The gun deer season began Saturday in Minnesota, and calls around the state revealed varying levels of success.

Duluth: Eric Grussendorf said the unseasonably warm weather in Duluth meant the staff members at Chalstrom's Bait had their hands full early Saturday. "I don't know what the count is up to now, but it started out hot and heavy this morning. [Hunters] have to take care of their deer right away. You're used to cold weather on the rifle opener and then today it's sunny and 50 degrees."

Park Rapids: The DNR's online deer registration slowed the foot traffic some at Two Inlets Country Store, but Tim Eischens said there were still plenty of deer brought in, including a 248-pounder. "They register online now so we probably registered maybe 50 or so today," Eischens said.

Rochester: The special 23-day hunting season in the Pine Island area, which the DNR set up to improve its ability to test for chronic wasting disease in local herds, meant that Archery Headquarters in Rochester had one of its best openers ever. "As far as registering deer, I registered a lot," said Trent Kleeberger, who works at the store. "The crowds being out as early as they were, it makes it that much easier. I'm sure they did have a pretty spectacular opening weekend. A little windy but other than that it was good."

Red Wing: Cloudy, windy weather didn't stop hunters from finding deer in Goodhue County. Travis Smenrud, who had just tagged a 12-point, 232-pound buck that was brought into 4 Season Sport Shop, thought hunters were in good spirits. "People don't seem to be having any problem finding deer," he said.

Pipestone: It was Pam Bush's first year registering deer at JB's Foodmart, and she said the turnout was steady all day. "We've had probably 20 register pretty good-sized bucks. A lot of 8-pointers. It's been busy most of the day."

Waubun: High winds in Waubun contributed to a slow day for deer registering at 113 Bait & Tackle. "I've only registered about five deer so far today," Scott Haugen said. "As windy as it's been here I don't think the deer are moving too much. It was pretty busy as far as licensing goes and things like that. But it's been a little slow as far as kills."