Deep snow, cold already affecting N Minn. deer

The winter has gotten off to a challenging start for white-tailed deer in northeastern Minnesota.

The Duluth News Tribune reports that deep snow and bitter cold already are pushing deer into mid-winter behavior patterns. Biologists say they're seeking cover in conifers and along the North Shore of Lake Superior, and probably will be moving down from the ridges to where snow is less deep.

Deer "yard up," or gather in numbers, to seek less-deep snow and protection from the cold among the evergreens.

Mark Johnson, executive director of the Minnesota Deer Hunters Association, says it's a good indication that it's going to be a tough winter for deer.

Northeastern Minnesota's deer population is already down, years, partly due to some recent moderate and severe winters.

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Information from: Duluth News Tribune

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