Gain without the pain

A majority of Minnesota deer hunters say they want more bucks -- and maybe even bigger ones -- but most aren't willing to accept major restrictions in return.

At least that's the mixed signal they sent in a 2005 DNR survey of state hunters done by the University of Minnesota.

The random survey of 3,300 hunters showed that 65 percent would support regulations that would increase the proportion of bucks in the deer herd. And 50 percent said they were dissatisfied with the number of mature bucks where they hunt.

But they were evenly split -- 43 percent to 43 percent -- when asked if they were satisfied with the quality of bucks.

When asked about possible regulation changes to enhance buck quantity and quality, these were the responses:

• Fifty percent supported early antlerless seasons, which reduce the number of antlerless deer.

• Forty-seven percent supported antler-point restrictions, which restrict the harvest of young bucks. Forty-three percent oppose that.

• Forty-six percent supported eliminating party hunting for bucks.

• Thirty-seven percent supported an earn-a-buck regulation, forcing hunters to shoot an antlerless deer before harvesting a buck.

• Twenty-nine percent supported creating a buck license lottery.

• Twenty-nine percent supported moving the season out of the rut.

• Twenty-eight percent supported eliminating all party hunting.

Of the 65 percent who supported regulation changes, 60 percent favored antler-point restrictions, 55 percent supported eliminating buck party hunting and 52 percent supported an early antlerless season.

DOUG SMITH