Outdoor Notes for Feb. 2

Muskie's Inc. Sportsman's Banquet if Feb. 16

The Brainerd Lakes Chapter of Muskies Inc. will hold its annual Sportsman's Banquet on Feb. 16 at the Brainerd Armory. Fishing, hunting, firearms, camping equipment and much more will be available by raffle. Early bird pricing runs until Feb. 10. Go to www.brainerdmuskies.com for ticket information.

Spring Hunt Dog Fun Clinic

The Spring Hunt Dog Fun Clinic will be held April 27 at Oak Lawn Tavern, 15483 Highway 18

The event is sponsored by Ducks Unlimited and Marsh & Meadows Retriever Club

Registration starts at 8:30 a.m. April 27

A family event, with all breeds, experience levels and ages of dogs welcome.

There will be free training seminars, a real hunt setup to run dogs in and raffles, food, beverages and other prizes.

For advanced sign up contact Joby Goerges with Ducks Unlimited at 218-251-6735 or joby.goerges@magnumresearch.com ; or Jim McKeehen with Marsh & Meadows Retriever Club at 612-963-2615 or mckeehen@emily.net

Range Bassmasters open for new members

Range Bassmasters, a bass club based in the Brainerd lakes area, is planning activities for the coming 2019 bass season.

The club is now open to new members, male and female, young and old, whether or not you own a boat, as long those interested are at least 14 years old this coming May.

The club has been affiliated with both the Bass Anglers Sportsman Society (B.A.S.S.) and The Bass Federation (T.B.F.). For a meeting schedule and other information about the club, contact Jenny by email at jennyandemmet@msn.com .

Ski or snowshoe by candlelight Feb. 16 at Mille Lacs Kathio State Park

Minnesota state parks and trails will host more than 30 candlelight events this winter, including one from 6-9:30 p.m. Feb. 16 at Mille Lacs Kathio State Park.

"Few things transform a winter evening like soft light on snow," said Erika Rivers, director of the Department of Natural Resources Parks and Trails Division, in a news release. "Lit candles and lanterns help to create an unforgettable experience, especially when coupled with light from a starry sky and full moon."

Students from the Central Lakes College Natural Resource Club will prepare three separate routes for this annual event. A 2 ½- mile trail between the trail center and the interpretive center is suitable for beginner-level skiers of all ages. A shuttle bus will run continuously between the two locations.

Two half-mile snowshoeing trails will start at the interpretive center and are suitable for beginner-level snowshoers of all ages. Traditional snowshoes will be offered free of charge at the interpretive center for those who wish to try the trails. Also, snowshoes and skis can be rented at the park office. Live music will be provided from 7-9 p.m. by Hans Blix and the Weapons Inspectors. This musical group will play a mixture of old fiddle tunes, folk, Irish and contemporary music.

After exploring the trails, visitors can warm up with a cup of hot cider near a crackling bonfire.

A vehicle permit is required to enter Minnesota state parks. Although permits are available at the park, they also can be obtained in advance at mndnr.gov/reservations-log in (or create an account), click on "entry permit," select a duration of "one-day" ($7) or "year-round" ($35), and continue as directed. An email will be sent with a permit that can be printed and displayed in vehicles during park visits.

Those age 16 and older will also need the Great Minnesota Ski Pass if they plan to cross-country ski. The Great Minnesota Ski Pass ($6 for a day, $20 for one season or $55 for three seasons) allows cross-country skiers age 16 or older to access miles of trails in state parks or forests or on grant-in-aid trails. Passes can be purchased at the park or in advance by calling 888-665-4236 or visiting www.mndnr.gov/skipass .

In the event of severe weather, call 320-532-3269 for updates or check the visitor alert online at www.mndnr.gov/millelacskathio .