DNR: Grouse down, deer up
The early word from the DNR for the 2010 hunting season is simple: more deer and fewer grouse.
That could change but the early reports are in and DNR Wildlife Manager Tom Rusch in Tower gave a breakdown on what to expect this fall.
One of the keys to wildlife survival is the weather. A tough winter can knock down populations in a hurry. Last year's winter? Not so tough.
"It was an extremely mild winter. This compares to 1998 and that's the winter that brought us back from the bad winters of the mid 1990s," said Rusch.
The DNR uses the winter severity index, based largely on snow depth. In 2009, a severe winter, Tower had a 183. Last year Tower was at 62.
Deer (Nov. 6-21)
The winter of 2008 knocked down the deer herd but Rusch believes last winter will turn the tables.
"This is going to be a good fawn crop. We're coming out from a low period into higher deer numbers and our management strategies reflect that," said Rusch.
Hunters should see a bumper crop of fawns, and bucks with excellent antler growth, according to Rusch.
Redrawn lines for permit areas may have hunters scratching their heads, but Rusch believes the new boundaries will create better management opportunities.
For most of the Ely area, permit area 118 is the number to remember, where there will be 100 antlerless permits available in a lottery.
For those wondering why even have a lottery, Rusch pointed out 100 is a fairly insignificant number and it allows kids to shoot antlerless deer. If the area was bucks only, kids wouldn't be allowed to shoot antlerless deer.
"Hunters should still apply since their application goes toward their preference level. Each year you're basically rewarded for perseverance," said Rusch.
The deadline for applying is Thursday, Sept. 9.
In lottery deer areas, firearms and muzzleloader hunters may only harvest a buck unless they apply for and receive an either-sex permit, which allows them to harvest an antlerless deer.
For 2010, all firearm and muzzleloader hunters must apply if they want to take an either-sex deer. Successful applicants will be able to take an antlerless deer in that area only during the season listed on the application.
This year, hunters are able to apply for one firearm and one muzzleloader permit. However, a hunter cannot take more than one deer from all lottery areas during all deer seasons, which include archery, firearms and muzzleloader.
Individuals who are successful in both lotteries may only fill one permit. If the permit is filled during the firearm season, the muzzleloader either-sex permit is no longer valid. If a hunter harvests a deer during the firearms season in a lottery area, that hunter still can hunt statewide during the muzzleloader season in any managed or intensive area.
Grouse (Sept. 18-Jan. 2)
The mystery this year is what happened, if anything, to the grouse population.
There were plenty of reports of good drumming in the spring but the recent drumming counts were down 10 to 30 percent.
"Last year was the peak for grouse and a lot of times we stay on the peak two to three years so we were surprised to have them come down," said Rusch.
Grouse need a winter with roosting snow (not icy conditions) and a dry spring.
"We were very dry in the spring and that should've been good for nesting conditions. The rain started in June and they should be bigger then. I don't know.
"But I also have learned don't judge grouse on what you saw in the summer," said Rusch.
Recent reports have been somewhat bleak for birds, leaving wildlife managers wondering what happened.
"That's a tough one. Let's see what the grouse season brings. Who knows? Stay tuned and we'll see what happens," said Rusch.
Bear (Sept. 1-Oct. 17)
The bear season starts Wednesday and the DNR is still trying to figure out what happened to a population survey that went awry.
After the survey showed numbers to be down, hunters had a 40 percent success rate and despite fewer bear tags, more bears were shot.
"Overall I think we have a high quality bear hunt," said Rusch. "I think this year will be a pretty decent year. Not a record because we don't have the permits out there. We had excellent berry crops but now the hazel nuts and oak are not abundant."
Bear hunters were able to make a second choice when applying this year, but now there are no over the counter permits.
"It rewards people who use the system," said Rusch.
Moose (Oct. 2-17)
With a population estimate of 7,500 moose in Minnesota, the DNR knows there are fewer moose in the woods. And despite some criticism, there is still a once-in-a-lifetime hunt for lucky applicants.
"We're only taking 2.8 percent and it's bulls only. That's how biologically you can still justify a moose hunt," said Rusch. "As long as the cows are being taken care of and being bred, it's not a factor biologically."
With 5,741 applicants, the DNR gave out 213 permits, down from 221 last year. The agency expects a 50 percent success rate.
Ducks/Rice
Rusch said there was good nesting conditions for ducks this year.
"We're seeing above average for wild rice, some of the big lakes like Big Rice aren't in good shape, but others are. There's a lot of nice lakes for ducks and wild rice. Overall I'd call it above average," said Rusch.
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