Deer harvest

History

The chart below shows changes in Minnesota's deer harvest, which has increased significantly since 1979. Changes in the annual harvest usually occur in conjunction with other factors such as:

  • Changes in weather patterns
  • Agricultural practices
  • Habitat quality
  • Predator communities
  • Hunter pressure and hunting seasons
  • Improvements in deer management
  • A declining number of hunters

The timeline provides some insight into the numbers on which this chart is built and factors that have impacted Minnesota's white-tailed deer population since 1900.

YearTotal Harvest

Use your mouse's scroll wheel to zoom in and out on the chart. Hover over the line to view the total harvest for each year listed. Click desired buttons at the top left or icons at top right for options and to download or view the chart image and supporting data.

The timeline below highlights key points that have impacted Minnesota’s deer population since 1900.

2000-Present

Deer populations and hunter harvest fluctuate due to a combination of reasons that include:

  • Severe winters.
  • Hunting pressure.
  • Loss of quality habitat.
  • Changing predator populations.
  • Declining hunter numbers.

1979-2000

Hunter harvest increases significantly, primarily driven by:

  • Improved management through hunting regulations.
  • Habitat and forestry improvements
  • Changing agricultural practices across the state.

1974

Low deer numbers prompt a necessary change in population management. A DNR deer management committee establishes a set of deer management objectives designed to help guide future regulations.

1971

DNR closes the deer hunting season due to a low deer population.

1960-1970

High hunter harvest, habitat loss and severe winters cause a rapid decline in Minnesota's deer population.

1950-1960

Deer harvest begins to increase, exceeding 100,000 for the first time in 1959.

1923-1943

To help rebuild a decimated deer popluation, the Minnesota Legislature enacts a law that allows deer hunting to occur only in even-numbered years.

1900-1922

The deer hunting season is regularly closed from 1900-1950 due to low deer numbers, which are caused by:

  • Habitat loss.
  • Severe winters.
  • Unregulated market hunting in the late 1800s.

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