Hunting season is approaching, with archery opening on Sept. 16 and firearm season Nov. 4-19.
Minn. deer hunters can use an online log to report wildlife they see while hunting. Data from the observation logs help the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources estimate population level trends for deer and track wildlife distribution for other species across the state.
Using a mobile device or desktop computer, hunters can enter information on the Minnesota DNR website about wildlife they see each day of hunting, including deer, turkeys, bears, fishers and other species. They’ll also be able to report specific information about any deer they harvest. Hunters are encouraged to fill out a report after each hunt, even if they don’t see any deer that day. The online questionnaire will be available until Jan. 15, 2024.
The way the DNR estimates wildlife populations differs between deer and other species. The observation survey will serve as another check against any estimates – or in some cases like turkeys and fishers – provide further documentation as to whether a species is expanding its range.
This new effort expands on the survey available just to bow hunters that the DNR conducted for the past three years Now, the DNR is aiming to increase participation by allowing any deer hunter to voluntarily participate.
The DNR developed the bow hunter survey following a 2016 report from the Minnesota Office of the Legislative Auditor requesting more checks of the population model used to estimate deer populations for each deer permit area in the state. The observation surveys are a way to compare hunter-provided data with DNR population estimates.