DNR Asks for Hunters’ Input on Deer Population

78% of Hunters Report Low Deer Count

Sorry, this video is no longer available

While most outdoor lovers are deep into ice fishing season, the Minnesota DNR is already looking ahead to the deer hunting opener.

Wednesday evening hunters and landowners had the chance to weigh in on the deer population.

The DNR presented North Shore deer population stats to hunters in Two Harbors and asked for feedback.

For fall 2014, about 670 deer were tagged.

Numbers show 10 years ago the deer count was extremely high since then the DNR has been working to lower it.

With back to back harsh winters 78 percent of hunters say the deer count is too low.

“All you really can control is how much hunting you do, and if you’re taking does out of the population and what numbers you’re reducing that,” said DNR area wildlife manager, Nancy Hansen.

Hunters and the DNR agree this year’s mild winter could significantly help increase the North Shore deer population.

A warm winter with not much snow gives fawns a better chance for survival meaning more deer in the woods.

“Right now they have five, six, seven inches in the woods and they can run anywhere and they can outrun the predators right now,” said Brad Trevena with the Minnesota Deer Hunters Association. “It’s a good winter for them.”

Along the North Shore, the DNR has already taken steps to increase the population by not allowing hunters to tag does.

Depending on numbers and recommendations, they may have to do that again next season.

The DNR will take all the comments and decide on a final plan for the 2015 season in June.

To comment on the state deer population, click here.