SEPTEMBER 3, 2009
Media contacts: Colleen Coyne, DNR communications director,
651-259-5023; Rob Naplin, Park Rapids area wildlife supervisor,
218-732-8452.
Hunters need permit for antlerless deer in permit areas 244, 245 and
246
Deer hunters who use a firearm or muzzleloader in deer permit areas
244, 245 and 246 (Becker, Hubbard, and Cass counties) and want to
harvest an antlerless deer must apply for an either-sex permit by the
Thursday, Sept. 10, 2009 deadline. Successful applicants will be drawn
by lottery.
"Nearly half of Minnesota's 127 deer permit areas now are lottery
areas, a significant increase from last year," said Rob Naplin, Park
Rapids area wildlife supervisor for the Minnesota Department of Natural
Resources (DNR). "More permit areas were designated lottery in 2009
because deer populations in those areas are at or below deer population
goals."
"Annually, we estimate deer numbers using a population model that
considers harvest and over-winter survival," said Naplin. "We then use
that information to designate lottery areas."
In lottery deer areas, firearms and muzzleloader hunters may only
harvest a buck unless they apply for and receive an either-sex permit.
Successful applicants may take an antlerless deer only in the designated
lottery area and only during the season listed on the application.
"Unlike previous years, muzzleloader hunters must apply for a permit
even if they don't hunt the regular firearms season," Naplin said. "If
a hunter applies for and receives a permit for the muzzleloader season,
for example, it's not valid during firearms season. And a firearm
season permit is not valid during muzzleloader season."
Hunters may apply for an either-sex permit through any Electronic
License System agent, via the DNR Web site or by calling toll free
888-665-4236. Lottery winners will receive permits via U.S. mail.
Bonus permits cannot be used in lottery deer areas, regardless of
weapon type. Hunters who are unsuccessful in the lottery may only
harvest a legal buck throughout the season in lottery deer areas.
Archery hunters may take a deer of either sex in a lottery area without
applying for a permit.
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