The Minnesota Deer Hunters Association will be the sole contractor charged with feeding northern Minnesota deer, the group's leader said Tuesday — an arrangement intended to expedite the effort to reach animals struggling to survive severe cold and deep snow.

MDHA will order feed weekly from Minnesota suppliers, said Mark Johnson, the executive director. Group members will use snowmobiles and ATVs to distribute special high-protein pellets.

The budget for the undertaking is $170,000.

Johnson is concerned the relatively small amount of money the DNR is allocating to MDHA from a special deer feeding and disease account might not be enough.

"We'll see how it goes, but we might have to go back to the DNR and ask for more,'' Johnson said. Feeding is expected to begin in less than two weeks.

A grouse gathering

Grouse hunters will gather Saturday in Zumbrota, Minn., in a "celebration of birds, dogs and guns.'' Speakers include authors Tom Davis ("Tattered Autumn Sky,'') Larry Brown ("A Pheasant Hunter's Notebook,'') and Tom Prawdzik ("A Passion for Grouse.'')

Wildlife artist Noel Dunn and sculptor Dave Moore will attend. Seminar topics include puppy selection, grouse dog trials and veterinary care in the field. Hours are from 1 p.m. to 6 p.m. at the historic Zumbrota State Theatre.

Admission is $25. Tickets online at ZAAC.org.

Dennis Anderson