New zones and rules available

[bluehat28]

I see the Minnesota DNR has posted The 2012 rules on line. We have until 01/13/2012 to get our applications in, But not when it starts.I like the new bigger zones.

[eyeguy 54]

can you post a link? I don't think admin will mind. I hate looking for stuff on the DNR site. lol

[DonBo]

can you post a link?

http://files.dnr.state.mn.us/recreation/hunting/turkey/turkey_app.pdf

[DonBo]

Bowhunters now have the final FOUR seasons to hunt: May 8th - May 31st.

[Scott M]

Love it!

[brittman]

The fewer zones are fine, but elimination of lottery quotes on Seasons E and F are disturbing.

It is cleary apparent that MN DNR wants to sell 40K - 50K turkey licenses. They do not care if hunt quality declines, success rate decreases, or harvest is too high.

Success rate is falling ... ahh just blame it on the weather and the prior years' hatches.

Ahh, by the way my success rate in MN is double the average for my zone - if not even better than that....

They will start selling multiple licenses to individuals next and that will begin to result in leasing and lower access to private land.

[Scott M]

The fewer zones are fine, but elimination of lottery quotes on Seasons E and F are disturbing.

It is cleary apparent that MN DNR wants to sell 40K - 50K turkey licenses. They do not care if hunt quality declines, success rate decreases, or harvest is too high.

Success rate is falling ... ahh just blame it on the weather and the prior years' hatches.

Ahh, by the way my success rate in MN is double the average for my zone - if not even better than that....

They will start selling multiple licenses to individuals next and that will begin to result in leasing and lower access to private land.

I disagree with your take on the state's management of turkeys. The latest hunter surveys show generally satisfied turkey hunters that aren't running into other hunters and are getting opportunities. I believe the state's number one concern with regards to turkey hunters is providing quality opportunities.

2011 was a down year for success rates, but it wasn't from overprescribed hunting licenses. The state's turkey biologists in springtime interviews talked about winter mortality from two tough winters and rotten spring weather. As hunting permits have increased, success rates haven't changed much. Check it out for yourself, see the table on page 3 2011 Spring Turkey Harvest Report I see the DNR already selling 40-50 thousand licenses with little negative consequence as a result. Remember, each license pays for wildlife management, and if you hunt public lands, there is maintenance work involved, turkey population monitoring, etc.

Will the day come in Minnesota that you can get two tags? Depends what the population does, but with the number of applicants rising in this state I think it will be a while before that happens, if ever. Demand would have to level off and we would need a pretty decent population.

I don't see problems with private lands. I've been very successful getting on private lands; people take their deer and pheasants very serious in this state but a lot of farmer view turkeys as a nuisance and in my experience, more easily grant access during turkey hunting season.

Little changes with the new zoning and permitting distributions. My $0.02

[CapnJack]

Did they play with the dates on the first hunts? I usually hunt the "D" period which has been the end of April into the first of May. Now it look's like the "D" hunt is May 3-7. Is this correct?

[bluehat28]

You are correct D season is May 3rd thru the 7th.

[DonBo]

Dates:

A: April 18-22

B: April 23-27

C: April 28-May 2

D: May 3-7

E: May 8-12

F: May 13-17

G: May 18-24

H: May 25-31.

[ANYFISH2]

Does anyone know if you designate an area within the zone that you plan to hunt? I see in the map that there areas like mine that say Todd(77) or Stearns(86), is this the amount of permits preferd for that area of the zone? Just curious. Didn't see anything about in the rules page.

[DonBo]

Does anyone know if you designate an area within the zone that you plan to hunt? I see in the map that there areas like mine that say Todd(77) or Stearns(86), is this the amount of permits preferd for that area of the zone? Just curious. Didn't see anything about in the rules page.

Not sure what those smaller numbers behind the towns mean, but no, you apply for zone 507 and can hunt in any part of that zone.

[rbs]

That small number in Par. is the county number...Redwood (64)

[bassphish2005]

the new 'zones' did not help me at all....same bounderies of hwy 95 in the north and hwy 169 on the west,all they did was open up the entire north and south metro in the same zone....I am not impressed.