Vermillion wildlife

Hunters, trappers and wildlife watchers in Dakota and Goodhue counties benefit from the management, habitat and oversight Minnesota Department of Natural Resources' Vermillion River Wildlife Complex staff.

Wildlife Supervisor Tim Pharis along with two full time staff oversee public and private lands that provide excellent hunting opportunities for deer, wild turkey, waterfowl and many other species. Out of their Rosemount office, the staff manages eight state Wildlife Management Areas totaling 12,530 acres and helps maintain seven Aquatic Management Areas totaling 471 acres.

What we do

At work for you

Cultivating habitat in the Vermillion River Wildlife Complex south of the Twin Cities.

• Planting native prairie to benefit game and non-game species. Nearly 800 acres of prairie have been added to the landscape since 2009.
• Planning controlled burns to enhance habitat on 1,130 acres of grassland.
• Since 2009, submitted proposals for 17 WMA acquisitions resulting in acquiring 1,798 acres and two new WMAs, with a third soon to be added.
• Working with the University of Minnesota and Dakota County to co-manage over 4,000 acres for outdoor recreation, including special hunting opportunities for citizens with disabilities and youth groups.
• Working with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to maintain wildlife habitat along portions of the Mississippi River system.
• Maintaining 70 miles of boundary throughout the work area.