirements on the lessee. According to the DNR, the requirements include the payment of rentals that increase with the passage of time, the payment of royalty for all ore mined and removed, the submission of data and other reports and the addressing of environmental considerations.