Know the requirements for your deer permit area
2026 surveillance block
CWD surveillance schedule
Mandatory testing Nov.7-8
Surveillance block: DPAs 213, 214, 215, 218, 219, 234, 237, 238, 250, 252, 253, 270, 272, 273, 274, 275, 277, 278, 279, 280, 281, 282, 283, 284, 286, 288, 289, 290, 291, 294, 295, 296, 299, 671 and 685.
Voluntary testing
Voluntary testing will be available for hunters in any DPA outside of the surveillance block, including management zones, as well as for deer harvested outside of the mandatory timeframe within the surveillance block
Use the numbers of the deer permit areas in which you hunt to determine what disease management measures you must follow. That's the best way to do your part to help DNR combat CWD and keep Minnesota's wild deer healthy.
Interactive CWD map
The interactive CWD map shows CWD surveillance area boundaries, sampling stations where harvested deer can be tested and deer harvest location lookup.
New surveillance plan in place
DNR has transistioned to a four-year rotational surveillance plan starting in southwest Minnesota. The rotation will move clockwise around the state ending in southeast Minnesota in 2029.
With areas of the state not having a targeted surveillance effort in many years, the purpose of this surveillance effort is to help inform the extent of CWD across the entire state. We do not believe that CWD is widespread across the state.
In each of the rotational years, CWD testing is mandatory in the surveillance block for any deer harvested during the opening weekend of firearms season that is one year of age or older. All deer permit areas outside of the surveillance block will have voluntary testing options.
What the designations mean
Surveillance block: This block of DPAs rotates in a four-year cycle regardless of any CWD presence. The strategy is designed to gather more complete information about CWD prevalence, especially in areas of the state where testing has not occurred in recent years.
Management zone: A DPA designated as a management zone has the most restrictive measures in place to help prevent disease spread.
Information & resources
Chronic wasting disease, commonly referred to as CWD, is a fatal neurological disease that affects cervids, including white-tailed deer. It is found globally and in about half of the states in the U.S. CWD remains relatively rare in Minnesota but is a concern as there is no known cure.
The DNR's management actions are in place to help limit its spread.
