Locked and Loaded: Minnesota Deer Hunters Ready for Opening Weekend

Hundreds of thousands of hunters will be taking aim at Minnesota's deer herd this weekend, as the firearm season opener begins at dawn Saturday morning.

It'll be breezy, but forecasts for the 2011 deer hunting opener are more favorable than they've been in years—with temperatures expected in the mid to upper 50s Saturday and Sunday.

General hunting licenses are avaible for non-lottery areas at outlets such as Kwik Trip in St. Michael and Cabela's in nearby Rogers. The latter, of course, also has plenty of gear for the "holiday weekend."

Most of you, however, should have a license/tag in hand by this point.

If you're lucky enough to bag a buck, or doe for that matter, check out the specials at Dehmer's Meats in St. Michael. The meat shop will process your deer, and it creates some of the best flavored deer sausage anywhere.

Patch has packaged a compilation of information and data gathered by the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources.

Where you can buy your deer hunting license

In addition to an online option, there are licensing agents in the St. Michael area. We have complete details in the above link.

By the Numbers

Did you know a deer's home range is about 1 square mile? Or that the average weight of a deer is the same as that of a human? Learn more.

New This Year: Register Your Deer via Smart Phone

Hunting has gone high-tech in Minnesota. Hunters can now register their deer with their phone right at the kill site. We have complete details.

How to Donate Your Deer to Those in Need

Food shelves throughout Minnesota are partnering with state agencies and local meat processors to make donation an attractive option for hunters. Here's how.

Conservation officers cite hundreds of hunters each year for a wide variety of infractions. Find out what they are and how to avoid trouble.

Nominees sought for Minnesota Deer Hunter Ethics Award

Hunters who exemplify outstanding hunting ethics are being sought for nomination for this year's MDHA Ethics Award. Find out how to submit a nominee.

Hunters Asked to Help Conservation Officers Take Aim at Poachers

Game wardens will be dramatically outnumbered by hunters this weekend, and the DNR is asking for help in tracking poachers who harvest deer illegally.