In This Issue
Observations help broaden understanding of deer and other Minnesota animals
With archery deer season just around the corner on Sept. 14, now is an ideal time for hunters to start using the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources’ online log for deer and other wildlife sightings.
“We’re asking deer hunters to share their observations of wildlife to help broaden our knowledge about deer and other wildlife species,” said Eric Michel, Minnesota DNR ungulate research scientist. “This is our fourth year using a community science approach, and we’re hoping to build on the helpful results from the last few years.”
The Minnesota DNR uses the information to supplement population estimates, which are an important tool for managing wildlife.
Using a mobile device or desktop computer, deer hunters can enter information on the Minnesota DNR website (mndnr.gov/mammals/deer/management/deer-hunter-field-log.html) about wildlife they see while in the field, including deer, turkey, bear, fisher and other species.
Hunters are encouraged to fill out a report after each hunt even if they don’t see any deer that day. Filling out a report, even if no deer are observed, is important as it allows for an accurate estimate of the number of deer observed per hour of field observations, which provides a useful comparison to deer density modeling results.
The log will remain open through the end of the year.
The DNR first developed a version of this survey following a 2016 report from the Minnesota Office of the Legislative Auditor recommending more checks of the model used to estimate deer populations for each deer permit area. The observation surveys are a way to compare hunter-provided data with DNR population estimates.
“By participating in this project, hunters provide another way to check our estimates of deer populations and broaden our knowledge about other animals, in addition to observations from Minnesota DNR wildlife managers,” Michel said.
The DNR works with the public to establish deer population goals (mndnr.gov/mammals/deer/management/population.html) for areas throughout the state. Each year, wildlife managers use deer population estimates generated by mathematical models to figure out what level of deer harvest will move a local deer population closer to goal. The DNR then sets hunting regulations using past hunter participation and success rates, with the aim of harvest moving the population toward goal.
The Minnesota DNR will report results from hunters’ observations in an annual research summary online. Results from 2023 and previous hunter observation survey results are available on the Minnesota DNR website (mndnr.gov/mammals/deer/management/statistics.html#observe).
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The number of small game hunters in Minnesota in 2023 increased slightly from 2022 and was 5% below the 10-year average. Overall, 230,283 small game licenses were sold for the 2023-24 hunting seasons, compared to the 10-year average of 242,688 small game licenses. But similar to the previous year, hunters who did pursue the top small game species (waterfowl, grouse, and pheasants) had similar or slightly better success rates compared to the 10-year averages, according to the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources’ small game hunter mail survey.
The annual survey estimates the number of hunters, harvest and hunter success rates for two dozen species. The survey asks small game license buyers if they hunted, what species they hunted, how many days they spent hunting and the amount of harvest by species.
Highlights of the 2023 results for approximate harvest, hunter numbers and success include:
Ducks – 81,976 state duck stamps were sold, which was similar to 2022 sales and 7% below the 10-year average. There were 50,400 hunters, which was 24% below the 10-year average of 66,400 hunters. Overall harvest was 565,700 ducks, down 15% from the 10-year average of 662,200 ducks. Eighty-four percent of hunters were successful, bagging 13.1 ducks on average, which was greater than the 10-year average of 11.8 ducks.
Canada geese – There were 29,700 hunters in 2023, which was 32% below the 10-year average of 43,600 hunters. An estimated 146,800 geese were harvested, 36% below the 10-year average of 228,047 geese. Hunter success was 76% and successful hunters bagged 6.5 geese on average, similar to the 10-year averages.
Ruffed grouse – As estimated 66,800 hunters pursued grouse in 2023, which was 7% less than the 10-year average of 72,100 hunters. They harvested 339,600 grouse, a 34% increase compared to the 10-year average. Hunter success was 73%, which was slightly above the 10-year average of 70%. Successful hunters bagged 6.9 grouse each, which was almost two birds more than the 10-year average.
Pheasants – 79,037 pheasant stamps were sold in 2023, which was 2% greater than 2022 sales and about 4% greater than the 10-year average of 76,344 stamps. An estimated 50,600 hunters went afield, which was 8% lower than the 10-year average of 55,100 hunters. Approximately 208,800 roosters were harvested, which was 6% more than the 10-year average of 197,000 roosters. Hunter success was 72%, which was greater than the 10-year average of 68%, and mean harvest was 5.7 roosters, which was slightly above the 10-year average of 5.3 roosters.
