DEER HUNTERS INVITED TO SHARE WILDLIFE OBSERVATIONS

Minnesota deer hunters can use an online field log to report wildlife they see while hunting. The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources uses the information to supplement its model-generated population estimates, which are important tools for managing wildlife.

Using a mobile device or desktop computer, deer hunters can enter information on the DNR website about wildlife they see while in the field, including deer, turkey, bear, fisher and other species. Hunters are encouraged to fill out a field log after each hunt, regardless of what species they have seen. The field log will remain open through the end of 2025.

It can be found at dnr.state. mn.us.

Why report wildlife sightings? he way the DNR estimates wildlife populations differs between deer and other species. The observation survey will serve as another check against any estimates – or in some cases like turkeys and fishers – provide further documentation as to whether a species is expanding its range.

This effort expands on the survey available just to bow hunters that the DNR conducted in the past. Now our aim is to keep increasing participation by allowing any deer hunter to voluntarily participate. The DNR developed the bow hunter survey following a 2016 report from the Minnesota Office of the Legislative Auditor requesting more checks of the population model used to estimate deer populations for each deer permit area in the state. The data you collect for these observation surveys are a way to compare hunter-provided data with DNR population estimates.