Deer listening sessions

[Lee Borgersen]

                                                                   Feb. 14, 2014

DNR, MDHA to conduct deer listening sessions statewide


Listening sessions on deer population management scheduled later this winter throughout Minnesota will provide citizens an opportunity to voice their perspectives.

The Department of Natural Resources and the Minnesota Deer Hunters Association (MDHA) will co-sponsor the meetings. Meeting dates and locations will be announced later this month.

"We've been hearing from hunters who are concerned about current deer numbers and potential population impacts as a result of this winter," said Paul Telander, DNR wildlife section chief. "These listening sessions provide an opportunity for direct interaction and communication."

The sessions will be open to the general public. Anyone interested in deer management is encouraged to participate.  In addition to the public sessions, comments will be accepted on the DNR's deer management Web page at www.mndnr.gov/deer.

"We appreciate the opportunity to work with the DNR and bring this discussion out to the different regions of the state," said Mark Johnson, MDHA executive director.  "In many areas of the state, our members are seeking changes to the deer hunting regulations that will increase the state's deer population. We plan to work with the DNR to increase deer numbers in those areas and improve hunter satisfaction."

Johnson said changes in harvest strategies are needed in the short-term. For the long-term, MDHA also will continue their work with the DNR and others on efforts to enhance deer habitat.

Information on the upcoming listening sessions will be announced to the media and posted online at www.mndnr.gov/deer and www.mndeerhunters.com.  Individuals who subscribe to the DNR's email lists for deer management and hunting information will be notified. To become an email subscriber, sign up online at www.mndnr.gov/emailupdates.