DNR seeks public input before finalizing the 2022 deer season harvest report
The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) released the preliminary 2022 deer season harvest results in late February. However, before finalizing the 2022 report, the DNR is seeking public input regarding deer populations and management goals from hunters, landowners, and the general public.
The harvest results show that hunters across the state harvested 170,550 during the 2022 deer hunting season. The total harvest was down 7% compared to the 2021 season and 10% less than the five-year average deer harvest for Minnesota. The DNR sets an annual harvest goal of 200,000 deer.
While the decline in harvest numbers across the state in 2022 are apparent, the harvest numbers are considerably lower than anticipated for multiple deer permit areas (DPAs) in the Superior Uplands – Arrowhead region.
The Superior Uplands – Arrowhead region, which encompasses Cook and Lake counties, is broken into six DPAs: 117, 118, 126, 130, 131, and 133.
While DPAs 117, 118, 130, and 133 saw a 15% to 36% decrease in harvest numbers, DPA 126 in Cook County experienced a 55% decrease between the 2021 and 2022 seasons.
Nearby DPA 131 had a similar experience. The permit area saw a 51% decrease between the 2021 and 2022 seasons.
While weather certainly played a factor during the 2022 deer hunting season in northeast Minnesota, the DNR states that the combination of severe winters, wolf predation, and limited winter habitat have contributed to declines in deer populations in the Superior Uplands – Arrowhead region.
“We know our deer population is down,” Nancy Hansen, the Two Harbors area wildlife manager with the Minnesota DNR said. “That’s, I think, pretty well known by most folks.”
Before the DNR finalizes the 2022 deer season results and prepares to adjust the 2023 deer season management goals, it is seeking public input.
Hansen said the input received from the public is “very valuable.” She adds, “We want to make sure that we give people a chance to comment on what they’re seeing or what they would like to see.”
The DNR will have meetings in April to discuss the harvest numbers, public comments, and to set the harvest goals for the 2023 deer hunting season. Hansen said the public comments, “influences our management decisions.”
On Mar. 2 numerous DNR area wildlife offices across the state held an open house as an opportunity for the public to drop by and chat with a DNR official regarding current deer populations and management. Hansen said the turnout at the Two Harbors office was low. “We did not have anyone stop by in person. We took a few phone calls.”
Despite the DNR’s efforts to send out news releases and contact the public, Hansen said, “That’s sort of been a common theme around the state.”
The public can still submit comments through the online survey on the Minnesota DNR website. The survey is open until Thursday, March 23.
“I encourage people to do the survey,” Hansen said. “I encourage people to reach out if they would like to have a conversation or at least provide their input.”
The Two Harbors area wildlife office contact is 218-834-1453.
WTIP’s Kalli Hawkins spoke with Nancy Hansen, the Two Harbors area wildlife manager with the Minnesota DNR about the need for public comments regarding deer populations and management in northeast Minnesota. Audio from the interview is below.
Kalli Hawkins March 11, 2023
