From Dan C. via Facebook:
Just a heads up to my antler dog friends. Check your state’s regulations about running unleashed dogs on public lands during certain times of the year. In Minnesota (for example) it’s illegal to have a dog off leash while on public land, as well as some state forest land, from January through April. This is a protection for winter-stressed deer. Just a heads up, hate to see anyone get in trouble doing something they enjoy.
Good advice, thanks Dan.
Good communication. That’s the brotherhood
Checking the regs is always good advice but Dan is wrong about some MN public land. The regs vary from county land (localized rules) to different types of state land (WMAs, AMAs, state parks, state forests, etc.), but many allow dogs during “shed season.”
The MN DNR rulebook, for example, says the following about dogs on WMAs:
Dogs:
Dogs are permitted on WMAs only when accompanied by or under
the control of the owner. From April 16 through July 14, dogs must be on a
leash. A person training a dog on a WMA may not use live ammunition or
blank cartridges, including the use of blanks in dummy launchers or similar
devices.
Same rules apply to Aquatic Management Areas.
In regard to state parks:
Pets are welcome in Minnesota’s state parks but must be kept on a leash of not more than six feet and must be personally attended at all times.
I can’t seem to find a straight answer on state forests, so I would call to make sure!