The 2008 deer hunting firearms season at Agassiz National Wildlife Refuge (NWR) will be held November 8-16, in accordance with Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (MN DNR) and Federal regulations. Permit Area 203 (PA203) consists of Agassiz NWR, Elm Lake, Eckvoll, and Mud Lac Wildlife Management Areas (WMA). In 2008, PA203 is an intensive deer management unit, meaning that up to five deer can be harvested. No more than one deer can be antlered. In 2006 and 2007 the unit was a Lottery deer management area. All licenses for PA203 can be purchased over the counter according to MNDNR regulations.
Maps of designated hunting areas on the Refuge can be found online at: http://www.fws.gov/midwest/Agassiz/
The more liberal harvest regulations in PA203 during 2008 are due, in part, to its close proximity to the Bovine Tuberculosis (TB) Zone 101. Also, between 2007 and 2008 the deer population in PA203 increased, whereas the deer harvest has remained low over the past four years. The February 2008 aerial winter deer survey estimated 1,620 deer or 15.0 deer/mile2, versus 1,250 deer or 11.5 deer/mile2 in both 2007 and 2006. The present deer population is at the lower end of Agassiz NWR’s management objective level. The winter of 2007-2008 was relatively mild which allowed for good deer survival and subsequently good reproduction this past spring. An estimated 550 fawns were produced in PA203 in 2008, which equates to a fall (pre-hunt) deer population in PA203 of 2,170 (20 deer/mile2).
The MN DNR will have a station testing deer for Bovine Tuberculosis at the Refuge Fire Tower, Nov. 8 to Nov.10 from noon until after dark. Hunters are strongly encouraged to allow MN DNR staff to briefly examine their deer carcass as part of this important data collection effort.
hunting opportunities open on the Refuge beginning November 8 with the deer firearms season! Deer archery will be permitted November 8 to December 31. The Refuge will also be open for the State Deer Muzzleloader season. All of the special regulations that apply to deer firearms hunting apply to archery and muzzleloader hunting. For example, permanent stands are not permitted on the Refuge, nor screw-in tree steps.Ruffed and sharp-tailed grouse will be open on the Refuge beginning November 8 and closing with state season dates. Non-Toxic shot must be used for grouse hunting; hunting dogs are permitted.
After the deer firearms season, vehicle access to archery, muzzleloader, and grouse hunters will be more restrictive except along the north boundary. Maps are available at the Refuge and the Thief River Falls MN DNR office. Resolution on the lawsuit, which had prevented these new refuge hunts since 2006, came after the MN DNR had printed their hunting regulations. REMEMBER – there is no hunting prior to the deer firearms season on the refuge. In addition to these new hunts, next year there will be a youth deer and waterfowl hunt in designated areas.
Over the last 10 years the average annual deer firearms harvest in PA203 has been 119. In 2007 a total of 125 deer were harvested - 86 bucks, 29 does, and 10 fawns. Deer harvest in 2006 was 108. Last year the total number of hunters on Agassiz NWR was 284, up 7 percent from 2006. Throughout PA203 in its entirety there were 406 hunters in 2007, up 12 percent from 2006. Hunter activity is highest during the first three days of the season.
The Refuge is open to pre-season scouting on Friday, November 7, from 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., with gates being closed at 3:30 p.m. Hunters are reminded that construction of, or hunting from, permanently constructed tree stands is not allowed. Portable stands are legal and can be placed at any height, but they cannot be left overnight. Screw-in tree pegs are not allowed.
During the hunting season the Refuge is open to hunters at 5:30 a.m. and closes shortly after legal shooting hours. As in the past, gates for hunter access will be opened at 5:30 a.m. to designated Refuge roads. All other Refuge roads, trails, and dikes are restricted to foot traffic, bicycles, and non-motorized carrying devices for transporting hunters and deer. Wheeled non-motorized game retrieval carts are NOT authorized in the Wilderness Area. Non-motorized watercraft may be used on ditches and pools. The use of snowmobiles, ATVs, trail bikes, and other off-road motorized vehicles is prohibited.
The entire Refuge is open to deer hunting, except for two closed areas around the headquarters and maintenance center. These areas are posted with "Closed Area" signs and are clearly marked on Refuge hunting leaflets. Entrance into these areas is not permitted. If a wounded deer travels into a closed area Refuge personnel or a MN DNR conservation officer must be contacted before the deer can be pursued.
Disabled hunters with a MN DNR permit may shoot from a stationary vehicle on open Refuge roads or parking areas, as long as they do not shoot down or across any roads. Any permanently or temporarily physically challenged hunter who wants to use the accessible deer hunting platform on the east side of the Refuge should contact Refuge personnel prior to, or during, the deer season for a reservation.
Deer hunting regulation signs with a map of PA203 are placed at several locations on the refuge. Deer hunting brochures are also available at the office, headquarters kiosk, and at the west and east kiosks along County Road 7. No camping is permitted on the Refuge. Adjacent state WMAs offer free primitive with camping permitted signs.
Hunter safety is always of special concern. Be sure of your target and beyond. The potential for hypothermia and heart attack also exists. First aid rescue equipment is on hand at Refuge headquarters. Contact Refuge personnel if assistance is needed. All hunting accidents on Agassiz NWR must be reported to Refuge staff immediately.
For more information on the Agassiz NWR firearms deer hunt and new hunting opportunities, call 218-449-4115.
The mission of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is working with others to conserve, protect and enhance fish, wildlife, plants and their habitats for the continuing benefit of the American people. We are both a leader and trusted partner in fish and wildlife conservation, known for our scientific excellence, stewardship of lands and natural resources, dedicated professionals and commitment to public service. For more information on our work and the people who make it happen, visit http://www.fws.gov">
-FWS-
