Deer hunting roundup

• Buck Lounging on the Golf Course

A few years ago, this buck was found lounging on the golf course in Two Harbors on the opening day of the firearms deer hunting season. The DNR is expecting fewer deer to be taken this year due to limits on anterless permits, harsher winters, and more predators. File photo

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Bob Kirsch, the Two Harbors area wildlife manager for the Minnesota DNR, says it simply when it comes to the firearms deer season opener Saturday. “Be safe. Be sure.”

Along with that is more advice from the DNR for hunters:

Buck bag limit

A hunter may only harvest one adult buck statewide, regardless of how many deer permit areas are hunted or the number licenses or bonus tags purchased.

Field conditions

Swamps, creeks, rivers, lakes and wetlands have received significant precipitation in the last eight weeks. The DNR advises hunters to plan ahead because normal ATV and vehicle travel may not be practical. Hunters may need to prepare for alternate access plans to stands, hunting areas and for deer retrieval. Some roads and trails are in tough driving condition and will get worse with additional rain. It is illegal to drive on or damage wetland areas.

Baiting

Baiting deer or hunting deer in the vicinity of bait is illegal statewide on private and public land. The definition of baiting has been changed and a provision that allowed bird feeders containing grains or nuts at least six feet above the ground has been eliminated for the purpose of taking deer.

Share the harvest

Hunters are encouraged to share venison with others. Donating venison to non-hunters enables hunters to take additional antlerless deer and provide inexpensive meat to non-hunting friends and family. Minnesota also has a venison donation program, which allows hunters to donate deer to an authorized processor at no cost so venison can be donated to a food shelf.

Racks

Antlers must remain

Tags: two harbors, deer hunting, northland, outdoors, hunting