6 % drop in deer harvest

[Lee Borgersen]

Preliminary numbers show 6 percent drop in deer harvest from 2012

By Minnesota Department of Natural Resources 
Minnesota hunters harvested 164,550 deer during 2013, according to preliminary numbers announced by the Department of Natural Resources.

Through the beginning of December, firearms hunters harvested 144,000 deer, a 6 percent drop from the 153,000 harvested in 2012. Preliminary numbers for the late season in southeastern Minnesota show hunters harvested 4,400 deer, down from the 5,000 harvested in 2012.

The statewide muzzleloader season remains open through Sunday, Dec. 15. The archery season closes on Tuesday, Dec. 31.

Deer harvest numbers are calculated using data provided by hunters when they register a deer. A final report, which includes more detailed harvest information, will be released at the end of January.