OutdoorMN News - Early antlerless-only deer season to open in 2 southeastern permit areas

[Rick]

Hunters in portions of southeastern Minnesota can harvest antlerless deer in an early antlerless-only season from Thursday, Oct. 20, to Sunday, Oct. 23, in deer permit areas 346 and 349 in Winona, Houston and Fillmore counties, according to the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources.

These areas have high deer densities and private landowners have experienced deer damage to agricultural crops. Hunters should be aware that public land is limited in the early antlerless hunt areas, and hunters need to ask permission to hunt private lands.

In the early antlerless deer hunt, only antlerless deer may be taken, and hunters may use up to five early antlerless permits. Deer harvested during the special season do not count toward a hunter’s statewide limit during the regular season. Early antlerless deer permits cost $7.50 for residents and may be purchased wherever hunting licenses are sold. Bonus permits may not be used for the early antlerless season.

All deer harvested during this season must be tagged with an early antlerless permit. Hunters also must have a valid archery, firearms or muzzleloader deer license. The early antlerless season coincides with the four-day special youth deer season. More information can be found at www.mndnr.gov/deer.

The DNR works to protect and maintain Minnesota’s white-tailed deer. The deer population, which varies in density from place to place and year to year, is dependent on adequate habitat and influenced by the severity of winter weather. Deer are ecologically, socially and economically important in a state where hunting and wildlife watching generate more than $1.3 billion in annual economic impacts.

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