North-central Minnesota CWD management zone (DPA 604)

• General information
• Hunting information
• Sampling location information
• Carcass information
  • Dumpsters for carcass disposal
  • Taxidermist information for sampling trophy deer

2020 hunting information

CWD sampling and testing

As part of the DNR’s COVID-19 response, CWD sampling is voluntary for all deer harvested in this CWD management zone. CWD sampling stations are available during all seasons (archery, firearms and muzzleloader).

• The DNR highly encourages hunters to help by providing the head of any harvested adult deer (1 year or older) at a self-service sampling station during all hunting seasons.
• Due to uncertainty of COVID-19, station locations could change in each area. Visit this page to see current sampling station locations.
• You will need to provide the township, range and section of your harvest location. Maps are provided at each station, but hunters are encouraged to have this information for their location of harvest prior to arriving.  

The time it takes to receive CWD test results will vary depending on the number of samples collected. Process your deer as you normally would. Keep processed deer separate and identifiable until test results are received.

Test results for all deer that are sampled will be available online at mndnr.gov/cwdcheck. 

What can I harvest?

• Either sex with a regular license.
• Hunters may harvest only one buck per hunter per year.
• Hunters may harvest an unlimited number of antlerless deer by purchasing an unlimited number of disease management permits for $2.50 to take antlerless deer. These permits may be used instead of bonus permits to take antlerless deer in this area.
• Cross-tagging for antlered bucks is allowed in these zones.
• Hunters may use either a Statewide (A) or a Late Southeast (B) license during any firearms season.

Is this area affected by carcass movement restrictions?

Yes. Deer carcass movement restrictions apply during all seasons for all deer, including fawns.

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2020 sampling locations for archery, muzzleloader and firearms

Sampling stations in the north central CWD management zone (604)

All locations have self-service sampling stations available 24/7, unless otherwise noted in the table. Look for an orange "CWD Sampling Station" sign and black barrel (examples: image 1; image 2).

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What do I do with my carcass after sampling?

Deer carcasses must be disposed of properly to meet deer carcass movement restrictions. 

To help hunters comply with these legal carcass movement restrictions, the DNR will set up dumpsters where hunters can dispose of carcasses (head and spinal column) after quartering or butchering so they can leave the CWD areas immediately.

Dumpsters for carcass disposal

The following shows current disposal locations. Locations may change. Please check regularly for up-to-date information.

Meat processor options

The following is a list of some meat processors in the area. Use at your own discretion and call for availability first.

Taxidermist information for sampling trophy deer

If you want to have your trophy deer caped or mounted, the following taxidermists can collect the lymph node samples and deliver them to the DNR for voluntary testing. Taxidermists may charge a fee to cape out your deer prior to extracting the samples. Please contact them ahead of time to schedule an appointment or make sure they are available.

Using a taxidermist for sampling will result in a longer turnaround time for your CWD test results.

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