ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) - Minnesota wildlife managers have announced rules for a "conservative'' deer season to rebuild the whitetail population across much of the state.
The Department of Natural Resources says only one deer can be harvested in 95 percent of the state, and the harvest of does will be further restricted.
Leslie McInenly, big game program leader for the DNR, says they're responding to concerns voiced by deer hunters about current deer population densities.
She says the conservative approach will protect more antlerless deer, reduce the statewide harvest and allow the population to rebound.
Only bucks can be shot in 14 of the state's 128 deer permit areas. Northeastern Minnesota hunters will feel the greatest impact from a bucks-only season.
Hunters can enter the lottery for antlerless permits beginning Aug. 1.