MN
QDMI Presidents Report
Fall is officially here with bear hunting as well as the new dove season kicking off Sept 1st. Even though I don’t plan on dove hunting this year, it seems like a real victory for the sportsmen and women in Minnesota. There are several exciting things to report regarding MN QDMI:
NW Minnesota Youth Season Passes! One component of the QDM bill was an early youth doe hunt using Firearms. This hunt will be held over MEA week-end. I have already heard many very positive comments about this hunt, which will potentially introduce thousands of kids to deer hunting in a very safe manner. For further details see complete article in this issue. MN QDMI has worked toward establishing a working relationship with the Minn DNR that we are pleased with. They have agreed to offer some educational information to the public at our request and have donated 2 pages in the 2004 regulations handbook (see pages 56 & 57) that will help hunters identify buck antler growth and deer management. I know there are still hunters who will have a hard time believing what they will be reading. This information is a first in Minnesota to my knowledge, offered by the DNR, and a huge step toward the future of deer hunting! The Minnesota DNR also has implemented a fairly aggressive approach to gauging hunter’s interest for the 5 County QDM Pilot study that was introduced last winter through legislation. This is to start with a small survey in late summer, followed by public meetings in the 5 Counties as well as one in the Cities. And lastly a follow up larger survey, that should tell us if the majority of hunters in Minnesota are ready for a change or not. We feel the bill that was introduced provided a huge amount of attention for MnQDM and coupled with the DNR surveys and public meetings people should be able to make an informed decision. On behalf of MnQDM I want to say thank you to the folks at the Minnesota DNR for the effort. It is not taken for granted.
Another sign that times are changing was noticed when looking at the DNR regulations rulebook. On page 72,( which is the ad for MDHA). There is a paragraph titled “balanced deer herd management”. This goes on to talk about the value of letting young bucks walk and to take more does, with MDHA stating this is their philosophy. I am very happy to see MDHA take a public stance that matches our philosophy here at MnQDMI.
MnQDM has taken this a step further and has initiated a joint meeting between the different hunting clubs in Minnesota in hopes that we can start working together a little better in hopes of all clubs reaching their goals in a more timely manner. The meeting date is pending at this time but the initial response has been favorable.
Then you throw in the fact that the Bluffland whitetails (group in zone 3) are also applying pressure in SE Minnesota to improve the quality of their deer hunting in ways that are also very similar to the MnQDM philosophy.
As we move forward our primary goal will continue to be offering education regarding the QDM philosophy and forming local QDM coops. Forming a coop is vital to success here in Minnesota where our rifle season is held during the rut. Most hunters begin their deer management program by grooming their land a little and passing up young bucks. While this is a very good starting point, you will not see the results you are hoping for if most hunters in your neighborhood are still shooting any buck they see. A QDM coop gives you control over the harvest in your area, you will make some new friends, and realize the importance of harvesting enough does to control the deer herd if needed. We call a coop “top level QDM” and will be happy to answer any questions or assist you in forming a coop in your area. . These are exciting times! To say the least winds of change are blowing for the deer hunters in Minnesota.
Sincerely;
Clyde Stephens – President