In recent years, duck and pheasant stamp sales have been quite a bit higher than the numbers of hunters pursuing these species, which could reflect those with a hunting tradition who curtailed their hunting but still continue to support conservation efforts by buying stamps.
To help get more hunters afield, the Minnesota DNR has been working to recruit, retain and reactivate hunters in a variety of ways that aim to get more of these hunters afield. Examples include the Take a Friend Hunting campaign (mndnr.gov/gohunting/take-friend-hunting.html) with Pheasants Forever and sharing tips through weekly skills webinars (mndnr.gov/discover).
The complete small game hunter survey report is on the Minnesota DNR website (mndnr.gov/wildlife/research/wildlife-research-publications.html#reports).
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Wet spring and summer conditions impacted the nesting and brood-rearing season
Pheasant numbers in the 2024 Minnesota August Roadside Survey were similar to 2023 and 19% above the 10-year average, according to the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources.
“The stability in pheasant numbers across the state and most regions is welcome news after the wet spring and summer we had,” said Steven Woodley, DNR senior wildlife research biologist. “Our milder winter meant more hens were available for nesting this year, which likely offset chick losses that occurred due to wet conditions during the breeding season.”
This year’s statewide pheasant index was 52 birds per 100 miles of roads driven, compared to 51 birds per 100 miles of road driven in 2023. Pheasant numbers increased the most in the east central region (70%), followed by increases in the central (34%), south central (8%), and west central (6%) regions. Though pheasant numbers declined in the southwest (29%), the region still had the greatest number of birds (82 birds per 100 miles) and should provide some of the best hunting opportunities in the state.
Overall, the pheasant index in all regions remained below the long-term average. The total pheasant index statewide is generally similar to 2023, and milder-than-average winter conditions likely decreased bird mortality, equating to more adults carried over to the nesting season. But the number of broods per 100 hens and chicks per brood were down this year. The number of broods per 100 hens declined by 21% compared to the 10-year average, and the number of chicks decreased by 12%.
“Due to the above-average precipitation received in the spring and summer months, the decline in brood and chick numbers is unfortunately not surprising,” Woodley said. “The frequency of rain events and the amount of moisture received likely impacted nesting success and brood survival.”
Weather and habitat are the main influences on Minnesota’s pheasant population trends. Weather causes annual fluctuations in pheasant numbers, while habitat drives long-term population trends. Shifts this year are due to weather conditions, with adult pheasant populations benefiting from favorable winter conditions but nesting and brood-rearing being adversely impacted by the wet spring and summer conditions. Long term, there is nothing to suggest that some areas’ increase in pheasant numbers will continue as a trend, given that there is no corresponding increase in habitat.
The Minnesota pheasant hunting season opens at 9 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 12.
Partridge numbers increase in the southwest
Gray (Hungarian) partridge is a less frequently encountered game bird, and statewide partridge numbers decreased in this year’s roadside survey. However, partridge numbers increased by 50% in the southwest region, from 7.6 birds per 100 miles driven in 2023 to 11.4 birds per 100 miles driven in 2024. All other regions had less than 1.3 birds per 100 miles.
Habitat factors
Conservation Reserve Program acres play a large role in providing high-quality habitat for pheasants in Minnesota. The program, authorized under the federal Farm Bill, pays farmers to remove environmentally sensitive land from agricultural production and restore vegetation that will reduce soil erosion, improve water quality, and provide habitat for wildlife and pollinators.
Overall, there was a net increase of approximately 9,800 acres of protected wildlife habitat compared to 2023 due to increases in land enrolled in conservation programs; however, not all of those added acres were grassland. Though total acres increased, the long-term trend in lands enrolled in the Conservation Reserve Program continues to decline. From 2023 to 2024, CRP saw a decline of 4,000 acres. The CRP acres play a large role in providing high-quality grassland habitat for pheasants in Minnesota.
