51 deer harvest in NU special archery hunt
NEW ULM – The results of New Ulm’s annual special archery hunt were released.
During 2024’s hunt, a total of 56 hunters harvested 51 deer. This is down slightly from 2023 in which 53 deer were harvested.
The data was further broken down to include how many hunters harvested multiple deer. Five hunters harvested three deer, 15 hunters harvested two deer, six hunters harvested one deer and 30 hunters were unable to harvest any deer. In is estimated that 715 deer were sighted during the hunt.
The special archery hunt has been a tradition in New Ulm for 33 years. The city began partnering with the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) in 1992 to help control the deer population in New Ulm. Deer herds within New Ulm’s city limits continue to be an issue. The city and the DNR believe the hunt has kept the herd size stable and reduced property damage caused by deer.
In the first 17 years of the program, an average of 25 deer were harvested, but in the last 16 years the average has risen to 60 deer. The city’s earn a buck program has helped increase the total harvest numbers.
The most deer harvest in a single year of the hunt was 81 during the 2020 season.
The information of the most recent archery hunt was presented to the New Ulm City Council. The council was also asked to consider reauthorizing the hunt for next year.
Councilor Tom Schmitz said this was a “fantastic” program and made the motion to authorize the hunt for another year. Councilor David Christian made the motion and it was unanimously approved by the council.