Minnesota DNR invites deer hunters to share wildlife observations

With archery deer season beginning in a mere two weeks on Saturday, Sept. 13, the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources is seeking hunters’ help to document and log deer and other wildlife sightings.

“We will again welcome hunters to use our online hunter field log to share what wildlife they see once the season begins,” said Tyler Obermoller, DNR research scientist. “Deer hunters definitely give us valuable information about deer and other wildlife species through this community science approach.”

The initiative, in its fifth year, has a community science approach. After the participating hunters log their wildlife sighting, the DNR uses the information to supplement its model-generated population estimates. The DNR says it is an important tool for managing wildlife.

Hunters can log their deer and wildlife sightings, such as turkey, bear, fisher, or other species, while in the field by using a mobile device or desktop computer. Visit the Minnesota DNR website to log sightings. 

Hunters are encouraged to fill out a hunter field log after each hunt. According to the DNR, filling out the log, even if no deer are observed, allows for an accurate estimate of the number of deer observed per hour of field observations, which provides a valuable comparison to deer density modeling results. The log will remain open through the end of 2025.

More information on the hunter field log is available on the Minnesota DNR website. 

The Minnesota archery deer season is Sept. 13 to Dec. 31, 2025. Firearm deer season begins Saturday, Nov. 8.

Kalli Hawkins August 31, 2025