Minnesota DNR Seeks Input on Southeastern Minnesota Antler Point Restrictions
The public can help the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) determine whether to recommend a continuation of antler point restrictions in southeastern Minnesota.
Interested individuals can view an online presentation on the restrictions and complete an online survey at www.mndnr.gov/wildlife/input/sedeer.
The DNR will analyze information gathered from mailed hunter surveys, public meetings this week in Cannon Falls and Winona and online survey responses to develop a 2013 season structure to recommend to the Minnesota Legislature. Under 2011 legislation, antler point restrictions in southeastern Minnesota require legislative approval.
Meetings are scheduled from 7-9 p.m. on the following dates:
- Monday, Feb. 25, Cannon Falls High School auditorium, 820 East Minnesota St.
- Wednesday, Feb. 27, Tandeski Center, Winona Southeast Technical College,
1250 Homer Road.
Special regulations enacted in 2010 created the restrictions, which received extensive biological review and examination of social implications prior to enactment. Those regulations included:
- A nine-day firearms deer season for both the 3A (early) and 3B (late) hunts.
- An antler restriction of four points on one side for all hunters older than 17 during the archery, firearms and muzzleloader seasons.
- Prohibiting hunters from tagging an antlered buck for another hunter.
- Establishing a youth-only season in October during an extended mid-month break for most public school children.
During the past two months, 4,000 surveys were sent to randomly-selected hunters who participated in the 3A and 3B seasons. Results from that survey indicate public support for continuing the antler point restriction regulations that were enacted in 2010.
Survey results are preliminary because another survey recently was sent out to hunters who had not responded to either of the first two mailings. Final results, which will be available this spring, are not expected to change much.
