There are some 1,800 electronic licensing agents throughout the state of Minnesota ranging from convenience stores to gas stations to sporting goods stores.

Understandably, a kid behind the counter of a gas station might not be informed enough to ask the right questions, but at sporting goods stores where license sales go hand-in-glove with the other things they sell, it is a bit more puzzling.

Most of the donated deer probably will be the result of deer hunters taking multiple deer in management and intensive harvest zones.

It would be fair to assume that elsewhere in the state, in lottery areas where hunters are limited to taking only one deer, folks will be less inclined to donate their hard-earned venison.

The cash donation provision at least lets them participate in the charity effort and still enjoy the fruits of the hunt.

The opening of the 2007 Minnesota Firearms Deer Season is next Saturday and the DNR suggests hunters avoid the last minute rush and buy their licenses early.

While you’re at it, consider making a small donation.

And if you’ve already bought your license, Cornicelli said a code can be entered at ELS terminals that will permit hunters who already have purchased their licenses still to make a donation.

The line starts behind me.

John Cross is a Free Press staff writer. Contact him at 344-6376 or by e-mail at jcross@mankatofreepress.com.