|
| Date: | April 12, 2011 | | Contact Name: | Chris Van Guilder | | Contact Phone: | 651-296-1388 | | Contact Email: | christopher.vanguilder@senate.mn | | For Immediate Release | |
|
| SENATOR MILLER TO HOST TOWN-HALL LISTENING SESSION ON DEER HUNTING RULES |
(St. Paul) – State Senator Jeremy Miller (R-Winona) announced today that he will host a town-hall style listening session to gather input and concerns surrounding controversial deer hunting rules aimed at improving herds in the area.
The event is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., Wednesday, April 20 at the Minnesota State College-Southeast Technical Student Center and is open to the public.
Senator Miller commented, “After hearing feedback from folks on both sides of this issue, we are hosting the town-hall listening session in the Winona area. We need a good, healthy conversation about these rule changes. People want to make sure their opinions are heard, and that is very important."
The focus of the listening session is to gather the input from area citizens regarding a Department of Natural Resources (DNR) deer hunting rule change for residents of southeastern Minnesota. On June 17, 2010, the DNR put in place a rule that requires bucks to have at least one four-point antler in order to be legal for harvest. Deer hunters in the southeast are also no longer allowed to cross-tag, or party hunt, the practice of using unused tags on deer shot by other hunters.
Upon the announcement of the change, Lou Cornicelli, the DNR’s big game program coordinator, stated, “These new regulations are designed to effectively manage the deer populations at goal levels and increase the proportion of mature bucks.”
After three years, the DNR will reassess these changes to determine whether they are helping meet population objectives and gauge the level of hunter support.
Area legislators and deer hunting spokespersons representing both sides of the debate have been invited to the town hall. The event is intended to be a public forum for all interested individuals to express their views, opinions and offer solutions for going forward.
Wednesday, April 20:
6:30-8:30 pm
Minnesota State College-Southeast Technical Student Center
1250 Homer Road, Winona
*Park in rear lot, enter door H or J
For additional directions, information or comments, please contact the State Capitol Office of Senator Jeremy Miller at 651-296-5649 or sen.jeremy.miller@senate.mn
###
