Josh Graham DNR and Deer Population Survey

Josh Graham

  

    The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is seeking public input on revised deer population goals by using an online survey.

The survey can be found on www.mndnr.gov/deergoals. The public is invited to comment to the DNR about their point of view regarding deer populations and to respond to the proposals made by the

stakeholder teams created by the DNR.

    In February the DNR worked with groups they deemed to be stakeholders in assessing the deer population. They created teams to help re-determine deer population goals in southwest and

north-central Minnesota. The teams consisted of deer hunters, landowners, businesses, counties and conservation/environmental groups, and met to recommend if deer populations should be increased, decreased or stabilized for each of the selected permit areas.

    The public survey information along with the team stakeholder information will be used to set the 2012 deer season. Deer population goals for the rest of the state will be evaluated in the next two years.

    DNR representative Steve Merchant expects the level of public participation to increase dramatically this year.