From Tribune news services
http://www.lacrossetribune.com/articles/2008/06/17/newsupdate/11minndeer.txt
The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources is making major changes to simplify deer seasons and licensing for this fall, according to Lou Cornicelli, DNR big-game program coordinator.
The changes annoucned today include:
Allowing a person to individually buy licenses for regular firearms, muzzleloader and archery in any combination.
Consolidating deer zones so that licensed firearms hunters can hunt anywhere in the state.
Simplifying legal big-game rifle calibers to allow any center-fire that is at least .220 caliber.
Eliminating the need to validate the license when tagging an animal.
The changes are the result of recommendations of a citizens’ work group convened by the DNR to recommend simplification of the deer seasons.
During late 2007, the DNR organized a group of stakeholders to provide recommendations to the DNR on how to streamline hunting while not compromising the ability to manage deer.
The team ultimately settled on four primary recommendations, which were brought to the public and the Minnesota Legislature for consideration. The group’s recommendations were the subject of 12 public meetings held around the state last spring. Legislative and rule changes made since that time will allow for implementation of the recommendations this fall.
“Minnesota previously had more license types and options for deer than any other Midwestern state, so the need for simplification was apparent,” Cornicelli said.
Read more in the Tribune’s Thursday Outdoors section.
