MN DNR firearms deer season changes

  • mike_utley
    Zumbrota, MN
    Posts: 578
    #589978

    Lip – makes mention of putting the deer on alert. I guess we’ll see in 346 and 349 what the comments are from the regular gun and archery hunters in those area’s.

    I will say this, I hunted the week between the two seasons 3A and 3B last year. Saw several deer on the move each day, all day long. I attribute that mostly to the peak of the rut and only wonder how many more deer might have still been on the move if there hadn’t already been the 3A season. I’m guessing it might take a few days after that early season for things to settle down again.

    I really question the effectiveness of the season since most farmers are not harvesting any amount of corn this early in October. I know the land I hunt in 347 never is harvested before the last week in October.

    amwatson
    Holmen,WI
    Posts: 5130
    #32887

    Welcome to the club, we have been dealing with this in WI for several years now. Archery opens mid September and in quite a few units they had/have an October early antlerless gun season.
    Sure, it takes a few days away from the bowhunters that are looking for bucks only. But, it is designed to target does that clearly need to be thinned down. If people would have harvested does in the past instead of being “trophy” hunters, these special regs would not need to be implimented.
    The main reason I feel they have the special season in October is to get more participation. The weather is typically warmer and it also allows the gun hunters to get a chance to hunt earlier than the traditional November season.

    amwatson
    Holmen,WI
    Posts: 5130
    #590202

    Welcome to the club, we have been dealing with this in WI for several years now. Archery opens mid September and in quite a few units they had/have an October early antlerless gun season.
    Sure, it takes a few days away from the bowhunters that are looking for bucks only. But, it is designed to target does that clearly need to be thinned down. If people would have harvested does in the past instead of being “trophy” hunters, these special regs would not need to be implimented.
    The main reason I feel they have the special season in October is to get more participation. The weather is typically warmer and it also allows the gun hunters to get a chance to hunt earlier than the traditional November season.

    sgt._rock
    Rochester, MN
    Posts: 2517
    #32888

    Mike: The reduction of the doe population is a good thing. I gun hunt WI and they are generous with the tags when you buy a license. In MN it seems like the idea is to generate more $$$ with more license/season ideas. If they gave away extra tags you’d see the popularity increase but once again you need to purchase extra tags for this new Oct hunt.

    sgt._rock
    Rochester, MN
    Posts: 2517
    #590229

    Mike: The reduction of the doe population is a good thing. I gun hunt WI and they are generous with the tags when you buy a license. In MN it seems like the idea is to generate more $$$ with more license/season ideas. If they gave away extra tags you’d see the popularity increase but once again you need to purchase extra tags for this new Oct hunt.

    gregh
    s.e. minn
    Posts: 642
    #32891

    All the state of MN needs to do is pull its head out of it [censored] and start Earn a buck program. Take a look at other states that have it already and its been a huge success.The state is not worried about the doe population, its about the almighty dollar.

    gregh
    s.e. minn
    Posts: 642
    #590246

    All the state of MN needs to do is pull its head out of it [censored] and start Earn a buck program. Take a look at other states that have it already and its been a huge success.The state is not worried about the doe population, its about the almighty dollar.

    Steve Plantz
    SE MN
    Posts: 12240
    #32902

    I look at it this way this will be a good opportunity for youth and senior hunters who can not take the later season hunts when it gets cold out. If everything falls into place my daughter will be going on her first deer hunt this year and I will defiantly be looking into this early season hunt for her. Anyone have any land in 346 where I could take her hunting?

    Steve Plantz
    SE MN
    Posts: 12240
    #590439

    I look at it this way this will be a good opportunity for youth and senior hunters who can not take the later season hunts when it gets cold out. If everything falls into place my daughter will be going on her first deer hunt this year and I will defiantly be looking into this early season hunt for her. Anyone have any land in 346 where I could take her hunting?

