The 2025 deer firearm season opens on Saturday, bringing with it chilly temperatures and the potential for snow. Wildlife manager Cory Netland from the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) expressed enthusiasm about the upcoming season, highlighting that the weather conditions are optimal for deer movement. “The weather outlook to me: Outstanding as far as that goes,” he stated, underscoring how the cold temperatures and snow can aid hunters by making deer easier to track.
Conditions this year are particularly favorable for hunters. According to Netland, the past two mild winters have contributed to a robust increase in the deer population across the region. The timing also coincides with the rut, the mating season for deer, which is currently in full swing. From his office in Sibley State Park, Netland witnessed a doe followed closely by a 12-point buck, highlighting the active wildlife in the area.
The completion of the corn harvest has left fields open, further concentrating deer in known areas. This geographical shift not only increases visibility but also raises the chances of encountering trophy bucks. Enthusiastic discussions among hunters regarding large bucks captured on trail cameras reflect the optimism surrounding this season.
Regional wildlife manager Joe Stangel also shares this optimism. He noted significant changes in the Deer Permit Area maps over the last few years, indicating a growing deer herd. Areas that were once buck-only have transitioned to lottery zones, with more flexible harvest quotas now established.
The combination of cold weather, the absence of corn, and a healthy deer population is setting the stage for a promising hunting season. Initial figures from the archery harvest and early anterless seasons are already showing positive trends. Overall, deer harvests in southern Minnesota are outpacing last year’s numbers, with the DNR anticipating the sale of more than 400,000 licenses this season. Last year, hunters achieved a total harvest of 170,679 deer.
For those preparing to head out, practical advice remains crucial. With temperatures expected to range from the upper teens to a high of 31 degrees Fahrenheit over the weekend, Netland emphasizes the importance of dressing in layers to ensure comfort and warmth while hunting. This simple tip could make a significant difference in a hunter’s experience during the season opener.
As hunters eagerly await the start of the season, the combination of favorable weather, an abundant deer population, and strategic insights makes the 2025 firearm season one to watch.
