DEER HARVEST AFFECTS SOME AREAS MORE THAN OTHERS

This year's deer harvest is expected to be one of the top five in history. DNR officials expect totals from this year's hunt will be around 250,000, not better than the 290,000 four years ago but still not bad. Area Wildlife Manager Gary Drots said that will have an effect on future hunting and in some areas, hunters will have to sign up for a lottery to get a license. Not so for one area nearby. Drots said the area near Brainerd will continue to be an 'intensive' hunting area and sportsmen will be encouraged to take up to five deer each. Area 242 around Brainerd, from Baxter to Gull Lake through Pelican and Whitefish Lake will probably allow hunters to take up to five again next year. Drots said the area will probably stay 'intensive' because of so much private property that doesn't allow hunting but does allow deer safe sanctuary. Drots said some area around 242 will probably go to a lottery next year but he won't know for sure which ones until early next year.