Save the deer, shoot a dog

This ranks pretty high on my list of stunning news releases.

Minnesota DNR: Dogs chasing deer an annual problem

In summary: Between Jan. 1 and July 14, it’s legal to shoot and kill a dog that is pursuing a deer.

Holy crap.

22 Comments

Timk

about 13 years ago

"The DNR does not perceive this as a dog problem. We see it as a people problem."
-DNR spokesperson Konrad

Danny G

about 13 years ago

Whenever I read something about the DNR my brain automatically replaces "DNR" with "D N' FN' R".

Lisa

about 13 years ago

And yet there are too many deer to be sustained by the environment, hence feeding programs many winters. Never mind that deer are not native to northern Minnesota - at least in their current numbers. We changed the environment via logging  and farming which allowed their numbers to increase and other large game animals (moose/caribou) to decrease.

Sigh... good thing you can't discharge a fire arm within city limits or we could have lost our pooch to this law when he was chasing deer out of our yard.

Shane

about 13 years ago

I have never met a bad dog, I have only met bad dog owners.

Adem

about 13 years ago

Just like if I caught my roommate's cat chasing a mouse I'd beat it [the cat] with a broom. Chasing vermin? The nerve.

Since owning a 5-foot mousetrap would be dangerous, I propose we surround the city with these http://dodaam.com/eng/sub_0202_1_3.php

sparhawk

about 13 years ago

Evolution has made us a species that just can't stand to see another animal take our potential prey.  Maybe it saved us at one point.

Growing up in rural NW MN, I remember that some people would get very uptight about dogs chasing deer -- like "who pissed on the flag?!" uptight -- like someone had burned their barn down. I think mostly it just gave some nut a reason to shoot something. If there are any dogs out there that actually catch a deer, they are rare and exceptional.  If they do, who cares?  There would be thousands of wolves out there chasing dear if we hadn't come along.  We should be chasing dear just to make up for it.

Also, so as not to be mistaken for a deer-chasing dog, should we be wearing orange vests and walking slowly if we are outside during this time period?

Tom Johnson

about 13 years ago

"The last thing a conservation officer wants to do is talk to people about controlling their dog, Konrad said."

I noticed most officers of the peace enjoy using similar wording.

"I hope I don't have to talk to you about this again." 

'Yes, I hope I don't have to see you again either officer Gonad, plus I think you look really stupid in that Santa hat driving around giving tickets on Christmas Eve.  Driving 70 through town to give me a ticket for going 40 in a 30. Thank you for not taking me to your private room and having your way with me.' 

 It's hard to imagine the personality that seeks these kinds of jobs doesn't derive pleasure from asserting their superiority on others and getting paid for it. Just like some who seek higher office, enjoy being in control, asserting dominance no matter what the cause. Then have lively discourse on ramming shit down our throats.  A good day was had when they got to show you how you were wrong, and that look on your face when they told you what they were going to do to you because you were wrong? Priceless.

Save the deer in your back yard though, shoot your own dog if you have to.

cohohobo

about 13 years ago

"Dogs chasing deer an annual problem."

"Government chasing your money and rights an annual problem."

hunter

about 13 years ago

Sparhawk from NW MN ... Anywhere close to the Red River Valley?

sparhawk

about 13 years ago

Hunter - Clearwater County.  Just south of Red Lake rez.  Close to the Red River, but still in the woods.  You?

Bad Cat!

about 13 years ago

Wasn't the whole point of hunting deer that hunters need to take them out to save them from the horrors of overpopulation? You mean it's all about the thrill of hunting? You don't say!

I totally agree that deer wouldn't be any issue had we not killed all of their natural predators.

hunter

about 13 years ago

Crookston, MN, home to one of Duluth's fine women punk rockers ... weird how the Red River runs north to Winnipeg, eh?

hunter

about 13 years ago

Bad cat -- wolves are on the comeback.

Sparhawk -- northwest MN has the  most beautiful sunsets. It's the only thing I miss.  But Duluth has the most beautiful sunrises over the lake.

Vicarious

about 13 years ago

Oh, fucking Christ.

Tom Johnson

about 13 years ago

I think legally shooting 'problem' dogs isn't anything new,  just don't abuse them.  What amazes me, is that its okay to kill children when you're shooting through them toward the insurgents.  See 'Restrepo' to see how far we've come since Vietnam. God bless the resistors, god bless women, and god bless those who serve, for their good intentions, regardless of the idiots in charge who take advantage of their loyalty. General Major just recommended avoiding ground conflicts from now on, 'that a defense secretary should have his head examined if he recommends thus.' A dog is a dog is a dog. We enjoy them because they remind us of our humanity.

No Good Bum

about 13 years ago

Growing up in rural Wisconsin, this topic seemed to come up a lot. I actually had a husky that was shot and we just assumed it was because it was chasing deer. I was heartbroken, but my dad shrugged it off as a "that's life" moment. I think the reasoning was that a deer being chased will eventually cross a road or highway and get hit by a car, or break a leg, or whatever.

The Big E

about 13 years ago

I remember seeing a story like this one some years ago--very bemusing.  I'd applaud if dogs killed some of the deer in Lakeside.

Beverly

about 13 years ago

Deer must hire better lobbyists than squirrels.

Joel

about 13 years ago

Eat what you kill.

Forest Dweller

about 13 years ago

My dog killed two deer this time of year a few years back when she was younger and faster.  Despite being 60 lbs, brutally fast and strong the deer this time of year are weak from the long winter.  Most does are also carrying fawns which make them even slower on the run.  I believe the spirit of this DNR policy is aimed at protecting deer during the tough time of year.  In the summer my dog doesn't have a chance to catch deer as they are much faster.  I have since not allowed my dog off leash due to her abilities.  Let's not forget that a dog is also vulnerable when off leash to many other dangers.  Although I disagree with the DNR policy and believe that deer "management" has made the herd weaker dog owners must have control of their animals.  Any thoughts?

Bad Cat!

about 13 years ago

Totally agree - anyone who is letting their dogs run around without any monitoring or barriers is pretty much asking to never see their dog again. There are so many dangers out there that can kill and maim dogs (and being shot by the DNR is the least of them).

Rob Beninten

about 12 years ago

The reason people used to shoot dogs that chase deer is because even a small dog can run a deer until the deer over heats and dies. It's a cruel waste. Of course this is in rural areas where people are smart enough to identify a real problem dog chasing dear.

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