Deer population goals for SE Minn. to be set
The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources will hold a public meeting this Wednesday to discuss deer population goals for southeastern Minnesota.
The last time the state set deer population goals for the region was in 2005. At the time, the goal was to reduce the population, but the DNR's big game coordinator Leslie McInenly said that could change this time around.
"Once you set a goal, it takes a few years to actually get there based on your management activities. You might take three or four years, if you want to see an increase or a decrease," McInenly said.
Minnesota's deer population was estimated around 1 million deer in 2013. McInenly says the agency plans to establish new goals for southeastern Minnesota by May and have harvest strategies in place for the 2014 season.
Create a More Connected Minnesota
MPR News is your trusted resource for the news you need. With your support, MPR News brings accessible, courageous journalism and authentic conversation to everyone - free of paywalls and barriers. Your gift makes a difference.
The DNR will revisit goals in other regions of the state in the next couple years.
IF YOU GO:
Wednesday, Feb. 19
6:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.
Lake City Lincoln High School
300 S. Garden St.
Tuesday, Feb. 25
6:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.
St. Charles Elementary School
925 Church Ave.