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Deer hunters who use a firearm or muzzleloader in deer permit areas 169, 197,172, 171, 173 and want to harvest an antlerless deer must apply for an either-sex permit by the Thursday, Sept. 9, deadline.

Nearly half of Minnesota's deer permit areas now are lottery areas, a comparable number from last year, said Perry Loegering, Grand Rapids area wildlife manager for the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR). These permit areas were designated lottery because deer populations in those areas are at or below deer population goals.

"Annually, we estimate deer numbers using a population model that considers harvest and over-winter survival," said Loegering. "We then used that information to determine with areas would be designated as lottery."

In lottery deer areas, firearms and muzzleloader hunters may only harvest a buck unless they apply for and receive an either-sex permit, which allows them to harvest an antlerless deer. For 2010, all firearm and muzzleloader hunters must apply if they want to take a deer or either sex. Successful applicants will be able to take an antlerless deer in that area and only during the season listed on the application.

"For example, if you apply for the permit for the muzzleloader season, it's not valid during firearms season," Loegering said.[[In-content Ad]]This year, hunters are able to apply for one firearm and one muzzleloader permit. Individuals who are successful in both lotteries may only fill one permit. If the permit is filled during the firearm season, the muzzleloader either-sex permit is no longer valid.

The statewide bag limit of one deer still applies, regardless of the permit in your pocket," said Loegering.

If a hunter harvests a deer during the firearms season in a lottery area, that hunter still can hunt statewide during the muzzleloader season in any managed or intensive area. But as in previous years, a hunter cannot take more than one deer in all lottery areas during all deer seasons, which include archery, firearms and muzzleloader.

For the 2010 season, the number of either-sex permits available are: 4,500 in permit area 169; 2,500 in permit area 197; 2,000 in permit area 172; 1,500 in permit area 171; and 2,000 in permit area 173. Some permit areas have changed so check the map in the 2010 Hunting Regulations Handbook.

Lottery winners will receive permits via U.S. Mail. Hunters may apply for an either-sex permit through any Electronic License System agent via the DNR Web site or by calling toll free 1-888-665-4236.

Bonus permits cannot be used in lottery deer areas, regardless of weapon type. Hunters who are unsuccessful in the lottery may only harvest a legal buck throughout the season in lottery deer areas.

Archery hunters may take a deer of either sex in a lottery area without applying for a permit.

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