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Email: timberwolfinfonetwork@gmail.com
Email: timberwolfinfonetwork@gmail.com

MN: DNR Releases Preliminary Deer, Wolf Harvest Numbers

Minnesota hunters harvested 151,400 deer so far during the 2012 early firearm season, according to preliminary numbers announced Friday by the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR).

Overall, antlered buck harvest increased 9 percent and antlerless deer harvest decreased 21 percent compared to 2011. In total, firearm harvest was off 7 percent, which was expected given the conservative allocation of antlerless deer permits.

“The increase in buck harvest and decrease in antlerless deer harvest is a reflection of slightly higher deer populations statewide, yet a more conservative harvest philosophy this year,” said Lou Cornicelli, DNR wildlife research manager. “What drives total harvest is how we manage antlerless deer.”

This year, DNR increased the number of lottery areas where hunters could only take an antlerless deer by permit.

Opening weekend weather, which drives much of the statewide deer harvest, was nearly ideal with clear skies, cool temperatures, and a near total crop harvest.

Ample hunting opportunities remain as the statewide muzzleloader season runs from Saturday, Nov. 24 through Sunday, Dec. 9. The archery season closes on Monday, Dec. 31.

The deer harvest number is calculated using data provided by hunters when they register a deer. A final report, which includes more detailed harvest information, will be available on the DNR website at the end of January.

Wolf Harvest

Hunters registered 147 wolves during the early portion of Minnesota’s first wolf season that ended Nov. 18. 53 fewer than the statewide harvest target, according to the DNR.

The wolf harvest trend closely mirrored the deer harvest trend.

“The harvest was highest at the beginning of the season then declined as fewer hunters returned afield,” said Dan Stark, DNR large carnivore specialist. “It’s been a smooth start to the state’s first regulated wolf season. Interest was strong. Harvest is well within expectations.”

Wolf hunting in the east-central zone closed Nov. 5 with hunters registering eight wolves. The northeast zone closed Nov. 15, with hunters registering 61 wolves. Hunting in the northwest zone closed with the season on Nov. 18, with hunters registering 78 wolves. Hunters registered three more wolves in the northeast zone than the target of 58. In the east-central zone, hunters registered one fewer wolf than the target harvest of nine.

The agency anticipated slight overages or underages in its management planning. Stark said targets were established as guidelines, not absolute quotas and that late-season targets will be adjusted based on the early season harvest. He said that actual zone harvest numbers may change slightly as exact harvest location data is verified during wolf inspection.

Minnesota’s late hunting and trapping season began Saturday, Nov. 24. It will conclude Thursday, Jan. 31, provided late-season harvest targets in each of Minnesota’s three wolf zones are not met.

Hunters and trappers are encouraged to monitor the DNR website www.dnr.state.mn.us/hunting/wolf/index.html daily to ensure their season is open.

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