Minnesota Deer Notes - June 25, 2020 (Minnesota DNR)

In this issue, we have multiple study updates, details on the expanding deer feeding and attractant bans, notes on the 2019 season harvest report, summaries from the spring deer open houses and a reminder to leave fawns alone when they're on their own.

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Deer hunting season information

We hope you’re staying safe and are looking forward to future hunting seasons. Currently, there are no changes to upcoming hunting season dates. As with any evolving situation, this is subject to change, so stay tuned to the DNR channels (including the DNR’s COVID-19 response webpage, through social media and also in this newsletter) for any adjustments.

As we move closer to the deer hunting season, it’s also a good time to talk about how the outdoors are for all. We encourage you to do your part to keep the outdoors safe and welcoming to everyone: people of every color, people with disabilities, and of all backgrounds, genders, traditions and experience levels.

Please check out our learn-to-hunt information and share with people who might be interested in trying hunting out: it’s available for anyone who wants to learn more about archery deer hunting or firearms deer hunting. For non-hunters, we also encourage people to check the DNR Recreation Compass to discover ways and places to find outdoor adventures.

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Keep our deer herd healthy by following deer feeding and attractant bans Have you heard? Starting July 1, six additional counties will be added to deer feeding and attractant bans after the discovery of chronic wasting disease in a wild deer in Dakota County. Feeding and attracting deer will not be allowed in Dakota, Hennepin, Ramsey, Rice, Scott and Washington counties. These bans are an important part of the DNR’s response to CWD — limiting close contact between deer helps prevent the spread of the fatal disease. Learn more about what you need to do to help our wild deer, and a full list of the counties included, on the deer feeding ban webpage.

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Update: Neonicotinoid study

Thank you to all of the hunters who submitted spleens for Minnesota Deer Neonictinoid Project! Nearly 800 spleens were sent in from across the state. Check out this map to see the spatial distribution of all of the spleens.

All teeth and spleen samples are at currently at their respective labs for diagnostics and we are patiently waiting on results. We expect all diagnostic results to come in at the end of summer.

For any questions, please contact Patrick Hagen at patrick.hagen@state.mn.us or 651-395-0077.

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Deer open house conversation recap

Wondering what issues came up at deer open houses earlier this year? Summaries for each area are now posted on the deer open house webpage. Stay tuned for details for how you can participate in a deer open house this August!

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Update: Southeast deer movement study DNR biologists continue to monitor the 28 deer (19 does, 9 bucks) collared in 2019 and the additional 46 fawns (27 does, 19 bucks) collared in February 2020. Currently, DNR biologists are watching for spring dispersal of deer, which usually happens between April and July as fawns leave their birthplaces to establish their own adult home ranges. Based on past years' results, we expect that nearly half of the fawns will have moved away from their birthplaces by the end of July. While most fawns' travels average 11 miles, some move farther. One doe fawn, collared near Chatfield this February, has moved about 30 miles so far. This week, she was tracked near Hammond. That dispersal movement is shown on this map. Learn more and watch for updates on the newly updated study webpage.

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2019 season harvest report now available

The full 2019 harvest report can be downloaded on the deer reports and statistics webpage. Some key takeaways:

• A total of 187,587 deer were harvested last season.
• During the inaugural statewide youth season, 5,829 deer were harvested.
• Overall, the season was very similar to the 2018 season, with comparable total number harvested and success rates. A total of 101,910 antlered bucks and 85,677 antlerless deer were harvested in 2019. There was an 8% increase in antlered buck harvest and 9% decrease in antlerless deer harvest compared to last year.

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Let fawns be Most fawns are born from mid-May to mid-June, so please avoid disturbing them. Fawns do not attempt to evade predators during their first few weeks of life. Instead, they remain still to avoid being seen. During these times, fawns are learning critical survival skills from their mothers but are often left on their own while their mothers are foraging nearby. Be assured deer fawns do fine even if they look abandoned or fragile.

Nebraska Application period for big game draw permits began June 8 and ends soon

LINCOLN, Neb. – Hunters may begin applying for 2020 big game draw permits June 8. Residents and nonresidents may apply for one deer permit, residents may apply for one elk permit, and residents and eligible landowners may apply for one antelope permit.

The application period begins at 1 p.m. Central Time on June 8. Paper applications must be received by the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission by 5 p.m. CT – or by 11:59 p.m. for online applications – on June 26.

Only a nonrefundable application fee is due at the time of application. Drawing results will be available by July 3. Successful applicants will have until July 17 to complete the purchase of their awarded permits. Awarded but unpaid permits will result in applicants losing preference or bonus points and forfeiting the permit. Any forfeited draw permits, as well as unsold draw permits and buy-unit permits, will be sold over the counter on a first-come basis beginning Aug. 3.

