Posted by Melissa Burlaga

Minnesota's firearms deer season opener is less than a week away.
Dave Anderson previews the annual hunt with a look at whether it will be "feast or famine" for those with a taste for venison.

Brazen and bold right now, this tawny jack-o-lantern thief will become much more cautious by the weekend.

It always seems deer get nervous when deer season opens but rather than a sixth sense, it's more likely due to the upcoming mating season known as the rut.

Planning the hunting season while the prey is more alert is one way to promote the notion of fair chase.

That chase may be harder this year, though, because Minnesota's deer population isn't as high as it used to be.

That means changes for the 2009 season.

"The main change this year is we're cutting back on permits because we've been hitting our deer population hard for several years and we've had a little bit of winter the past year that reduced the population especially further north." said Rich Staffon of the DNR Wildlife office in Cloquet.

The DNR reports most Minnesota deer management zones at or slightly below ideal population this year due to last year's harsh winter and predators like wolves, coyotes and humans.

Another factor that may make deer season 2009 more of a challenge is the cool summer which has delayed the corn harvest.

Those who hunt in farm country are asked by the DNR to be extra cautious in standing corn.

People who sell hunting gear agree.

"Especially if you're not real tall like me. It's tough to see over the top of things so make sure you can see where you are shooting." said Russ Francisco of Marine General.

Other safety tips include remembering to wear a blaze orange hat and jacket; it's state law.

Also, according to those who work in sporting goods stores, you may want to purchase ammunition for your rifle early.

"If you're going to buy ammo, get out early because there is a shortage of ammo. That's not a made up story; there just isn't enough to go around between people hoarding it and the war effort." said Francisco.

Those opposed to hunting are invited to help animals by donating to Minnesota's non-game wildlife fund.

Hunters are encouraged to share their harvest with food shelves that take part in the state's venison donation program.

So, between a shortage of shells and a deer herd which is no longer overpopulated, will venison chefs run out of things to cook?

The DNR doesn't think so.

"We still have a real good deer population so we're still experiencing a good deer season. I don't think there'll be a shortage of deer." said Staffon.

Minnesota's firearms deer season opens on Saturday and runs for just over two weeks.

Wisconsin's season begins on November 21st.