DNR seeks input on deer population objectives for southeastern Minnesota (2005-06-09)

How many deer should be on the landscape? Residents of southeastern Minnesota may respond to that question at a public meeting June 21 in Rochester. The meeting will be from 6:30 to 9 p.m., at the Heintz Center Vocational Building, 851 30 Ave. SE.

The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) has opened discussions this year to help determine deer population objectives for southeastern Minnesota. Current deer population objectives, the number of deer per square mile in a given area, were set nearly 20 years ago.

"We would like to know how many deer residents today are willing to accept on the landscape," said Lou Cornicelli, DNR big game program coordinator. "Residential housing, land use, agricultural patterns and habitat have changed significantly since we last evaluated deer population objectives."

Factors such as topography, agriculture and food sources affect deer densities in southeastern Minnesota. The DNR's primary tool in influencing deer populations is through issuing licenses for the fall deer hunting seasons.

Recently the DNR convened a group of stakeholders representing a variety of interests, including hunters, landowners and business owners, to help set a benchmark for deer population objectives in southeastern Minnesota. The objective of June 21 meeting, said Cornicelli, is to outline the goal-setting process and present stakeholder recommendations to the public. People who attend the meeting will be asked to complete a brief survey.

"We plan to focus solely on deer population objectives," Cornicelli said. "While alternative deer management strategies, quality deer management, and buck-to-doe ratios are of great interest to people, the intent of this meeting is to talk about how many deer should be on the landscape."

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