Deer Hunting reg. question

[Nels]

I have never hunted deer before, but I am thinking about trying this fall.
I would be hunting in Zone 1 and most likely permit area 174 (Aitkin County), but possibly other "managed" permit areas in Zone 1.
The way I read it is that I could take either a buck or doe on my regular license, and I could also buy a "bonus" tag for an additional antlerless for a "managed" permit area.

When I buy the regular license, it looks like I have to declare what permit area I will most likely be hunting, is this correct?
When I buy a bonus permit can I use it in any "managed" permit area in Zone 1, or does it have to be in the permit area I declare?

Thanks,
Nels

[echotrail]

After reading your post I had questions of my own. I went to Gander Mountain this morning and they told me the following:

Your regular firearm license can be used anywhere in zone 1 and you can take either a buck or a doe. Your bonus managment permit allows you to take an antlerless deer only. The bonus license can be used in any of the designated bonus managment areas within zone 1. You cannot use it in a lottery permit area however. You do not have to specify a particular permit area to hunt in.

The gentleman who told me this was positive he is correct. If anyone has a different understanding of the reg's please post 'em.

[Nels]

Thanks for the reply.

The regular firearm license is good for a doe only in a managed area in zone 1 though correct?

Nels

[eyecrosser2000]

You may take either a buck or a doe with your regular license. The bonus tag is for antlerless (doe, fawn or buck with less than 3" of polished antler). I buy both tags and if I shoot an antlerless deer first, I tag it with my bonus tag--that way I can tag either a buck or a doe with the regular license.

[fivebucks]

Nels,

You are correct. Either buck or doe with reg. license but if doe it must be in a managed area - not a lottery area.

[TomBow]

First of all Best of Luck!

Just to add a bit: Yes, If you are hunting in a managed deer permit area, you can shoot either a buck or doe on your regular licence. With a Bonus tag, you can shoot an antlerless deer in ONE bonus permit area only. You can use either tag first,ie: You could shoot an antlerless deer, tag it with your Bonus permit, then save your regular tag for a buck, IF you are hunting in a bonus permit area. If you are hunting in an intensive harvest zone, you can buy and use up to 4 bonus tags in Int. Harvest zones in Zone 1 (with a Zone 1 regular license). You cannot use more than one Bonus tag in more than one bonus permit area.

If you work it right, you could shoot a total of 5 deer per calendar year (1 regular license deer, 4 antlerless deer on bonus tags (1 in a Bonus permit area and 3 in Intensive Harvest zone; or 4 Bonus tags in Intensive Harvest zone). You only get 1 buck per calendar year, except in the "Kittson/Lake of the woods area" (see regs).

Confusing enough for you?

If you hunt only in 174, you can shoot two deer, one on your regular license and one on a bonus permit.

[lcornice]

Tom gets the prize, he's exactly right. If you buy a zone 1 license, you can take a deer of either-sex in ANY managed or intensive permit area in zone 1 on that regular license. You can then use 1 bonus permit in any 1 managed area or up to 4 bonus permits in any intensive area with a total limit of 5 deer.

The declaration at time of purchase is for information purposes only. You won't be restricted to that area, nor will it even be printed on your license. I think the question is "what permit area do you hunt most often".

Is it confusing? Maybe. But, remember just a few years ago when you had to buy your license by early September and it was restricted to bucks only unless you had an antlerless permit. We can now buy licenses/permits throughout the season and take multiple deer all over the state. The confusion results from the additional opportunity that are afforded by lots of deer.

Good luck this season!