DNR Posts Deer Hunting Numbers as Firearms Season Closes in Much of Minnesota

(KNSI) — The Department of Natural Resources says the central and southern Minnesota firearms hunting season was a success.

According to the DNR, hunters shot 137,122 deer from November 5th to the 15th. Around 90,000 deer were taken in zone two, which covers the southern and western two-thirds of the state. Hunters saw the most success around Detroit Lakes, Staples, Park Rapids and Wadena, with 6,283 deer harvested.

The area stretching from Sauk Centre in the south to Fergus Falls in the north and includes the area north of Alexandria saw the second most deer taken, with 4,992. The DNR says 4,042 deer were taken from the zone covering Eagle Bend in the southeastern corner to Battle Lake in the west and north to New York Mills and Perham.

Hunters had the least success in the area surrounding the Boundry Waters Canoe Area and Voyageurs National Park. Deer hunting continues until Sunday in northeastern Minnesota. The DNR says around 400,000 deer licenses have been sold this year.