8/15/2007

Apply now for either-sex deer permits

Deer hunters who wish to harvest antlerless deer are encouraged to take extra time in determining if they need to apply to the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) for an either-sex permit prior to the Sept. 6 application deadline.

Adult hunters who purchase an all-season or regular firearm license and hunt in a lottery permit area (noted as blue on the colored maps available with the 2007 Hunting and Trapping Regulations Handbook) need to purchase their license and apply for an either-sex permit by the Sept. 6 deadline. Hunters who intend to purchase an all-season license and hunt during the muzzleloader season also need to apply if they intend to harvest an antlerless deer this year.

"It's important for hunters to look at the book every year before the lottery application deadline," said Lou Cornicelli, DNR big game program coordinator. "While some areas are always lottery, there have been some changes around St. Cloud and in western Minnesota as well."

Hunters who fail to apply before the Sept. 6 application deadline or are unsuccessful in the lottery will be restricted to bucks only, Cornicelli added. Leftover lottery permits will be sold on a first-come, first-served basis at 5 p.m. on Monday, Oct. 15. However, hunters should understand that permits will be limited as most are distributed through the lottery.

A complete list of lottery areas can be found in the 2007 hunting synopsis, which is available on the DNR Web site or at all 1,800 electronic licensing system agents. Alternatively, hunters can view specific 2007 deer season information at www.dnr.state.mn.us.