Rain so hard, fish were flopping on the street

This week we have been experiencing fall weather along with more than a little rain. My heart goes out to the people of New Richland and to all who have been effected by the flood waters. We have experienced some flooding in and around Albert Lea over the years, but I can’t recall any of this magnitude. Hopefully everyone is safe and not too much damage has been inflicted on the homes.

 

I recall a few years ago when I was having coffee at McDonald’s with some friends just after we had just experienced a large amount of rain. As we were leaving, I noticed water coming up from the storm sewer. There was not only water, but fish were also shooting out of the sewer and flopping on the street.

 

With archery deer season now underway, it is an ideal time for hunters to familiarize themselves with the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources’ online log for deer and other wildlife sightings.

 

“We will again welcome hunters to use our online hunter field log to share what wildlife they see once the season begins,” said Tyler Obermoller, DNR research scientist. “We get valuable information from deer hunters about the deer and other wildlife species they observe.”

 

This is the sixth year of this community science effort. The Minnesota DNR uses the information to supplement its model-generated population estimates, which are an important tool for managing wildlife.

 

Using a mobile device or desktop computer, deer hunters can enter information about wildlife they see while in the field on the Minnesota DNR website, including deer, turkey, bear, fisher and other species.

 

Hunters are encouraged to fill out a hunter field log after each hunt. Filling out the log, even if no deer are seen, allows for an accurate estimate of the number of deer observed per hour of field observations, which provides a useful comparison to deer density modeling results. The log will remain open through the end of 2026.

 

More information on the hunter field log is available on the Minnesota DNR website.

Until next time: There is still plenty of time to enjoy the outdoors in our area. Whether it be biking, hiking jogging or walking, the outdoors is still there for us to enjoy. Archery hunting for deer is now open along with some small game hunting for cottontail rabbit, squirrel, red & gray. Hunt safe and if you are a youth, make sure that you have taken your firearm safety training.

 

Please take the time to remember our troops that are serving now and those that have served before them. They are the reason that we have all of the Freedoms that we enjoy today.