Wind limits success on Minnesota deer opener

Windy weather meant limited success on the opening weekend of Minnesota's firearms deer season.

Conservation officers across the state reported that gusts up to 30 mph to 40 mph discouraged deer from moving, meaning fewer opportunities for the hundreds of thousands of hunters who took to the forests and fields Saturday and Sunday. Success rates appeared to be at least a bit higher in the southeast.

At least three hunters died on the opening weekend -- two in tree stand accidents and one of natural causes -- while several were injured in tree stand and firearms accidents.

One hunter near Fergus Falls reported being rammed and knocked to the ground by a buck missing half its antlers. The hunter was not hurt but the deer was shot by another hunter.

(Copyright 2011 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)

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