MN-Bow Opener!

[proangler16]

 
The Star Trib is reporting per the MN-DNR (Club Outdoors Section) that MN-Archers over Bow Opener weekend registered over 1,800 deer, a 28% increase over last year and was the best opener since 2007.

Good Job Archers, of course I didn't see anything but lot's of sign!
 

[BiggA]

I feel that number will only keep growing as archery becomes more popular every year.

[deadeye]

I agree.  It would make a lot more sense to include the number of hunters out there.  Just because the harvest goes up doesn't mean the hunters are more successfull. 

[Cody Gruchow]

ya archery has gone way up! i have friends that were never interested and they started this year. its the idea of a extended season that has everyone drawn to it

[MTCOMMER]

Well, here are the numbers from the last 5 years, granted its over the entire year, it looks like the number of archers have increased and the number of deer taken has decreased.....
I am guessing more deer will be taken this year since there has been 2 years of less licenses issued (for shotgun and changing the harvest/zone types)

(Year, # of bow permits issued, # of deer taken, percent success)
2005 - 58989, 23538 = 24.6%
2006 - 58569, 25360 = 24.8%
2007 - 61952, 24161 = 24.3%
2008 - 99033, 22632 = 18.5%
2009 - 99474, 20629 = 17.5%

They were projecting 25,000 deer taken with a bow this year - thats a number i heard thrown out there.
I think with the nice weather the deer are more active, browsing for food and with the rain, there are alot of greens for them to eat.  I know I saw alot more deer than usual.

 

[deadeye]

The big percent success drop in the 2008 and 2009 can be attributed to the all season license not being available.  Also, does any one know how "bonus" tags are figured in the success percentage?  I ususally have one (and replace it if used) just so I can continue to hunt (alone) if I shoot doe.  I normally end the season with an unused bonus tag.

[MTCOMMER]

The big percent success drop in the 2008 and 2009 can be attributed to the all season license not being available.  Also, does any one know how "bonus" tags are figured in the success percentage?  I ususally have one (and replace it if used) just so I can continue to hunt (alone) if I shoot doe.  I normally end the season with an unused bonus tag.

The percent is hunter success.  So even if they take 3 does in a management area, or 1 deer, its still 100%, so thats why the numbers are off a little.  So you see the percent should be around 40+%, but there are multiple people shooting multiple deer, while some people arent shooting any.
I wish the all season lisences were still around, because now if I get a deer in my area with a bow, I am done for shotgun season (except I can technically party hunt, but still).