Although instances of unethical hunting behavior often draw headlines, they are relatively rare. Unfortunately, the actions of hunters who exhibit exemplary behavior usually go unnoticed. That’s why the Minnesota Deer Hunters Association,, the Department of Natural Resources and Turn In Poachers are asking hunters to share those stories of admirable hunting behavior with others in the form of nominations for the 16th annual Minnesota Deer Hunter Ethics Award. The award will honor a deer hunter who has exhibited conduct during the 2007 season that can serve as an example of admirable hunting practices to all hunters. Awards for youth and adult divisions will be presented at the 2008 MDHA Habitat Banquet on Feb. 23 at Breezy Point Resort near Brainerd. Winners also receive special recognition gift certificates from Cabela’s. "MDHA is pleased to again co-sponsor this award along with TIP and the DNR," said MDHA executive director Mark Johnson. "We are proud of the ethical standards of our deer hunters. Past award winners have been excellent examples of the type of ethical hunters we hope all hunters aspire to be." Wayne Edgerton, DNR agriculture policy coordinator, said the award honors hunters who do the right thing. "Each year we hear about hunters who have done something special that makes us proud to be hunters. This award provides a means to provide public recognition and appreciation for these actions." Al Thomas, TIP’s director, agreed. "This award encourages ethics above and beyond legal hunting, TIP is proud to be a part of it." Anyone may nominate a hunter by writing a letter or e-mail explaining the actions of the nominee and why that person is worthy of this recognition. Both youth and adults are eligible, but nominees must be Minnesota residents. The incidents for which hunters are nominated must have occurred during any of the 2007 Minnesota deer hunting seasons (archery, firearm or muzzleloader). Nominations will be accepted for the Minnesota Deer Hunter’s Ethics Award until Jan. 4. Nomination letters should be sent to Ethical Hunter Award, MDHA, 460 Peterson Road, Grand Rapids, MN 55744-8413 or faxed to 218-327-1349.
Deer facts The 2007 Minnesota firearms deer hunting season began earlier this month. Here are some facts and figures about deer hunting in Minnesota: – Minnesota’s deer population, 1.2 million, ranks number 8 nationally. Texas is number 1 with 4.7 million deer adult female white-tailed deer weigh about 145 pounds, males 170 – the average weight of female and male human the biggest white-tailed deer ever recorded was a 500-pound Minnesota buck a whitetail’s home range is about one square mile. – Last year, 43 percent of Minnesota hunters successfully harvested a deer; about 39 percent were antlered bucks 70 percent of Minnesota’s firearms deer harvest typically occurs during the first three or four days of the season – The average hunter spends 4.79 days afield during Minnesota’s firearms deer season – Last year’s total deer harvest was 270,800, the second highest on record; 2003 was the record (290,525) – There are 43 Intensive deer permit areas, covering roughly one-third of the state, where hunters may harvest up to five deer – Minnesota’s average deer harvest of 239,920 ranks number 12 nationally. Wisconsin is number 1 with an average harvest of 487,685 – The largest typical whitetail buck ever taken in Minnesota had a Boone & Crockett score of 202; shot by John Breen in 1918 near Funkley, Minn. – Minnesota’s number 1 nontypical whitetail buck had 43 points; shot by 17-year-old Mitch Vakoch in 1974. – Minnesota ranks number 6 nationally in number of deer licenses sold; Pennsylvania is number 1 – In total, 692,037 Minnesota deer licenses (all types) were sold in 2006 – Nintey-eight percent of deer licenses are sold to Minnesota residents
Be the first to comment