Pheasant hunting areas
Many publicly owned lands are open to hunting, as are private lands enrolled in the state’s Walk-in-Access program (mndnr.gov/walkin). Hunters can use the Minnesota DNR’s online mapping tools to find WMAs by accessing the WMA finder (mndnr.gov/wmas) and the Minnesota DNR Recreation Compass (mndnr.gov/maps/compass.html) to locate both state hunting grounds and private lands enrolled in the Walk-In Access program, including updates on the condition of specific properties.
Additional resources
The 2024 August Roadside Survey report, a map of pheasant hunting prospects, data for other surveyed species, and information on hunting regulations and bag limits are available on the Minnesota DNR pheasant hunting webpage (mndnr.gov/hunting/pheasant).
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Minnesota’s Lake Superior Coastal Program is accepting project funding applications, as the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources program celebrates 25 years. Applications are due by 11:59 p.m. on Nov. 17.
Projects that positively impact the natural, economic, recreational, or cultural resources of Minnesota’s Lake Superior coastal area are eligible for funding. Categories for this matching grant program include:
- Administrative – planning, managing or researching coastal resources, with grant amounts ranging between $10,000 and $100,000
- Coastal resource improvement – low-cost construction or land acquisition, with grant amounts ranging between $25,000 and $150,000
Approximately $600,000 is available to fund projects that would begin in fall 2025. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Office for Coastal Management provides the funding for these grants. Applicants must provide dollar-for-dollar match from a non‐federal source.
Minnesota's Lake Superior Coastal Program is a voluntary federal-state partnership dedicated to the comprehensive management of our coastal resources. The program provides technical and financial resources for the local community by bringing federal dollars into Minnesota for the Lake Superior coastal area.
Minnesota’s Lake Superior Coastal Program has dispersed more than $15.75 million in grants to more than 700 projects since its inception in 1999.
“Our annual grant program is an important funding source for local communities and other partners, helping them provide protection of coastal resources while enhancing places for people to live, work and play,” Program Manager Amber Westerbur said. “We encourage anyone eligible to apply, to help build a legacy for the next 25 years.”
The coastal area covers portions of Carlton, Cook, Lake and St. Louis counties, the Fond du Lac and Grand Portage reservations, and the Minnesota waters of Lake Superior. Local, state and tribal governments, nonprofit organizations, area‐wide and regional planning agencies, colleges and universities, public school districts, port authorities, joint powers boards and sanitary sewer districts are eligible to apply.
Application materials and additional details are available on the Minnesota’s Lake Superior Coastal Program webpage (mndnr.gov/mlscp). The Coastal Program also offers reduced match grants for small-scale projects. See the small grant notice on the webpage.
For questions about the grants and how to apply, contact Cynthia Poyhonen, grants specialist, at 218‐834‐1447 or [email protected].
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The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources has confirmed the presence of zebra mussels in Marion Lake, near Richville in Otter Tail County.
A lake user contacted the DNR after finding an adult zebra mussel attached to a native mussel in Marion Lake. A DNR invasive species specialist found juvenile zebra mussels attached to the dock at the public access, about one-half mile from the location of the initial report.
Marion Lake is near other lakes where zebra mussels were previously confirmed.
Whether or not a lake has any invasive species, Minnesota law requires people to:
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Clean watercraft, trailers and equipment to remove aquatic plants and prohibited invasive species.
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Drain all water and leave drain plugs out during transport.
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Dispose of unwanted bait in the trash.
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Never release bait, plants or aquarium pets into Minnesota waters.
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Dry docks, lifts and rafts for 21 days before moving them from one water body to another.
These additional steps reduce the risk of spreading aquatic invasive species:
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Decontaminate watercraft and equipment – find free stations on the courtesy decontamination page of the DNR website (mndnr.gov/decon).
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Spray watercraft and equipment with high-pressure water or rinse with water if high-pressure water is not available.
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Dry watercraft and equipment for at least five days before using in another water body.
People should contact a Minnesota DNR aquatic invasive species specialist (mndnr.gov/invasives/ais/contacts.html) if they think they have found zebra mussels or any other invasive species that was not already known to be in the water body.
More information is available on the aquatic invasive species page of the DNR website (mndnr.gov/ais).
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