Hunters will kick off the 2025 deer firearm season on Saturday, November 4, facing brisk temperatures and the potential for snow across Minnesota. According to Cory Netland, a wildlife manager with the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR), the weather conditions are ideal for hunting. “The weather outlook to me: Outstanding as far as that goes,” he stated, emphasizing how cool temperatures increase the likelihood of deer movement.
The combination of cold weather and possible snowfall provides significant advantages for hunters. Snow makes tracking deer easier and enhances visibility in the landscape. With two consecutive mild winters leading to a robust deer population, the prospects for this season are strong. The firearm season coincides with the rut, a period when deer, particularly bucks, are more active and less cautious.
Optimistic Outlook for 2025 Season
Netland’s office at Sibley State Park offers a clear view of the increasing deer activity. He recently observed a doe accompanied by a twelve-point buck in the park, illustrating the heightened movement of bucks during this time. Another critical factor benefiting hunters is the completion of the corn harvest, which has opened up the prairie landscape. This change in the environment concentrates deer in familiar areas, providing hunters with better opportunities.
Joe Stangel, the DNR’s regional wildlife manager for Minnesota’s southern counties, shares a similar optimism about the upcoming season. He has noted changes in the Deer Permit Area maps, indicating a growing deer herd. Areas that were previously designated for buck-only hunts are now more liberal, with many becoming lottery zones due to the increase in deer numbers.
Through careful management and favorable weather, conditions are aligning for a successful hunting season. As Stangel highlights, the removal of corn from the fields, coupled with lower temperatures and a healthy deer population, sets the stage for fruitful hunting opportunities.
Encouraging Harvest Numbers and Recommendations
Early data from the archery harvest and youth hunts indicate a promising start to the season. The DNR reports that the overall deer harvest in southern Minnesota is ahead of last year, further boosting hunter confidence. This season, the DNR expects to sell more than 400,000 licenses, a significant increase from the previous year when hunters harvested 170,679 deer.
As the firearm season approaches, hunters are advised to prepare adequately for the cold weather. Forecasts predict temperatures ranging from the upper teens to highs of 31 degrees Fahrenheit over the weekend. Netland recommends dressing in layers to ensure warmth, allowing hunters to remain comfortable and focused throughout the day.
With strong deer populations and favorable conditions, the 2025 deer firearm season promises to be a rewarding experience for hunters across Minnesota. As the excitement builds, many will undoubtedly take to the fields in hopes of a successful hunt.
