BEMIDJI-Dave Rave, DNR Bemidji area wildlife supervisor, recently spotted a buck still sporting his antlers near the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources Northwest region headquarters. Most Minnesota deer shed their antlers in early January, although it's not unusual for them to drop as early as December or as late as the end of February, a release said.
Antler growth and antler shedding are controlled by hormones produced by a deer in response to day length or photoperiod. Increasing amounts of light in the spring encourage antler growth and decreasing amounts in winter cause them to drop, the release said.
Bucks that keep their antlers longer tend to be in good condition, younger, or haven't gone through the typical hormone cycle that a normal photoperiod allows, for example, if the buck has been feeding under outdoor lights.
Spring turkey hunting on Glacial Ridge NWR
MENTOR, Minn.-A new hunting opportunity will be available to the public on Glacial Ridge National Wildlife Refuge beginning Wednesday, April 17. As part of the recent hunt plan revision for the refuge, more than 16,950 acres will be open to spring turkey hunting during the statewide season. Glacial Ridge NWR lies within turkey hunting permit area 509. Hunters must possess a Minnesota turkey hunting permit before hunting on the Refuge and all regular state turkey season regulations apply. Additionally, anyone hunting turkeys on the Refuge must only use non-toxic shot. The 2019 spring turkey season runs from April 17 - May 31.
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Bear hunt applications available
ST. PAUL-Applications for bear hunting licenses are being accepted now through Friday, May 3, wherever Minnesota hunting and fishing licenses are sold, online at mndnr.gov/buyalicense, and by telephone at (888) 665-4236.
A total of 3,400 licenses are available in 13 permit areas, according to a release from the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. Bear licenses cost $44 for residents and $230 for nonresidents, and there is a $5 application fee. The 2019 season is open from Sunday, Sept. 1, through Sunday, Oct. 13.
Lottery winners will be notified by June 1. The deadline to purchase licenses awarded by lottery will be Thursday, Aug. 1. Any remaining licenses will be available over the counter starting at noon on Tuesday, Aug. 6.
Bear hunting information is available on the DNR website at mndnr.gov/hunting/bear.
