Unseasonably warm and wet deer season brings reminder for deer hunters (October 31, 2007)
The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) reminds deer hunters that some roads and trails on public lands may be closed due to recent rains or flooding. Hunters are also reminded that causing damage and rutting on public lands is prohibited. Driving in wetlands is also prohibited unless frozen conditions exist.
“Wet conditions in many areas around the state will make it difficult for hunters to access some traditional hunting areas,” said DNR Commissioner Mark Holsten. “We want to make sure hunters stay on roads and trails that are open for their use and refrain from accessing areas that could cause resource damage during wet and unfrozen conditions.”
The use of all-terrain vehicles (ATVs) for deer hunting and retrieval on public lands is regulated by hours and areas of operation as detailed in the 2007 Minnesota Hunting and Trapping Regulations Handbook and by classification signs that designate areas closed to motorized vehicles.
Rules vary between wildlife management areas and state forest lands, so hunters need to know the local regulations for the state forest and wildlife management areas they are hunting. All are encouraged to refer to pages 26-28, 105-106, and 113-123 in the regulations handbook for detailed information.
The off-highway vehicle planning process has also designated some areas for non-motorized hunting only and they are signed as such. Hunters should also check the DNR Web site at
www.mndnr.gov for lists of roads and trails that may have been closed due to recent rains or flooding.
