Deer hunters will have fewer deer check stations this fall, and they will be open for shorter periods.

The Department of Natural Resources (DNR) will operate far fewer check stations for deer this fall and they will be open significantly fewer hours, the agency announced Thursday, July 16.

The DNR plans to close more than half of its 125 check stations and operate the remaining stations only during the November 15 through November 30 firearms season. During archery, youth, and muzzleloader seasons, hunters will have to take their deer to DNR operation service centers during select hours.

"We just don't have the funds to staff check stations at our past levels," said DNR Wildlife Division Chief Russ Mason, who estimated the changes will save the division more than $500,000. "We can't afford to keep doing business the way we have in the past."

The decision to reduce check stations followed budget cuts in both General Fund and Game and Fish Protection Fund dollars. DNR Wildlife Division officials say that reducing check stations will not impact the quality of biological information collected and the annual mail survey will continue to provide harvest data necessary to make management decisions.

The list of check stations for the upcoming firearm deer season and

their hours of operation will be announced as fall approaches.

SOO MOTORS