image linking to 100 Top Bass Fishing Sites image linking to 100 Top Saltwater Fishing Sites image linking to 100 Top Fly Fishing Sites image linking to 100 Top Walleye Sites image linking to 100 Top Small Game Sites image linking to 100 Top Birds and Waterfowl Sites
* * * IMPORTANT NOTICE * * *
You are currently viewing the old OUTDOOR CENTRAL.COM website ARCHIVES.  For the latest in hunting, fishing, and outdoor recreation related news, and an ALL NEW experience, including user friendly navigation, search capabilities, an Outdoor Central Video Network, and more, be sure to visit our NEW WEBSITE, located at http://www.outdoorcentral.com.    Visit the new, improved website, you'll be glad you did!  CLICK HERE
 

Deer hunting regulations changing at some Minnesota state parks (2005-06-07)

This fall, hunters who participate in some Minnesota state park deer hunts will be part of the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources' (DNR) first evaluation of special regulations aimed at lowering deer populations.

At seven state parks this fall, two regulations will be evaluated: antler point restrictions (a buck must have a minimum number of points to be legal) and earn-a-buck (a hunter must tag an antlerless deer before taking a buck). The intent of the regulations is to increase the anterless deer harvest.

"We need to find ways to lower deer populations," said Lou Cornicelli, DNR big game program coordinator. "State parks are a perfect fit to test these regulations, because all except Itasca are special hunts, so most hunters must apply for the opportunity to participate."

For 2005, the following state park changes will be made:

Itasca - In order to be legal, a buck must have at least three points on at least one antler. Since the Itasca hunt does not require an application, the DNR will hold public meetings this summer to discuss the regulations.

St. Croix - Hunter must tag an antlerless deer before taking a buck.

Wild River - Hunter must tag an antlerless deer before taking a buck.

Great River Bluffs - Hunter must tag an antlerless deer before taking a buck.

Maplewood - Hunter must tag an antlerless deer before taking a buck.

Savanna Portage - A buck must have three points to be legal.

Forestville - A buck must have four points to be legal.

"State parks staff is excited to work with Fish and Wildlife on this project," said Ed Quinn, state parks resource coordinator.

"In some parks, just increasing the number of available permits has not resulted in the level of deer population reduction we are trying to achieve. We hope that these alternative regulations will increase antlerless harvest and result in better forest regeneration and protection of herbaceous ground layer plants."

The DNR will survey hunters to evaluate their opinions about the regulations changes. The data would be used to develop regulations that lower deer populations but have broad public support.

"This is a unique opportunity to evaluate regulations from a research perspective," said Marrett Grund, DNR farmland deer research leader. "It will provide a basis of data that we can use to evaluate future deer regulations."

 

Click Here To Return To The Previous Page

<%server.execute "/bottom.asp"%>