Applicants who supply valid email addresses will be notified when the draw is complete. Applicants not providing valid email addresses will be responsible for monitoring their status online at OutdoorNebraska.org.

Applications will be accepted:

• Online at OutdoorNebraska.org;

• Via U.S. Postal Service mail: Nebraska Game and Parks Commission, 2200 N. 33rd St., Lincoln NE 68503;

• By calling 402-471-0641;

• Dropped off at any Game and Parks permitting office. A drop box or an Iron Ranger will be provided near the building.

While Game and Parks offices still are closed to the public, customer service is being provided via telephone. See a list of office phone numbers at OutdoorNebraska.gov/locations.

Draw units are established to provide equal opportunity to obtain permits in those units. They are determined by the overall demand on a unit’s permits. Residents get preference over nonresidents when these permits are drawn.

Details regarding drawings and permits may be found in the 2020 Big Game Guide, which is available at OutdoorNebraska.org or wherever permits are sold. Drawing statistics from previous years may be found at OutdoorNebraska.gov/drawresults.

To download an application form, regulations and hunting unit descriptions, visit OutdoorNebraska.gov/huntingseasons.

South Dakota: Deer Applications Due by 8 A.M CDT Tomorrow!

The online application deadlines for the 2020 East River, West River, Black Hills, Custer State Park, Refuge, and Muzzleloader Deer hunting seasons are WEDNESDAY June 17th at 8 A.M. CDT

We were made aware of some slight server problems over the weekend. If you were having problems getting your applications through, we encourage you to try again today!

Remember, this is now a combined drawing. In the first drawing, you may select a First and Second Choice in two of the seasons. If you were successful in drawing either special buck licenses, you are only eligible to apply for one of the other seasons.

Apply for License

Apply online for Missouri MDC managed deer hunts starting July 1

Take a shot at more than 100 managed deer hunts throughout the state.

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. -- Beginning July 1, deer hunters can apply online through the Missouri Department of Conservation’s (MDC) website for a shot at more than 100 managed deer hunts throughout the state for archery, muzzleloading, and modern firearms from mid-September through mid-January at conservation areas, state and other parks, national wildlife refuges, and other public areas. Some managed hunts are held specifically for youth or for people with disabilities.

The managed deer hunt application period is July 1 - 31. Hunters are selected by a weighted random drawing. Draw results will be available Aug. 15 through Jan. 15. Applicants who are drawn will receive area maps and other hunt information by mail.

Get more information on managed deer hunts, preview hunt details, and apply starting July 1 at mdc.mo.gov/managedhunt.

Details about managed hunts can also be found in MDC's "2020 Fall Deer & Turkey Hunting Regulations and Information" booklet available starting in early July at MDC offices and nature centers, from permit vendors around the state, and online at mdc.mo.gov.

Fawning season is underway, watch for deer to be on the move

Fawning season is here which means car deer collisions will likely tick up and calls to conservation groups about abandoned fawns will begin.

Iowa’s peak fawning season stretches from middle May to middle June, followed by a second and much smaller peak fawning season in July. Fawning season is preceded by yearling bucks being disbursed by the does as she prepares to deliver this year’s fawns.

These newly on their own yearlings go through a learning curve without adults around, which leads to deer being more visible during the day and more young deer involved in vehicle collisions. Drivers are encouraged to use November rut defensive driving techniques like reducing their speed and avoiding distractions  and scanning road ditches during this time.

After pushing out the yearlings, the does will also be on the move looking for a spot where she feels safe and isolated to give birth. With some urban greenbelt areas experiencing high water, that means the fawns could show up in flower beds, un-mowed yard or field corners or fencerows.

“We see an increase in phone calls this time of year about fawns the caller found “abandoned” in their yard. The reality is that the fawn has been put there by the doe because she determined it to be a safe place and will return frequently to nurse it,” said Jim Coffey, forest wildlife research biologist with the Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR). “Laying motionless is a survival technique. Fawns are relatively inactive for the first week or so until its legs are ready for it to follow the doe on its own.”

The white spots on a fawns coat is nature's camouflage designed to simulate sunlight penetrating the trees on the forest floor, and will disappear over time, being replaced by brown fur as it grows.

“Our best advice is, don’t disturb it, don’t touch it, and don’t pick it up. The doe is caring for it, in fact she’s probably watching you but you can’t see her,” Coffey said.

As part of the Iowa DNR’s chronic wasting disease management plan, fawns will not be rehabilitated to avoid spreading the always fatal disease.