DNR wants to make deer hunt fun

The DNR says it wants to put the fun back in the upcoming gun deer season, by making harvesting deer more interactive.

DNR officials say that after agency Secretary Cathy Stepp killed her first deer last year, she wanted others to share the experience. So the department is trying to recruit more female hunters, first-time hunters, and win back those who haven't hunted in a few years. DNR spokeswoman Jennifer Pelej says social media is being used in the marketing push, "We're going to have a Facebook photo contest.”

Pelej also says an experienced hunter will write a pro-hunting wildlife blog, and a warden will use Twitter to talk about how hunting builds communities. People who oppose killing animals for recreation may not see any fun in hunting. But DNR Chief Conservation Warden Randy Stark says having more hunters means more revenue that supports conservation programs. He also says hunting connects people to the natural world, "Who understands it's important why it’s important to protect these natural resources."

The DNR says as of Sunday night, 331,000 gun deer licenses had been sold for this year, including more than 10,000 reduced-price licenses to first-time hunters, or those returning to the activity after 10 years away. The DNR hopes to again be near 600,000 licenses sold by the time shooting starts this Saturday.

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