Another deer hunting season iin Minnesota is right around the corner, on Saturday, November 5, for the Zone 2 area of Minnesota, which includes Crookston and the area. The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is looking to ensure everyone is prepared and informed of new regulations and guidelines.
The main thing the DNR wants hunters to understand are the current rules and regulations, and any changes to them this year. One of the newest changes includes a ban on ammunition made of lead for hunting in State Parks and scientific and natural areas.
Another change is to the locations and times of the “early antlerless” season. A season that helps reduce the number of deer in higher-density areas. “There are changes to our early antlerless season, and there are more areas that there have early antlerless season starts,” DNR Thief River Falls and Erskine Area Wildlife Supervisor Doug Franke explained. The season runs from October 20 to 23. The reduction in the number of deer they can take has also dropped from five to three.
Hunters need to renew or obtain their hunting licenses every year. There are bonus permits that they need to get to hunt antlerless deer or collect additional antlerless deer in certain areas.
In order to begin hunting on the first day of the season, hunters must get their license at least one day before November 5, as the DNR will not allow them to hunt until the day after they obtain their license. Franke also noted that this year, the DNR is allowing people to use their base license in place of permits for antlerless deer.
There are youth licenses for children ages 10-12 that are free. Youth licenses for children ages 13-17 have a reduced fee license of $5.
The other significant change is Zoning area 261 (which Crookston is a part of) has been changed to area 661, and a Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) Management area. With the CWD, there are new mandatory events hunters will have to partake in before they can begin hunting. “The folks during the first two days of the firearms season (November 5 and 6) is mandatory required sampling, and there will be stations in Oslo, Climax, East Grand Forks, and Crookston where there will be staff stations for sampling,” Franke explained. “After that, it’s voluntary, and there will be self-sampling stations at those locations for people to drop a deer head off that we can extract samples of afterward.” Franke noted that while there is voluntary sampling, it is critical that the DNR gets samples from those stations to help find Chronic Wasting disease in the area.
The DNR also urges hunters, especially first-time and youth hunters, to make sure they are using their firearms safely. “The other thing is safety. If you’re not familiar with the gun you’re using, make sure you get to a firing range and take some target practice. Obviously, understanding the different types of bullets available and knowing your target at this time of year,” Franke explained. “Especially for new people, regardless of what age you are, hunting with someone who is familiar or more knowledgeable is always a good idea. Having a mentor or someone who understands the hunting season and how to hunt deer is always beneficial to help participate, and anyone assisting with the hunt needs to be licensed as well.”
The regular deer firearm hunting season for deer for Zone 2 is coming up on Saturday, November 5. To see all of the changes and new regulations added by the Department of Natural Resources, you can go to the DNR’s website at www.dnr.state.mn.us/hunting/deer/index.html.
