DNR takes additional steps to limit spread of CWD

The DNR is intensifying its chronic wasting disease response efforts, based on CWD test results from the early 2018 hunting season. 

Final CWD test results and preliminary findings from the DNR’s ongoing research about deer movement in southeastern Minnesota will affect how the DNR manages the disease going forward, but current actions include:

• Opening two separate three-day deer hunts in December in and around the disease management zone. Details of these late-season hunts and boundary are noted below, as well as on the DNR’s website at mndnr.gov/cwd.
• Providing shooting permits to landowners interested in removing deer from their property. DNR staff will reach out directly to landowners within the CWD management zone with information about that program.
• Conducting targeted culling starting in mid-January. The DNR will be working with local landowners and coordinating with the United States Department of Agriculture to remove deer from areas where CWD-positive deer were found.
• Surveying southeastern Minnesota hunters and landowners to measure attitudes toward the disease and DNR management, and to measure support for potential management actions.
• Holding a public meeting in Preston to provide information about CWD and the DNR’s management response to its discovery. 

Special hunt information

Residents and non-residents can participate in two special deer hunts from Friday Dec. 21, to Sunday, Dec. 23, and Friday, Dec. 28, to Sunday, Dec. 30, to help limit the spread of chronic wasting disease in southeastern Minnesota. Permits go on sale Wednesday, Dec. 5.

Hunters must plan ahead and should check the DNR’s website at mndnr.gov/cwd for complete details about the special hunts, hunt rules and considerations, station locations for registration and CWD sampling, carcass transport restrictions, a map of the hunt area, and information about the DNR’s efforts to keep Minnesota wild deer healthy.