Outdoors notes

Minnesota's dove hunting season opens Tuesday, offering youth and others a low-cost and low-maintenance opportunity to experience hunting.

"The upcoming dove season is an ideal time to introduce someone else to hunting," said Bill Penning, farmland wildlife program leader for the DNR. "It requires very little equipment - just a bucket to sit on, a box of shells, shotgun and earth-toned clothing."

Hunters 16 and older must have a small game license and Harvest Information Program (HIP) certification. The daily bag limit is 15 doves, with 30 in possession. Although mourning doves are a migratory bird, non-toxic shot is not required but is recommended.

The season continues through Oct. 30.

Rice Lake disabled access deer hunt slated

Applications are being accepted for Rice Lake National Wildlife Refuge's third annual deer hunt for those with disabilities.

The hunt (for bucks or does) is scheduled Oct. 1-4. Applications must be postmarked by Sept. 12. For those selected, the refuge will be open for scouting Sept. 26.

Hunters are responsible for travel to and from the refuge, purchasing their license and providing warm clothes, guns, ammo, etc. Limited sleeping accommodations while participating at the hunt will be available at Camp New Hope, a partner organization located approximately 22 miles from the refuge headquarters.

Organizers will assist hunters in getting from refuge headquarters to and from their hunting site, provide volunteers to assist with the handling of the animal after it is shot (if requested) and meals - a noon meal prior to hunting and an evening meal upon returning from the hunt.

If there are more applications than spots available, applicants will be selected based on the severity of their disability and hunting experience. A random drawing would serve as a tie-breaker.

Rice Lake National Wildlife Refuge is located five miles south of McGregor, on Highway 65.

To apply or for an application packet, call the refuge at (218) 768-2402.

Lakeshore Labor Day Shoot scheduled

The Lakeshore Conservation Club's Labor Day Shoot is scheduled from 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Sept. 7 at the club's range.

Cost is as follows: 100 bird shoot, $10 plus 4 punches; 50 bird shoot, $10 plus 2 punches; buddy shoot, $3; Annie Oakley, $3; 27-yard shoot, $3.

A potluck of pork, hamburgers and hotdogs is scheduled at noon with competitions and games from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., with a kids' money hunt at 2:30 p.m. Awards and door prizes are scheduled at 5 p.m.

For more information, call (218) 963-4793 or go to www.lakeshoregunclub.com.

Lothspeich tops in Bass Snatchers

Dennis Lothspeich placed first in the fifth Baxter Bass Snatchers' tournament of the season Aug. 22 on Leech Lake.

Lothspeich finished at 19 pounds, 13 ounces. Dwight Hammermeister was second at 17-12. Art Becker landed the lunker - a 5-pounder.

Twenty-four anglers caught and released 122 bass on the day.