Note that harvest registration is a separate process from CWD testing. There are 3 registration options. Phone registration is no longer available.
Walk-in big game registration stations
This process is unchanged from previous years. Registration stations display large, orange “Big Game Registration” signs. The person whose tag is on the deer must personally present the deer at an official registration station and receive a big game possession tag. The tag must be attached to the hind leg, ear, or antler where the site tag was attached. You can find a complete list of all stations at any DNR wildlife office or on the DNR website.Online
Connect to our license page and click on the "Harvest registration" link to register your deer. You will receive a confirmation number.MN DNR Licensing mobile app
Log into the app, select "Harvest Validation/Registration" and complete the steps. Online and mobile app harvest registration options will not be available until the site validation is completed for that harvested animal. Site validation must be completed (mobile app or paper) prior to transporting a harvested animal. Big game possession tags are no longer issued after registration. When registering:Adult male: male deer with one antler at least 3 inches long.
Fawn male: 6-month-old male deer, commonly known as a "button buck" weighs less than 75 pounds dressed. Register deer with antlers less than 3 inches or shed antlers as fawn male.
Adult female: doe at least 18 months old. Longer nose and larger body (over 75 pounds dressed weight) than younger antlerless deer.
Fawn female: 6-month-old female deer. Shorter nose, weighs less than 75 pounds dressed.
Licenses requiring registration will no longer have a unique registration number associated with them, rather the license number will serve in that capacity.