MN DNR releases hunting report ahead of deer firearm season Nov. 4

Detroit Lakes, Minn. (KDLM) – The MN DNR has released its deer hunting report ahead of the Nov. 4 firearm season.

The agency states their wildlife managers have reported there will be good opportunities to harvest deer in most hunting zones across the state this year.

In Central Minnesota, the agency reports the deer populations remain robust and highly productive with many of the animals faring well over the winter.

The deer have been feeding on a bumper acorn crop and, if dry conditions persist, hunters should have easier access to wetland habitats.

In certain Central Minnesota zones, hunters will be able to harvest up to three deer and as many as five deer in a chronic wasting disease management zone.

In Northwestern Minnesota, the agency reports the deer population as “mostly stable” and even with a moderate to severe winter, the animals fared well.

Many hunting zones in Northwestern Minnesota will limit hunters to 2 to 3 deer depending on the zone. Some of the zones will only allow bucks to be harvested.

The reasons for the reduction in Northwestern harvest limits are based on concerns about the last two winters’ effect on local populations.

The agency also states deer hunting is the primary tool used to manage deer populations and hunters help the MN DNR every year with keeping their population goals in line across the state.

They also stressed that deer one-year or older harvested in chronic wasting disease management zones must be tested for the disease. More information about testing for chronic wasting disease can be found the agency’s website.

The MN DNR expects more than 400,000 hunters to participate during the firearms hunting season this year.