DNR: Central Minnesota Hunters Can Anticipate A Productive Firearms Season

(KNSI) – Deer hunters in central Minnesota can expect plenty of shots at the big bucks during the firearms season.

Sauk Rapids-based Minnesota Department of Natural Resources Assistant Wildlife Manager Peter Borash keeps track of the deer around here. “The population across central Minnesota especially are still very high. So, I do think the possibility is very good for all of our hunters out there this year.”

Many deer pulled through the harsh winter thanks to a bumper crop of acorns, and drought conditions have drained a lot of wetland, making it easier for hunters to find new spots and access land.

Hunters can shoot three deer in every permit area around St. Cloud, but only one can be a buck. The bag limits are because the four-legged foes are becoming too numerous and starting to kill off young trees in the woods and causing crop damage in western Stearns County and central Wright County. Borash says that’s why they’re encouraging hunters to shoot female deer. “The does are really what reduces our population or the population capabilities by taking those out of the herd. So, that’s what all of these additional tags are kind of pushing towards.”

Over 400,000 deer hunters prepare for the opener on Saturday, November 4th. The Governor’s Deer Hunting Opener is set for the Eagle Bluff Environmental Learning Center in Lanesboro.

Hunters can get details on their zone by clicking here.

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