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People can give input on a plan by the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources to change the boundaries of several bear permit units in the Leech Lake area.

The Leech Lake Band of Ojibwe Tribal Government requested that the DNR consider making the Leech Lake Reservation its own bear permit unit, similar to how deer are currently managed in deer permit area 197.

"This plan will enable us to more effectively manage hunter densities and bear harvest within the reservation boundary, which is a mutual goal of both the Leech Lake Band and the DNR," said Dan Stark, large carnivore specialist.

The proposed changes will create two new bear permit units within the Leech Lake Reservation.

The proposed change is scheduled to be in effect for the 2016 bear hunting season. Complete details and additional information about the proposal will be on the DNR website at www.mndnr.gov/bear on Friday, Feb. 26. Online comments on the proposal will be accepted beginning Feb. 26 and continuing through Sunday, March 13.[[In-content Ad]]

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