Hunters Get Set For Deer Opener

Editor's Note: Post your photos to Patch's deer hunting photo gallery.

Calvin Jordan stopped by AmmoCraft & Gobbler Specialties on Shady Oak Road  before work Thursday afternoon to pick up his deer hunting license. Along with practically all deer hunters this weekend, he’s hoping to bag “the buck” this year. He leaves today for Peterson, in southeastern Minnesota.

Jordan is one of over 100 customers who have stopped in for a deer license at the quaint Minnetonka gun and hunting supply shop, owned by Ron Becker. Bud Garland, who is watching over the store while Becker is away duck hunting in North Dakota, said it’s been crazy with license sales the last week and a half.

“It’s one right after another,” Garland said. The push is especially on right now as procrastinators must make the purchase before firearms deer season opens Saturday, Nov. 5. Other last-minute purchases deer hunters are making include ammunition and a new rifle here and there.  

Garland himself was once a deer hunter, but no longer.

“All I hear while sitting in the woods is the deer laughing at me,” he said.

Minnesota hunters can register their deer by calling (888) 706-6367 or through the game registration website, a handy option that eliminates driving to a big game registration station. In situations where phone or Internet registration is not possible or available, hunters must take their deer to a big game registration station. A complete list of all stations, organized by city and county, is available on the DNR website.