Per plan, deer harvest shrinks Whitetail harvest drops 4 percent

Minnesota's deer harvest in 2012 was down 4 percent from the previous year -- and was the lowest kill in 13 years.

Hunters shot 184,649 whitetails, compared to 192,331 in 2011. It was the fewest deer killed since 180,569 were taken in 1999.

Department of Natural Resources officials expected the decline because the agency issued fewer antlerless permits.

"Reduced harvest overall was intentional and expected for 2012," said Leslie McInenly, DNR big game program leader. "In much of the state, we have met [or are near] population goals set during the last process. As a result, the focus in many areas has turned to stabilizing or slightly increasing deer numbers. The more conservative harvest reflects that focus."

Meanwhile, archery hunters killed 21,556 whitetails, a 5.4 percent increase from last year. And muzzleloader hunters registered 7,494 deer, 78 (1 percent) more than last year.

Duck, pheasant stamps rise Duck and pheasant stamp sales increased a bit in 2012, a somewhat encouraging sign for state wildlife managers. The DNR sold 89,960 duck stamps, 446 more than last year. And the agency sold 90,478 pheasant stamps, 3,660 -- or about 4 percent -- more than last year.

The DNR also sold 277,467 small game licenses, 1,887 more than last year.

Waterfowl hall of fame The Minnesota Waterfowl Association has announced its 2013 Hall of Fame selections, who will be inducted Feb. 2 in Bloomington. They include:

Randy "the Flagman" Bartz -- manufacturer and educator of field goose hunting products.

Roger Holmes -- former DNR Fish and Wildlife director who died in 2008.

Arnie Krueger -- conservationist, wood duck enthusiast, decoy carver and painter.

Denny Kumlin -- of Delano, a waterfowl conservationist, avid duck hunter and Ducks Unlimited historian.

Kevin Lines -- of North Branch, a former DNR area wildlife manager and conservation easement section leader for the Board of Water and Soil Conservation.

Tony Rondeau -- of Fergus Falls, a retired U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service biologist and a founder of MWA's Woodie Camp and Advanced Woodie Camp.