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   As archery deer hunters enjoy the current hunting season and 400,000 hunters prepare for firearms deer hunting seasons, the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources reminds hunters to plan ahead for a safe and enjoyable hunt.

   “Enjoying the hunt is a lot easier after doing some simple planning. To that end, we’ve added a wealth of information for hunters on our website to assist in preparing for deer hunting,” said Barb Keller, Minnesota DNR big game program leader. “Using these planning tools is easy and can open up some breathing room for hunters once the season arrives so they can focus on having a safe and successful hunt.”

   The Minnesota DNR’s online make a plan tool (mndnr.gov/deerhunt) provides a comprehensive step-by-step list of information hunters need to consider before heading to deer camp. Hunters can walk through the steps to consider, including knowing the hunting regulations, planning for deer processing, getting their deer sampled for CWD, being safe and making the most out of their hunt. To use the online tool, all hunters need to know is the deer permit area number or DPA numbers where they intend to hunt, which they can find on an interactive deer map.

   In Minnesota, archery deer season began Sept. 16 and continues through Sunday, Dec. 31. Youth and early antlerless seasons are Thursday, Oct. 19, through Sunday, Oct. 22, and firearms deer season is Saturday, Nov. 4, with various closing dates depending on a hunter’s DPA. Muzzleloader is Saturday, Nov. 25, through Sunday, Dec. 10.

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