With the tail end of summer upon us and fall right around the corner, there’s still a lot going on for the public at Rydell National Wildlife Refuge in Erskine, MN. The Friends of Rydell and Glacial Ridge Refuges Association just set up the first-ever Rydell Refuge Story Stroll on Golden Pond Trail. The Story Stroll offers a new way to spend time outside and engage with Rydell Refuge while growing an appreciation for nature and reading. Bring out your kids to walk Golden Pond Trail and read “Mother Bruce” – a funny story of a grumpy bear named Bruce, who gets stuck with four goslings that think he’s their mother! The Story Stroll will be up through September 13th.
There are just a couple of months left to take advantage of some good bluegill and largemouth bass fishing on the west end of Tamarac Lake. This is the only area open to fishing on Rydell Refuge, and it closes for the year on November 1. Hike or bike to the fishing area from the North Parking Lot and enjoy a peaceful fishing experience on one of our accessible piers.
Also, several hunting seasons start on both Rydell and Glacial Ridge National Wildlife Refuges in early September. On portions of both refuges, mourning dove hunting opens on September 1. On parts of Glacial Ridge Refuge only, early goose, early teal, rail, and snipe hunting seasons also open on September 1. The early youth duck hunt is open on portions of both refuges on September 7 and 8. On September 14, portions of both refuges open for archery deer and various small game seasons. Non-toxic shot is required for all shotgun hunting on both refuges, and other special regulations apply. Review refuge-specific hunting regulations before hunting on Rydell or Glacial Ridge refuges.
The 29th Annual Accessible Deer Hunt will take place at Rydell this fall, October 10-12. This hunt is limited to 20 hunters and is intended to provide a special hunting opportunity for persons with disabilities. If you are interested in participating in this amazing hunt, call Randy Sorensen (Options Interstate Resource Center for Independent Living) at 218-779-740 prior to mid-September.
Due to an unfortunate lack of interest, Rydell Refuge will not be hosting a special mentored youth deer hunt this fall; however, we encourage interested youth to try hunting on the more than 17,000 acres open on Glacial Ridge Refuge for the four-day youth deer hunt from October 17-20.
Last but not least, the Friends of Rydell and Glacial Ridge Refuges Association will host the 3rd Annual Walk for the Wild Event on Rydell Refuge on Sunday, October 13. This free 5k and fundraising event will include a designated 5k route made up of three different paved yet scenic trails. There will be an option of a guided trail walk, as well as the option to go on your own. All 5k finishers will receive an official Walk for the Wild Finisher sticker. Additional activities will be going on at the Refuge that day as part of this popular event. All donations received will benefit interpretive and educational programs at the Refuge, along with continued outdoor accessibility for all. Call the Refuge for more information on this event.
Beginning August 19th and until the spring of 2025, Visitor Center and Nature Store hours will be limited. Please call the Refuge if you are interested in using the Visitor Center or checking out the Nature Store.
For more information on any of the above activities, call the Refuge at 218-687-2229 or check out our
websites at fws.gov/refuge/rydell and fws.gov/refuge/glacial-ridge.
