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Hunters who have yet to apply for an either-sex deer permit or a wolf hunting and trapping license are encouraged to do so well before the deadline on Thursday, Sept. 6.

Management designations have changed in many areas since last season. Areas 103, 108, 110, 118, 119, 122, 169, 171, 172, 183, 197 and 199 are now lottery deer areas, which means hunters must apply for and be selected to receive a permit that allows them to shoot antlerless deer.

Because many of these areas have not been lottery areas for years, the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) strongly recommends that hunters check to see if their preferred area has become a lottery area or has had other designation changes.

"Harvest limits can change dramatically from one area to another depending on management goals," said DNR wildlife manager Jeff Lightfoot. "With the increase in lottery areas and all the other changes taking place this year, hunters will have a much better experience if they take the time to review the changes now and apply before the deadline if they want a permit for a lottery area."[[In-content Ad]]

Also new this year, hunters will have the option of applying for a wolf hunting or trapping license. Those wanting to hunt or trap wolves must also apply by Sept. 6.

Nearly 9,700 hunters already have applied for the 6,000 licenses available in the three wolf hunting seasons to be conducted this fall and winter. Applying early allows time for hunters to gather information needed for applications. Early application also helps reduce long lines and bottlenecks that can occur when hunters apply at the last minute.

Current and up-to-date information is available online at www.mndnr.gov/hunting/deer and www.mndnr.gov/hunting/wolf. Hunting and trapping regulation booklets and hunting zone maps are available at DNR license agents and online at www.mndnr.gov/regulations/hunting

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