Just looked at the Minnesota DNR site tonight and read that "lottery" areas like the ones I hunt have moved to a "simpler" bag limit system this year. Whereas firearms hunters could take one buck and enter a "lottery" to take an additional doe, bow hunters - through an all-season license which allows you to hunt bow, gun and ML - could take up to three deer (one buck and two does).

Buuuut, in a move to make things simpler, the state has moved "lottery" areas to a one deer bag limit period. No matter what seasons you hunt or what combination of weapons you use.

No more tagging a doe early and holding out for the big buck. It's do you want the sure thing when you see that big mature doe that would fill your freezer or roll the dice for later season and chance no deer at all.

I realize its a chance worth taking but you didn't used to have to make that decision.

I think its a fairly radical move, especially when by looking our particular area, the doe bow harvest has been relatively minimal in comparison to the firearms numbers.

Woe is me. Still looking forward to the season! And may have to do some more traveling.