The predictions of anticipated success came true across Minnesota a couple weekends ago, as the timing of the rut lined up perfectly for the army of hunters who participated in the firearms deer hunting opener.

A year ago, a number of factors led to a “trickle rut”, with the mating season more spread out and less concentrated during the firearms season.  

This year, a November 5 full moon phase and predictions of a more concentrated rut between Halloween and Veterans Day had lifted the expectations of hunters to see some big bucks.

It appears the optimism was justified, as statewide, early numbers from the MN DNR indicate a harvest success rate nearly 5% better than a year ago, with between 60,000 and 65,000 deer harvested during the opener. 

Locally, DNR Conservation Officer Trent Seamans reported excellent quality in the deer he saw harvested.

“In terms of hunter success, it (2025) was a almost the polar opposite of last year,”  Seamans said.  “Last year hunters reported seeing many small bucks and does. In 2024, most deer I checked matched what people reported seeing. This year many hunters reported not seeing many deer. However, almost every deer I’ve checked this year has been a quality buck!”

According to Seamans, many hunters took to the field this year.

“It was a typical, busy, opener in terms of hunter turnout,” Seamans said. “Sherburne County has a large population of residents who are passionate about hunting. The county is also an easy day-trip for those coming from the Twin-Cities metro. The combination of the two leads to high hunting pressure on public lands. Thankfully, we have around 35,000 acres of public land to hunt.”

Warmer than usual temperatures after the opening weekend could lead to strong mid-week numbers that could bolster the early success.

Many stories of success were relayed at deer camps across the state, and optimism abounds for the final weekend of the hunt as well.