    jason_ramthun
    Byron MN
    Posts: 3376
    #32906

    I’m not for this early season but I guess I would rather see it early than late season, then you are looking at bucks that have shed getting shot durning this late season crap !
    Earn a buck is not the ticket is it ? Get people shooting NUB bucks just so they can shoot that buck when it comes by
    The problem starts with land owners not letting anyone hunt now days

    jason_ramthun
    Byron MN
    Posts: 3376
    #590602

    I’m not for this early season but I guess I would rather see it early than late season, then you are looking at bucks that have shed getting shot durning this late season crap !
    Earn a buck is not the ticket is it ? Get people shooting NUB bucks just so they can shoot that buck when it comes by
    The problem starts with land owners not letting anyone hunt now days

    robstenger
    Northern Twin Cities, MN
    Posts: 11374
    #32907

    Besides the reasons I mentioned previous, I agree with others, during the Early Season hunt the crops (corn mainly) are all pretty much still standing. It would be more effective to hold this hunt after the crops have been harvested and the deer are limited to where they can “hide”. If it isall about harvesting more deer, in which they say it is. It is a little tougher to hunt 60 acres of woods and 240 acres of corn when the corn is still standing. Not to mention, anyone that has muzzle-loaded or bow hunted late season knows, those deer get pretty predictable, especailly the does come late season trying to load up before Winter.

    I disagree that it is “ONLY” about the mighty dollar. That might be part of it, but there are sections that are over populated with deer and antler less deer. This is a big reason for holding this hunt, not the only, but a big reason.

    I’m still a firm believer that these early season hunts put the deer on high alert. Which educates them and they know they are being hunted, making them move less during shooting hours of the regular gun season. Weather and comfort should play no role in when the season is held period. However, I can remember snow and cold in middle of October and also remember 60 degree days in the beginning of November.

    GMAN?? Shedding antlers???? I’m talking about holding the extra season in late November beginning of December not March. I agree with GMAN, also not a fan of earn a buck.

    robstenger
    Northern Twin Cities, MN
    Posts: 11374
    #590611

    Besides the reasons I mentioned previous, I agree with others, during the Early Season hunt the crops (corn mainly) are all pretty much still standing. It would be more effective to hold this hunt after the crops have been harvested and the deer are limited to where they can “hide”. If it isall about harvesting more deer, in which they say it is. It is a little tougher to hunt 60 acres of woods and 240 acres of corn when the corn is still standing. Not to mention, anyone that has muzzle-loaded or bow hunted late season knows, those deer get pretty predictable, especailly the does come late season trying to load up before Winter.

    I disagree that it is “ONLY” about the mighty dollar. That might be part of it, but there are sections that are over populated with deer and antler less deer. This is a big reason for holding this hunt, not the only, but a big reason.

    I’m still a firm believer that these early season hunts put the deer on high alert. Which educates them and they know they are being hunted, making them move less during shooting hours of the regular gun season. Weather and comfort should play no role in when the season is held period. However, I can remember snow and cold in middle of October and also remember 60 degree days in the beginning of November.

    GMAN?? Shedding antlers???? I’m talking about holding the extra season in late November beginning of December not March. I agree with GMAN, also not a fan of earn a buck.

    jason_ramthun
    Byron MN
    Posts: 3376
    #32909

    Late season , as in mid Dec to late Dec !
    I have seen this happen in Iowa , Bucks are stressed out during the on going seasons (shed early) and then they have the late season doe hunt and some get shot! SAD TO SEE ! ( Lip March would be to cold )

    jason_ramthun
    Byron MN
    Posts: 3376
    #590621

    Late season , as in mid Dec to late Dec !
    I have seen this happen in Iowa , Bucks are stressed out during the on going seasons (shed early) and then they have the late season doe hunt and some get shot! SAD TO SEE ! ( Lip March would be to cold )

    mike_utley
    Zumbrota, MN
    Posts: 578
    #32915

    Haven’t taken a buck in 6 years. Taken 2 does almost every year since taking my last buck.

    Why is it, that everytime a person identifies themself as a avid archer – you are also pegged as a person who doesn’t harvest does or doesn’t understand management? Truth be told, I’ll bet more archers take a doe before a buck if you actually checked stats of guys who are regulars in the field.

    I only wish I had my camera with me everytime I pass on a buck so that I could share more photo’s of the deer that get passed on every year so that people really understand what potential is out there an that more do their part to manage deer. I’d challange many people to pass on some of the bucks I do each year and take a doe a short time there after.

    mike_utley
    Zumbrota, MN
    Posts: 578
    #590677

    Haven’t taken a buck in 6 years. Taken 2 does almost every year since taking my last buck.

    Why is it, that everytime a person identifies themself as a avid archer – you are also pegged as a person who doesn’t harvest does or doesn’t understand management? Truth be told, I’ll bet more archers take a doe before a buck if you actually checked stats of guys who are regulars in the field.

