New Deer Regulations, Zones, Calibres etc.

[T.R. Michels]

I just received thei from the DNR. I hope it hasn't been posted before.

The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is making major
changes to simplify deer seasons and licensing for this fall, according
to Lou Cornicelli, DNR big game program coordinator.

The changes include allowing a person to individually purchase 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; and 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, 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.

DEER LICENSES

Hunters can now buy an archery, firearm and muzzleloader license
individually, or in any combination. Previously, a person who wanted to
hunt deer in both the regular firearms and muzzleloader seasons had to
buy the more expensive all-season license, valid for regular firearms,
muzzleloader and archery.

“We found that the vast majority of all-season license purchasers
were paying three times the single season license fee ($78), but were
only hunting in two seasons,” Cornicelli said.

This year, the system will be “a la carte,” meaning that hunters
can purchase licenses for only the seasons they want to hunt. Hunters
are advised by the DNR to know the bag limits in the area they hunt.
Even though hunters can buy three licenses, the general bag limit for
deer is one in lottery areas, two in managed areas, and five in
intensive areas (with some exceptions, such as early antlerless
seasons).

ZONE CONSOLIDATION

The traditional firearm zone licenses (1A, 2A, 3A, 3B, 4A, 4B) have
been consolidated into two licenses types: A statewide Season Option
“A” and a Zone 3B (southeast Minnesota) season option “B”.
With the new system, hunters are no longer limited to a particular zone
boundary, but must adhere to the different open season dates in permit
areas within the zone. Zone 4 has also been eliminated and merged with
the Zone 2 nine-day season. A number of deer permit areas formerly in
Zone 4 will be renumbered.

Season “A” licenses are valid statewide in all “A” season areas
(Zones 1A, 2A, 3A), which opens Nov. 8. For example, by purchasing a
statewide “A” season license, a hunter could hunt an area in 3A
(seven-day season) opening weekend, move to an area in 2A (nine-day
season) the second weekend and finish up the season in 1A (16-day
season) on the third weekend.

In contrast, season “B” licenses are valid only during the Zone 3B
season (Nov. 22-30) in southeastern Minnesota. A regular firearm deer
hunter may purchase either an “A” or “B” season license, but not
both. However, anyone (including 3B hunters) can now buy a muzzleloader
license. Both license types will be valid in the Twin Cities metro area,
bovine TB area, and all early antlerless permit areas.

Lottery applications, muzzleloader hunters

In some areas of Minnesota, the deer population is below the goal so
antlerless permits have been reduced to very low levels. With the past
popularity of multiple zone licenses, the percentage of antlerless
harvest taken in the muzzleloader season has gone up dramatically. With
the new licensing system, lottery area hunters who purchase both a
regular firearms and muzzleloader license will need to apply for a
limited number of antlerless permits that will be valid for taking an
antlerless deer in either the regular firearms or muzzleloader season.

The number of muzzleloader-only hunters is low, so those who do not
purchase a regular firearms license can take deer of either sex in
lottery areas without an antlerless permit.

People who buy licenses for both the firearm and muzzleloader seasons
will need to apply in the lottery if they want to take an antlerless
deer in a lottery area. If successful, the permit will be valid for
either the firearm or muzzleloader season, provided the hunter has a
license for that season.

People who only muzzleloader hunt (no regular firearms license) may
take deer of either sex without applying in the lottery. Final details
will be released when the hunting regulations book comes out in early
August.

LEGAL CALIBERS

For 2008, the definition of legal calibers has been simplified to .220
centerfire or larger. Previously, the regulation had a larger minimum,
minimum case length, and numerous exceptions. The new regulation is
consistent with most of the midwestern states that allow centerfire
rifles.

“We understand there is a concern that hunters could use a type that
is not suitable for taking deer,” Cornicelli said. “But we are
confident that hunters can make an informed choice in regard to caliber
and bullet selection, and that they’ll use a bullet that is
appropriate for the big game they are pursuing. There is no substitute
for knowing the capabilities of a firearm and practicing,” Cornicelli
said.

LICENSE VALIDATION

The regulation requiring hunters to validate their deer license has
been eliminated. However, the tag must still be validated and site
tagging regulations have not changed, so hunters should familiarize
themselves with those regulations when the regulations handbook arrives
in stores.

[Cody Gruchow]

this has been brought to our attention but nothing was final yet. is this the final rules for this upcoming season?

[Roosterslayer]

From what I understand it is all set in stone now. And just my opinion but I like the changes!

[JohnWester]

so if I bow, rifle and muzzle loader hunt...  what do I buy now?  3 “a la carte” licenses?  and at what price?  say they are $30 a piece... now I am spending $90 when I was only paying $78 before.  ya, for the guy that just bow and rifle hunts, better deal for him ($60 as opposed to $78).  But I think for the guy who does all three, you will end up not liking this new system.  Has anyone seen a price on what each license will cost?  From what I can tell, they didn't put that out yet.

I am still skeptical here...

[deadeye]

John, I think the license cost is $26 so, 3 X that is $78.00  Same price.  The only thing different is tags.  Before you got three tags with your all season license.   You could use any method to shoot three deer (granted you had to be in a bonus area and only one buck).  Now I think you can only use the bow tag with a bow etc.

[Cody Gruchow]

well i hunt all 3 ways so there is not cost difference at all. i dont like the caliber change but everything else is fine with me

[JohnWester]

Before you got three tags with your all season license.   You could use any method to shoot three deer (granted you had to be in a bonus area and only one buck).  Now I think you can only use the bow tag with a bow etc.

this is true...  don't like it, but whatever.
and the price is $26 each. so, yeah total doesn't change.
I think they should still have the all season concept.

[deadeye]

Cody, we are going to need a score card and white board to keep track of the deer license this year.  So far in my area, I see,
1. Early doe - $6.50 plus 1 or 2 additional doe tags.
2. Bow  -   $26.00 One doe or buck, plus up to 4 additional doe tags at $13.50 each.
3. Firearm - $26.00 One buck (if no buck taged with bow), or one doe, plus 4 addional doe tags if not used by bow.
4. Muzzle loader - $26.00 One buck (if no buck is tagged with bow or rifle) plus 4 additional doe tags if not used with bow or rifle.

Total = 8 deer.  One buck or one doe (any method), three does in early doe season, 4 additional does (any method).
I may need to bring a laptop in the field just to keep track and stay legal.
   

 

[Cody Gruchow]

i beleive state limit is 5 deer a person 1 buck and 4 does. unless your party hunting. i read in the dnr book that metro can take an as  many does as they want. i could of misunderstood the what i read though. its ridiculous i liked the all season license gave me flexibility on were i can hunt. i could hunt all three places. now i cant unless i split everything up.