The change in the law comes from the legislature, not the MDNR, and is in response to some southeast Minnesota deer hunters who have pushed for quality deer management techniques. Their hope is that it will increase the number of large bucks available for hunters.

Harsh Winter In THE Northeast
The extreme corner of northeastern Minnesota is frequently home to extreme winters that can drastically impact the deer herd.

A sustainable deer population is actually a relatively newer concept for that part of the state (historically speaking), and the deer do great when the winters are tame but suffer when the snow piles up and the temperatures drop.

"Even into late spring there were reports of snow more than 3 feet deep, and it took a few weeks for the melt-off to occur, which was tough on the deer up there," said Dr. Mark Lenarz, Group Leader for the MDNR's Forest Wildlife Populations & Research Group.

Because last winter was the most severe in a decade, the deer herd in the Arrowhead was hit hard and hunters will see reduced harvest limits. "It was a pretty significant winter in the northeast throughout Cook, Lake and St. Louis counties," Cornicelli said. Winter Severity Index readings in the Finland and Ely portions of the Arrowhead crept into the extreme range, though the entire Arrowhead experienced what officials consider a "moderate" winter. The last time WSI readings were that high over such a broad area was in 1995 and 1996, and numerous hunting restrictions were put into place for several seasons as a result.

Baudette is on the edge of the area hit hard last winter and assistant wildlife manager Ted Dick said the deer population came through the winter pretty well, although there were some beaten up and scruffy-looking deer in the spring.

"It was a much tougher year than before, and while we've had intensive harvests in a few areas around here, the winter seems to have made an impact," Dick said.

Transporting Bows And Firearms
One of the most significant changes in the hunting regulations comes from the way firearms can be transported. Hunters cannot transport unloaded firearms (not pistols) in vehicles without securing them in gun cases. The point of the law is to make it easier for hunters afield to move from one location to another without having to case their weapon. A similar law exists in both North and South Dakota.

Before hopping into a vehicle with an unloaded, uncased weapon, be sure to read the entire regulation. It is not as simple as it sounds. There are numerous exceptions to the rule and it only applies in certain situations. For example, hunters who move from hunting location A to hunting location B can have their weapons unloaded and uncased as long as they don't drive through a town larger than 2,500 people.

There's also a provision in the new regulation book about transporting uncased bows in the vehicles as long as the bow is not armed with a bolt or arrow.

Be sure to carefully read the weapons transportation sections of the regulations for complete details, or just case your weapon while transporting it. There's no permit required and no law against letting common sense be your guide.