As Minnesota gears up for the firearms deer season on November 8, wildlife advocates warn that aggressive logging practices threaten the state’s northern whitetail deer populations. Former DNR wildlife manager Tim Quincer highlights that logging policies allow aspen trees to be cut in 40-year cycles, depriving deer of crucial winter habitats that develop only after 60 years or more, leading to dwindling populations in the region.
Quincer emphasizes that the logging practices not only affect deer, but also jeopardize other forest species, such as ruffed grouse and songbirds. This issue arises as the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources formulates a new 10-year forest management plan, with advocates urging the inclusion of wildlife considerations to protect the ecological balance and sustain the state’s hunting culture.
Read full story at www.startribune.com
