Minnesota Deer Hunters Must do This in Certain Areas

With the approaching Minnesota firearms deer season, hunters in certain parts of the state need to be aware of a requirement implemented in the battle against chronic wasting disease (CWD). In some hunting zones, hunters are required to have their deer tested for CWD.

In a news release, the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) states, "It is part of the...approach designed to limit the spread of the disease and keep Minnesota's wild deer healthy."

Barbara Keller, big game program leader for the DNR says, "Protecting our wild deer is a shared responsibility. Thank you to hunters who help combat CWD by submitting samples. These samples provide data that help us better understand the prevalence of the disease in wild deer."

Hunters can go here on the DNR's website to see if the zone they are hunting has the requirement.

Mandatory testing will occur opening weekend of the A season across the state Saturday, November 6 and Sunday, November 7 and the first weekend of the southeast-only, or B season, Saturday, November 20 and Sunday, November 21.

In a separate news release, the DNR reports on "What deer hunters can expect this season," indicating, "wildlife managers report favorable weather so far this year and good opportunities to harvest deer in most areas."