DNR to Continue Conservative Management for 2015 Deer Hunt

The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources says hunters can expect another conservative deer hunting season this fall.

The DNR signaled Tuesday that deer hunting regulations will be very similar to last year as the agencies management of the deer population continues to work on rebuilding deer numbers across much of the state.

“The 2015 deer hunting regulations will be quite similar to last year, with one-deer limits in most of the state,” said Leslie McInenly, big game program leader for the DNR. “Hunters should check the 2015 regulations early, because in the majority of areas, hunters will need to apply for a permit to shoot an antlerless deer.”

In 70 of Minnesota’s 128 deer permit areas, hunters will be chosen in a lottery to shoot an antlerless deer, while only bucks can be hunted in 14 areas. In 29 areas, hunters will have the choice of shooting a doe or a buck. Bonus permits, which will allow hunters to shoot more than one deer, will only be available in 11 permit areas and for some special hunts. The DNR is also restricting the antlerless harvest to youth hunters only in three southwestern areas.

Deer hunting licenses will go on sale August 1st, which is also the first day for hunters to apply to the lottery for antlerless deer permits The deadline to apply for the lottery is Sept. 10th.