The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources is beginning a new three-year research project in northeastern Minnesota to gather more data on deer populations.
The DNR will place cameras on public and private lands to gather additional deer density data in several deer permit areas in portions of Cass, Beltrami, Itasca, Hubbard and St. Louis counties.
Traditional deer population modeling relies heavily on hunter harvest data, but the DNR said this project will provide additional data to increase confidence in making harvest decisions in the study area. The DNR also plans to use the data to better understand if deer densities differ between public and private lands.
"Hunting pressure and land management practices can vary greatly across land ownerships, and we hope to quantify that difference and use this new information to improve our understanding of deer populations in the forested region of the state," said lead researcher Eric Michel in a DNR new release.
This month, DNR researchers will contact private landowners by mail in preselected locations to request access to their property to install an unbaited trail camera. Trail cameras will collect time-lapsed data from July to September and be removed before the start of fall hunting seasons.
To assist in processing the massive amounts of data collected with time-lapsed photography, the project will use machine learning and artificial intelligence programs. The technology and methodology were successfully used in previous studies.
Results and final analysis of the data are expected in 2027.
-
And: Four Northland organizations recieve child care grants; men encouraged to wear sunscreen and get skin checks; and Eveleth plans to replace the "Big Stick." -
Co-hosts Charlie Mitchell and Heidi Holtan delight in tiny toads, listen to catbirds, and wonder at crab spiders.Send us a voice memo through Speak Pipe! -
Contributed/InciWebThe U.S. Forest Service is also banning campfires amid dry conditions. The closures and campfire ban go into effect July 11, 2026. -
And: Minnesota partners hope opioid prevention success spreads to youth; and a community storytelling initiative aims to capture recovery stories in St. Louis County.
-
Contributed/Koochiching Soil and Water Conservation DistrictThe plan will guide the implementation of voluntary conservation projects and programs in the northeastern Minnesota watershed over the next decade. -
Contributed/Towfiqu barbhuiya via PexelsA foundation coordinating with local partners says the opioid crisis isn't over, and a new Minnesota grant is an example of the urgency felt in preventing youth tragedies. -
Contributed/Tom Neustrom Fishing Promotions Facebook PageThe Grand Rapids area fishing guide and former Itasca County deputy died in his home on July 5, 2026. He contributed to the Minnesota fishing community in numerous ways. -
Contributed/Itasca County Sheriff's OfficeBruce Larson was reported missing July 9, 2026, in the Wabana area, north of Grand Rapids. He was found safe later that morning. -
Heather Holm, pollinator conservationist and award-winning author, discusses how you can protect pollinators while also cutting down on your yardwork. -
And: Carlton County continue discussion of data center moratorium; MN could have its first saint; and business owners assess paid leave law
