Almanac: SE Minnesota deer survey contains a few near splits

A majority of southeast Minnesota deer hunters -- though not an overwhelming one -- support protecting yearling bucks, according to a Department of Natural Resources survey released last week.

Half of survey respondents also want a regulation change that would require hunters in that part of the state to shoot their own bucks. Presently, southeast Minnesota is governed by the same "party hunting" regulations for deer that apply to the rest of the state.

The survey was conducted this fall. The full survey report is available at mndnr.gov. Results included:

• 53 percent supported enacting regulations to protect a majority of yearling bucks.

• 54 percent support a four-day youth-only deer hunt over MEA weekend in October.

• 50 percent support requiring hunters to shoot and tag their own bucks.

• 47 percent support an antler point restriction regulation.

• 34 percent support restoring the 3B season to seven days.

• 31 percent support delaying the 3A firearm season one week.

• 18 percent support delaying the 3A firearm season until late November.

Electronic licensing The DNR is getting a new electronic licensing system. Existing computer terminals at 1,600 retail outlets are being replaced with larger touch-screen units. Clerks won't have to punch in license codes; they'll just swipe your driver's license and then touch the screen to select an item. Hunters and anglers might start seeing the new terminals later this month, though most will be installed by mid-February.