The 2024 small game survey from the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources reveals a small drop in the number of hunters, with 228,661 licenses sold—five percent below the 10-year average. Despite this decrease, hunters pursuing waterfowl, grouse, and pheasants experienced similar or improved success rates compared to historical trends, indicating a steady engagement with small game hunting across the state.
Highlights from the survey show a striking contrast in hunter participation and success among various species. For instance, while Canada goose hunters decreased by 32 percent and typical duck harvests dipped by 24 percent, ruffed grouse hunters rose by 7 percent, resulting in a significant 29 percent increase in grouse harvest. These trends underscore ongoing efforts by the Minnesota DNR to promote hunting through targeted recruitment and retention strategies, making the full survey report a valuable resource for both seasoned hunters and newcomers alike.
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