As Minnesota deer hunters expected, the DNR announced a conservative deer hunting season for next fall in an attempt to boost the whitetail herd.
That means the taking of does will be restricted in large parts of the state.
Here's the DNR news release:
Hunters can expect a conservative 2014 deer season designed to rebuild deer numbers across much of the state, the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources said.
"Hunters should check the 2014 hunting regulations closely because only one deer can be harvested in 95 percent of the state," said Leslie McInenly, big game program leader for the DNR. "To shoot a doe, hunters may have to apply for a permit in areas where they haven't in the past and, in some places, no antlerless harvest will be allowed."
In 69 of Minnesota's 128 deer permit areas, hunters must be chosen in a lottery to shoot an antlerless deer. Only bucks can be hunted in 14 areas. In 38 areas, hunters have the choice of shooting a doe or a buck. Bonus permits allowing hunters to shoot more than one deer may only be used in seven permit areas and for some special hunts.
"Many hunters voiced concerns about current deer densities and their hunting experiences in recent years. We heard from hunters at the listening sessions we conducted, in the online comments we solicited and by contacting us directly," McInenly said. "This past winter only added to those concerns so this year's conservative approach will protect more antlerless deer, reduce the statewide harvest and allow the population to rebound."
Northeastern Minnesota hunters will feel the greatest impact from a bucks-only season. In bucks-only areas, no antlerless deer may be harvested by any hunter, including those with archery or youth licenses. McInenly said that most of these areas are now below goal and that this year's conservative approach is consistent with the DNR's long-term commitment to manage deer populations at established goal levels.
