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While last year's record harvest helped hold Minnesota's deer numbers in check, the population remains high thanks to abundant habitat, readily available food and another relatively mild winter.
Statewide, deer populations have been reduced locally by the advent of over-the-counter antlerless permits. "We observed increases in the percentage of antlerless harvest in managed and intensive permit areas," said Lou Cornicelli, DNR big game/season program coordinator. "In some areas, as many as two-thirds of all harvested deer were antlerless."
In those permit areas, deer populations were either stabilized or reduced; however, in lottery permit areas, the intent is generally not to decrease deer populations. Additionally, research biologists recently refined the deer model so previous estimates are not directly comparable to previous years. Using the new model, the statewide deer population is estimated at 1.2 million deer.
The firearms deer season will open Nov. 6, archery deer season will begin Sept. 18, and muzzleloader deer season will start Nov. 27.
There will also be more opportunities for youth deer hunters this fall. Youth under age 18 may purchase a half-price archery or firearm deer license and may take deer of either sex statewide. Youth deer hunts have been expanded and now include a special season in northwest Minnesota.
The 2004 Minnesota Hunting and Trapping Regulations Handbook, including regulations, quotas and special hunt information, is available at license agents throughout the state. Deer hunters interested in obtaining lottery, either-sex or special area permits, are encouraged to apply early. Hunters in management or intensive permit area may purchase their permits over the counter.
The application deadline for either-sex and special hunt permits is Thursday, Sept. 9. Hunters interested in these permits may apply at any of the 1,800 Electronic Licensing System license agents throughout Minnesota.
Hunters may also apply over the Internet at www.dnr.state.mn.us or by ELS-Telephone by calling 1-888-665-4236 and paying an added $3.50 convenience fee.
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