    I only wish I had my camera with me everytime I pass on a buck so that I could share more photo’s of the deer that get passed on every year so that people really understand what potential is out there an that more do their part to manage deer. I’d challange many people to pass on some of the bucks I do each year and take a doe a short time there after.

    mike_utley
    Zumbrota, MN
    Posts: 578
    #32916

    Earn a buck get’s my vote – implement it where ever you have a doe problem – it can be done.

    mike_utley
    Zumbrota, MN
    Posts: 578
    #590679

    Earn a buck get’s my vote – implement it where ever you have a doe problem – it can be done.

    Steve Plantz
    SE MN
    Posts: 12240
    #32922

    Quote:


    I only wish I had my camera with me everytime I pass on a buck so that I could share more photo’s of the deer that get passed on every year so that people really understand what potential is out there an that more do their part to manage deer.


    I see TRAIL-POD has a Tree Mount Bracket out for trail cams, I would think this would work good while hunting also as you could mount it in the tree you are hunting out of right under your stand.

    Quote:


    Earn a buck get’s my vote – implement it where ever you have a doe problem – it can be done.


    Like GMAN and Lip I am not in favor of earn a buck I fear that too many nubin bucks would be shot.

    Steve Plantz
    SE MN
    Posts: 12240
    #590729

    Quote:


    I only wish I had my camera with me everytime I pass on a buck so that I could share more photo’s of the deer that get passed on every year so that people really understand what potential is out there an that more do their part to manage deer.


    I see TRAIL-POD has a Tree Mount Bracket out for trail cams, I would think this would work good while hunting also as you could mount it in the tree you are hunting out of right under your stand.

    Quote:


    Earn a buck get’s my vote – implement it where ever you have a doe problem – it can be done.


    Like GMAN and Lip I am not in favor of earn a buck I fear that too many nubin bucks would be shot.

    mike_utley
    Zumbrota, MN
    Posts: 578
    #32924

    Quote:


    Quote:


    Like GMAN and Lip I am not in favor of earn a buck I fear that too many nubin bucks would be shot.


    Don’t you think the nubin bucks are being shot anyway? During the old 3B season, most people would think they were shooting does until they got up to the buck. How many people actually consider a doe a nubin buck when they release or pull the trigger?

    mike_utley
    Zumbrota, MN
    Posts: 578
    #590740

    Quote:


    Quote:


    Like GMAN and Lip I am not in favor of earn a buck I fear that too many nubin bucks would be shot.


    Don’t you think the nubin bucks are being shot anyway? During the old 3B season, most people would think they were shooting does until they got up to the buck. How many people actually consider a doe a nubin buck when they release or pull the trigger?

    Steve Plantz
    SE MN
    Posts: 12240
    #32929

    I see your point Mike for myself if the deer is too small I just do not shoot I wish more people would do the same

    Steve Plantz
    SE MN
    Posts: 12240
    #590746

    I see your point Mike for myself if the deer is too small I just do not shoot I wish more people would do the same

    gregh
    s.e. minn
    Posts: 642
    #32930

    You guys that think “nubbing bucks” would be shot if earn a buck was started……..come on thats pretty weak argument!! Do you not carry bino’s in the tree with ya? You CAN see the nubs if ya looked. Lip I agree with ya on the fact that weather should not a reason to hold it early. If ya dont want to hunt when its cold well STAY HOME.

    gregh
    s.e. minn
    Posts: 642
    #590751

    You guys that think “nubbing bucks” would be shot if earn a buck was started……..come on thats pretty weak argument!! Do you not carry bino’s in the tree with ya? You CAN see the nubs if ya looked. Lip I agree with ya on the fact that weather should not a reason to hold it early. If ya dont want to hunt when its cold well STAY HOME.

    Steve Plantz
    SE MN
    Posts: 12240
    #32931

    Quote:


    If ya dont want to hunt when its cold well STAY HOME.


    would you say that to a 12 year old who wanted to go on there first hunt or to a grandparent who it could be there last hunt?

    Steve Plantz
    SE MN
    Posts: 12240
    #590754

    Quote:


    If ya dont want to hunt when its cold well STAY HOME.


    would you say that to a 12 year old who wanted to go on there first hunt or to a grandparent who it could be there last hunt?

    gregh
    s.e. minn
    Posts: 642
    #32940

    Absolutely!!, Thats part of hunting.

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