Minnesota hunters harvested 151,400 deer so far during the 2012 early firearm season, according to preliminary numbers announced Wednesday by the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. The late 3B season in southeastern Minnesota remains open through this Sunday, Nov. 25th.

The DNR says overall, the antlered buck harvest increased 9 percent and antlerless deer harvest decreased 21 percent compared to 2011. In total, firearm harvest was off 7 percent, which was expected given the conservative allocation of antlerless deer permits......

Lou Cornicelli, DNR wildlife research manager, said the increase in buck harvest and decrease in antlerless deer harvest is a reflection of slightly higher deer populations statewide, yet a more conservative harvest philosophy this year.

Ample hunting opportunities remain as the statewide muzzleloader season runs from Saturday, Nov. 24 through Sunday, Dec. 9. The archery season closes on Monday, Dec. 31.